Daily Bite [Sweat]: Dance Like Paula Abdul

Maddie Potter

She’s the Queen of Awkwardness, the Academy Award Winner of the Weirdest Clapping Motion known to all of mankind, and always has the best reactions to the not-so-qualified contestants during auditions…If you’re an ’80s kid or have a mild obsession with the golden years of American Idol [2002-2009], we are positive you’ve heard of Paula Abdul.

Paula Abdul made millions of American Idol viewers laugh hysterically – but before that, she was the dance queen of the 1980s. Not only was she a Laker’s girl – she was one of the most highly-sought after choreographers. After being hired by the Jacksons to choreograph Torture, her career as a choreographer took off. She continued to choreograph for other artists, including Janet Jackson, and choreographed for films, such as Big, American Beauty, and Can’t Buy Me Love among many others. She is a walking billboard for promoting the awesomeness that is dancing.

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Dancing is one of the best and easiest ways to work out – all you have to do is blast some bumpin’ tunes and keep moving. The benefits of dancing are limitless – mental mastery, flexibility, strength, balance, overall well-being and more. It boosts one’s confidence, self expression, and provides an outlet for creativity and relaxation. Make a playlist with some of your favorite songs and start dancing. Summer is the perfect time to get into shape, and what’s better than having fun while working out?! It’s a win win situation: not only will you look and feel great, your dance moves are going to get some nice TLC.

Paula Abdul is one of our girl crushes from the ’80s (hello, can’t forget Madonna) – so in honor of today marking her 51st birthday – here are a few of our favorite songs by the one, the only Paula Abdul. We’ve just given you three fantastic additions to your workout playlist. Put on your best ’80s outfit – spandex, neon, head bands, scrunchies, and more – and start dancing!