Many families might struggle to find a workout routine that works for all ages since every family member has a different strength and skill level. Zumba, the Latin-inspired fitness craze, works well for families because it takes little skill and can create a lot of fun. Parents and kids can let loose as they burn calories in this high-impact cardio workout. As a result, the family will see the pounds drop as the salsa and samba to the music.
Location
Zumba is an ideal way for families to lose weight because they can do this exercise at home or as part of a larger Zumba class. Community centers — including YMCAs — across the country offer family Zumba classes where an instructor leads the group, teaching them the dance steps to the music. Alternatively, if the family has a basement or other open space to spread out, they can invest in a DVD and do Zumba at home.
Workout
Because it is cardio exercise, Zumba offers a full-body workout for the family. Legs, arms, abs and everything in between will be challenged during a Zumba workout. As a result, family members can burn hundreds of calories during the workout, with the exact amount depending on each family member's intensity level and weight. Combined with smart food choices, a family doing Zumba regularly can lose weight together.
Benefits
Families using Zumba as a way to lose weight enjoy a number of benefits beyond the obvious potential for weight loss. Parents can use Zumba to teach their children the importance of regular exercise. Siblings can bond as they work through the fun Zumba dance moves. And, the family can challenge each other to workout harder and more regularly, adding some accountability to the family's weight loss goals.
Intensity
The advantage to Zumba is that it is easy enough for every family member, from parents to children, to pick up, but each family member can do the moves at her own skill level. The teenage daughter on the high school dance team might be able to do Zumba at a higher intensity than her father, for example, but they are both getting an effective workout.
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