Zumba is a high-energy exercise program that incorporates Latin dance moves with the traditional sounds of meringue and salsa music. Developed by dance instructor Alberto “Beto” Perez, the Zumba dance craze began when Perez substituted his personal Latin music tape for his forgotten aerobic CD. Because Zumba classes feature non-stop aerobic activity, according to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, a one-hour exercise class can burn as much 546 calories.
Zumba for Weight Loss
According to The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, aerobic exercise utilizes more energy than any other form of physical movement. While an hour of energetic dance moves burns more calories than a game of tennis, Zumba Fitness participants may find the exercise program also helps to suppress the appetite, reduce stress and balance cortisol levels, the hormone associated with fat storage.
Additional Benefits of Zumba
Zumba dance features interval training movements that burn calories, increase your heart rate and work your core muscles in the abdomen, buttocks and thighs. Zumba Toning Sticks are incorporated into the dance routines and are used to perform targeted exercises that tone and sculpt the body. In order to ensure uniformity and maintain a professional and safe environment, only licensed instructors are permitted to teach Zumba Fitness classes.
Zumba Programs
As the popularity of Zumba Fitness took hold, variations of the program were developed to encourage broader participation. The Zumba Gold class is a less strenuous workout that is suitable for beginners or older adults. A more recent variation is Aqua Zumba. Billed as a “pool party,” workouts integrate Zumba music with water fitness routines designed to tone the body and facilitate cardio conditioning.
Considerations
Because the intensity of Zumba classes vary according to the type of program and personal preference of the instructors, you might consider taking a variety of classes before deciding whether Zumba Fitness is right for you. As with all fitness programs, consult with your doctor if you have any physical limitations or health issues before you enroll in a Zumba class.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Fitness – What is Zumba?; Edward Laskowski; January 2011
- Zumba Fitness: About Zumba Fitness
- The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: Exercise and Weight Control
- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America: Giant Energizes Group Exercise With Zumba Fitness
- Arthritis Today; Keep Fit to a New Beat; Mary Jo DiLonardo
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