Put your body in motion with Zumba and reap the benefits of the Latin-based, dance-fitness program. Zumba was created in 2001 by fitness instructor Alberto "Beto" Perez. The program began to experience a spike in popularity in the late 2000s, and, according to Zumba's website, more than 12 million people in 125 countries, as of 2011, have used the system to get into better shape.
History
Zumba's origins are rooted roots in happenstance. Beto was teaching fitness classes in his hometown of Cali, Colombia, when one day he forgot the usual aerobics music he used. Instead, he played his own mix tape of salsa and merengue music. Needless to say, his students approved, and Zumba was born. Beto brought his program to Miami in 2001 and teamed with entrepreneurs Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion to create the Zumba Fitness Company.
Cardio Benefits
Zumba is a total body workout that employs fast-paced dance moves, making it an effective cardiovascular workout that can burn between 500 and 800 calories, depending on your weight, in one class. As with any cardio, the benefits include improved heart health, stronger muscles and joints, enhanced recovery time, better blood circulation and improved metabolism.
Other Benefits
Zumba involves some fairly intricate dance moves, which can help improve your coordination. Many of the moves target your core, helping you tone and strengthen your abdominals.
Zumba participants are encouraged to "lose themselves" in the music and allow their bodies to be taken over by the music. The effect can be a source of stress relief. Also, exercise produces endorphins -- "feel-good” hormones that enter your blood stream following exercise and can help improve your mood.
No muscle goes unused during a Zumba workout, allowing practitioners to strengthen and tone their entire body.
Workouts
There are six varieties of Zumba classes, in addition to the original. Zumba Gold targets the baby boomer generation and features a slower pace. Zumba Toning employs a "toning stick" -- a lightweight tool that resembles a maraca -- and combines body-sculpting movements with fast-paced cardio. Aqua Zumba takes the workout to the water and adds traditional water-fitness movements. Zumbatomic is designed for children ages 4 to 12 and features routines and music tailored to kids. Zumba in the Circuit combines traditional Zumba workouts with circuit training that involves strength-building exercises. Zumba Gold Toning incorporates lightweight resistance training.
Zumba also can be performed in the comfort of your home with a series of seven DVDs.
References
- Zumba: About Zumba Fitness
- The Associated Press; Popularity of Zumba Spreading in Dance/Aerobics Circles; James Hannah; January 2007
- 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet: 4 Fitness Benefits of Zumba Dancing
- HealthMad; The Health Benefits of Zumba Dance; Kristie Leong; January 2010
- Zumba Fitness New Jersey: How Many Calories Does Zumba Burn
- www.total-fitness-personal-trainer.com: The Benefits of Cardiovascular Exercise
Member Comments