The dance-based Zumba aerobics program exploded in popularity in the early 2000s. Zumba makes use of up-tempo Latin music styles such as salsa, cha-cha, reggaeton, mambo and merengue to create an enjoyable, productive workout atmosphere. With thousands of Zumba-certified instructors on six continents and DVDs and video games on the market, you can participate in a Zumba workout just about anywhere.
Background
Fitness trainer Beto Perez developed Zumba in Colombia in the 1990s by accident, after he forgot to bring music for his aerobics class and had to play the salsa and merengue cassettes he had with him instead. Perez improvised a workout routine to the fast-paced Latin music and realized that an up-tempo, Latin-themed dance class could prove successful. The class was officially called Zumba in 1999 and spread to the United States and around the world.
Description
Zumba aims to make exercise fun with upbeat music, a positive environment and fairly simple movements that beginners can pick up on right away. The full-body routine typically leaves participants sweating and satisfied with their workout. Zumba now offers several variations of its original program, including the Aqua Zumba water aerobics program, the ZumbAtomic program for kids and the Zumba Gold program for seniors and deconditioned individuals exercising for the first time.
Routine
A typical hour-long Zumba class includes warm-up and cool-down periods to stretch your muscles and prevent injury. Though the program takes inspiration from Latin dance, you don't need to be a great dancer to enjoy the benefits of Zumba. Just follow the lead of your instructor as you jump, slide and shake along to the music. Zumba claims its aerobic workout can burn hundreds of calories per hour, depending on your body type and the intensity with which you perform the maneuvers.
Instructors
You can find Zumba classes in gyms and recreational centers across the country. Your experience may vary since some instructors prefer a boot camp-style method of instruction, while others keep the experience quieter and more casual. Zumba offers official training sessions for aspiring instructors. Those who complete the training may enroll in the Zumba Instructor Network to receive updated music, continuing education opportunities and access to special events.
Success
Zumba has sold a lot of videos over the years thanks to its infomercials and media appearances like a profile on The Today Show in 2007. As of 2008, Zumba had sold more than 3 million DVDs and had about 20,000 instructors worldwide. The fitness craze even inspired a Zumba Fitness video game, released in 2010 by Majesco Entertainment for home gaming consoles.
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