Zumba is a Latin-inspired aerobics class taught in 110 countries and over 90,000 locations as of October 2010, says Zumba Fitness. If you are looking for an alternative to the traditional fitness routine or aerobics class, this may be a good option for you. It is known for being fun and not feeling like a usual workout. Both qualities have increased its popularity.
What is Zumba?
Zumba was created in the mid-1990s when Beto Perez forgot his usual aerobics music for the aerobics class he was teaching. He used music that was in his backpack, which consisted of Latin salsa and merengue music, and improvised aerobic moves to match the music. Just like that, Zumba was born.
Zumba uses fast and slow Latin-inspired music and corresponding aerobic exercises during routines to help tone your body and burn fat, Zumba Fitness reports. Main Motion Fitness adds that a class can involve cha-cha dance moves, hip-hop movements and salsa dance moves, along with other cardio-based exercises. Classes can be taught at gyms or dance studios, and there are different types of Zumba classes, including Aqua Zumba, which is done in a pool, and Zumbatomic, which is for children 4 to 12.
Benefits
Zumba provides fitness benefits while not feeling like a traditional aerobics class. According to FitDay, Zumba classes typically use music that has about 145 beats per minute, making fast-paced exercise seem easy and natural, thus helping you reach your target heart rate. This provides aerobic and anaerobic benefits and helps build endurance. According to Main Motion Fitness, an average-size individual can burn about 500 calories during a 50- to 60-minute Zumba workout.
What to Bring and Wear to Zumba Class
Since Zumba classes are not your typical exercise class, you may want to wear certain clothes and bring certain things to enhance your comfort. Main Motion Fitness suggests wearing comfortable clothing that does not restrict motion and shoes meant for aerobic activity. A good sports bra is recommended, as Zumba involves a lot of movement. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated and a towel, as you will definitely break a sweat with a Zumba class.
Considerations
Before taking a Zumba class, if you have any medical conditions or are recovering from any type of surgery, consult your health care provider to see whether this type of workout is safe for you. Your health care provider may provide ways to adapt the Zumba workout or suggest alternative classes.
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