A few years ago, I picked up dancing again after many years of taking a break. I was surprised how happy and free it made me feel, in addition to the physical workout. Now I want to share that wonderful feeling with others.

I asked experts to share their best advice on how to dance. Anyone can do it, and no special shoes or skills are required — except, of course, really great music. (Spotify tells me I’m having an “Indie Sleaze Strut Pop” moment, whatever that means.)

As you read this comic, follow each step — and you’ll be moving and grooving in no time.

This comic was edited by Malaka Gharib and Beck Harlan. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We’d love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at LifeKit@npr.org.

Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram at @NPRLifeKit.

“Throughout my life I’ve been a skier, weightlifter, hiker and runner, including many local 10K races. Following open-heart aortic valve replacement surgery in late 2023, I embarked upon a cardio rehabilitation program introduced by the cardio center: I do a mix of of high-intensity resistance training, free weight exercises, machine resistance training, cardio on the treadmill or stationary bike, lap swimming and yoga. I do all of this at my local 24 Hour Fitness, where 20 years ago I was able to snag the greatest deal of my life — a lifetime membership for $5 per month.”

—Mark Olsen, 57, Redondo Beach, circuit trains for 30 to 60 minutes daily

“I love the fact that I am able to maintain my routine over the past few years. I feel much stronger and more agile. No matter how tired I am, when I start strength training, I feel very energetic afterwards with a positive attitude towards things.

I work out with a trainer two times a week, so I have to show up no matter what. My third session is a group class and after a few sessions, I began to feel a part of the group. The leader of the group class is like a camp counselor urging us to go farther and work harder. And with fun music I would probably never listen to [on my own], I really enjoy each class.”

—Susan Freedman, 65, Westchester, weight lifts for 45 minutes three times a week plus 30 minutes on a stationary bike, five days a week

“I race walked in college and continued to do that sporadically. Other than that, I never weight lifted before. I love the toned look of muscles and I like feeling strong and not having to ask for help moving or lifting things. It gives me a feeling of independence.”

—Edith Hicks, 66, Chatsworth, weight lifts twice a week

“I have tried to stay active my whole life, everything from boxing and martial arts when I was young to road and mountain biking, rock climbing and skiing. I started [circuit training] at 17 and have been doing it for 52 years. I warm up with dumbbells, walk, do a set of push-ups, run and do another set of push-ups. And keep repeating.

I turn 70 this year and I’m ‘celebrating’ by doing 700 push-ups on my birthday and 70,000 push-ups for the year. My goal is to add 1,000 push-ups a year for as long as I can.”

—Paul Clark, 69, Virginia, circuit trains for two hours a day, five days a week