Zumba is a popular dance-fitness program, inspired by Latin music, that is a good way to burn calories and have fun at the same time. Zumba Gold targets aging baby boomers and modifies the original program to suit those who don't want to or are unable to exercise as intensely. Its moves are not as fast as those done in regular Zumba, but its participants report having just as good a time.
Creation of Zumba
The Zumba Fitness company website says that more 12 million people of all sizes and ages engage in Zumba classes in over 110,000 locations in 125 countries. It was started in 2001 by instructor Alberto Perez, who discovered Zumba by accident. A fitness instructor in Cali, Columbia, Perez was teaching an aerobics class in the mid-90's and forgot to bring his traditional aerobics music. He improvised with tapes he had in his backpack, including the salsa and meringue music he grew up with. On the spot he created a new type of dance-fitness that let the music move you rather than counting repetitions. His class loved it, and a new concept was born. In 2001, Perez brought Zumba to Miami, met up with two Columbian entrepreneurs, and together they created a business called Zumba Fitness. DVDs and instructor training followed, along with Zumbawear apparel and music CDs.
Regular Zumba
Zumba is taught in gyms and exercise studios across the world. The classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Participants describe Zumba as "exhilarating." The word itself actually means "to move fast and have fun," for which the upbeat music and cardiovascular exercise provide the opportunity. Zumba includes dances such as salsa, meringue, cumbia, cha cha and samba. You can follow the beat of the music without having to think too much about the steps.
Zumba Gold
Zumba Gold is for people who need modifications in regular Zumba to make it work for them.
It is appealing to seniors, beginning exercisers and other populations who have physical limitations and need to work less intensely. Some moves are done at half-tempo, allowing more people to be able to participate. Zumba Gold can also be done in chairs, allowing those in wheelchairs who normally wouldn't be able to join in the fun to participate fully. Zumba Gold takes the changes that come with aging into consideration and strives to improve balance, flexibility, strength and the heart. A typical Zumba Gold class is a little shorter in duration, approximately 30 to 45 min., with a longer warm-up and cool-down than the regular classes, but plays the same energizing music.
Other Zumba Classes
In addition to Zumba and Zumba Gold, there is also Zumbatomic, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Toning and Zumba in the Circuit. Zumbatonic is designed specifically for kids ages four to 12 and features kid-friendly routines that increase focus and self-confidence. Aqua Zumba is a water workout that tones and conditions and includes splashing, stretching and shouting. Participants in Zumba Toning use lightweight maraca-like sticks to tone all their targets areas, including arms, abs, thighs and glutes. Zumba in the Circuit is 30-min. of high-octane moves combined with strength training at timed intervals which allows you to complete your workout in a short period of time.
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