Did you know that boosting your heart rate releases endorphins which can elevate your mood and bolster your spirits? So whether you’re feeling stressed out about work or feeling low despite the holidays, rev up your heart rate a feel-good high.

Just 30 minutes of exercise a day is enough to rev your engine and work up a sweat. Aerobic training in intervals is one of the best ways since it really works your body in short bursts which enables you to reach higher levels of aerobic intensity in less time. For cardio trying running (either outside or on a treadmill), jumping rope, cycling, kickboxing, step aerobics, or even fast-paced dancing.

Another way to get the heart pumping is caffeine. It stimulates the cardiovascular system, which in turn can increase alertness and improve your mood. Furthermore, caffeine can improve physical performance (which is why a little caffeine before the gym can really amplify your workout) and stimulate respiration. Try taking an energy supplement that has caffeine, an energy sports drink (though be aware that many are loaded with sugar and calories), or drink some coffee in the morning to get your day started off on the right foot.

It’s no secret that dancing is good for you – it burns calories, strengthens muscle, and gets your heart pumping. But did you know that certain types of dancing benefit different areas of the body?

photo courtesy ABC

Salsa Dancing

• Increases endurance and stamina
• Tones calf muscles
• Strengthens core

Belly Dancing

• Improves posture
• Can help and prevent lower back problems
• Tones muscle

Ballroom Dancing

• Cardio keeps your heart in shape
• Shapes arms and legs
• Builds stamina

Hip-Hop Dancing

• Since hip-hop is so widely varied, it can provide a myriad of benefits including the strengthen and lengthening of muscles, making you leaner and keeping your heart in shape given the amount of cardio it requires.

Ready to bust a move?  Here are the best tips to make sure you get, stay, and feel energized on the floor.

• Drink up!  H2O, that is.  Dehydration will trigger fatigue and sluggishness, so make sure you drink lots of water to replenish the fluids you’re losing through sweat.
• To combat tiredness and exhaustion, especially if you will be dancing for a prolonged period of time, try a supplement (such as Akavar) that is designed to boost energy levels.
• Make sure you get enough shut-eye every night.
• Avoid dancing if you’ve experienced even a slight injury – not doing so can make the injury worse and cause further damage.
• Make sure to stretch before an intense dancing workout.
• Wear the proper attire and footwear to avoid injury and keep you comfortable.