Zumba was created in the mid-1990s when group aerobics instructor Beto Perez forgot his standard workout music, according to Zumba.com. Beto improvised by using the dance music that he happened to have with him. The Zumba fitness program focuses on enjoyment and the use of Latin dance steps such as salsa and merengue to engage multiple muscle groups. Zumba has since spread worldwide and been released in DVD and even video game formats. The curriculum has also been specialized to focus on aquatic exercise, children, toning, circuit training and older populations.
Benefits of Dance
Zumba incorporates cha-cha, salsa, merenque and many other dance styles. The range of physical and psychological benefits from dance have been well-documented. The Arts Council and Department of Health of England worked together to fully research the benefits of any form of dance and found that people of all ages can benefit from participating in dance.
Weight Loss Potential
Zumba is a dynamic workout that typically lasts an hour. The exact number of calories burned during a session is based on highly individualized factors such as weight, age and fitness level. The makers of Zumba claim that the average person can burn hundreds of calories in each workout.
Stress Relief
Zumba is designed to promote a fitness party atmosphere. A 2008 report by CNN Health reported several anecdotes that demonstrate the psychological benefits of Zumba. Several exercisers reported that any tension they carried before the workout was gone when they left the studio. They also said they felt an improvement in their sense of overall well-being.
Bone and Joint Health
Zumba places mild stress on the joints and bones, which is critical for increasing the strength of bones and joints. Bones adapt to exercises by becoming more dense, which can prevent or slow down the progression of diseases such as osteoporosis.
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