A Latin-inspired fusion of cardiovascular exercise and dance is the basis of Zumba workouts. According to the official Zumba website, this fitness program spread rapidly around the United States early in the millennium. Zumba is one form of exercise class offered in participating gyms and facilitated by fitness instructors who have completed workshop training through the Zumba Academy. You can participate in Zumba fitness classes at a gym, or at home following along with a DVD. If you are looking for a different type of workout that incorporates aerobics, strength training and dance moves, Zumba fitness may fulfill your needs.
Zumba Basic and Basic 2
The beginning workouts offered by the Zumba program provide a foundation for you to learn the rhythms of dance forms including merengue, salsa, cumbia and reggaeton. Zumba Basic puts the steps of each style of dance together with music. Zumba Basic 2 adds more rhythmic moves such as belly dance, flamenco and samba. The steps become more advanced in Basic 2 with the instructor teaching dance moves in routine segments rather than singular aerobic moves. The New York Times reports an estimated 350 to 700 calories per hour can be burned engaging in Zumba workouts. Zumba Total Body Transformation System DVD set includes Basic and Basic 2 fitness classes as well as an express and abdominal workout for best results. In gyms, Zumba Basic and Basic 2 are offered as individual classes.
Zumba Toning
The Zumba toning program incorporates the dancing rhythms of the basic classes into a body sculpting routine to tone the entire body. In the toning program, you can expect to burn additional calories and gain strength and endurance. Weighted toning sticks with the likenesses of maracas are used to build arm strength and create definition in the biceps and triceps.
Zumba Gold
Active older adults have a place in Zumba fitness with the Zumba Gold workout. Zumbacize.com explains that people of all ages can participate in this workout, especially those used to limited physical activity or people who are new to this form of exercise. Zumba Gold is a low-intensity workout similar to Zumba Basic I and II, with dance and rhythm as the focus. This program includes a chair exercise for people that may not be able to stand due to being in a wheelchair.
Aqua Zumba and Zumbatomic
Aqua Zumba takes the workout to the pool to challenge you in the low-impact environment of the water. All ages can participate in this program and benefits of Aqua Zumba lie in taking the pressure off the joints in the knees while using the water as resistance for maintaining balance and building strength. Zumbatomic is a fun and rhythmic workout for kids, designed for ages four to 12, with emphasis on movement, wiggling and dance routines.
Member Comments
Flaca81 June 22
I love Zumba! I had done once before but quit cause I became pregnant. Now I'm doing it again. I haven't lost any weight yet but I'm loving it. (It's only been a couple of weeks) It doesn't feel like a workout cause I'm having fun! I would recommend it to everyone.