Zumba is a high energy
fitness program with its music and dance moves drawn from Latin American dance
steps. Zumba is easy for everyone,
regardless of age or ability. The wild popularity is in the fact that it makes fitness fun. When exercise is fun, you are more apt to
stick with it. Zumba has become so
popular that you will even notice a Zumba Gold version that is friendlier to
people who are getting older, people with limited mobility or simply for people
who have never done Zumba before and want to ease into it gradually.
Zumba burns a significant
number of calories because it is a form of interval training, in which you
increase and decrease the intensity of your workout through varied rhythms and
dance styles. If you are arrhythmic and
too shy to expose your ineptitude to the world, you can start out with a Zumba
DVD that features the basic steps and routines, before putting them into real
action in a group setting.
There is something very
uplifting about dance, and what hooks people is that they have so much fun
while moving to the beat of the music.
You do not have to know how to dance, you don’t need to memorize steps
(well, I would because I have two left feet), you just relax and let yourself move
to the music.
According to Beto Perez, who
created Zumba and wrote a comprehensive book simply titled “Zumba”, you should
be able to enjoy Zumba even if you find dance intimidating. You can try her routines, using the DVD, in
the privacy of your home until you get the hang of it. After that, I think you will want to join a
class because that is where the fun really begins.
Once you get used to the
idea that dance/exercise is not a competition to show who the best dancer is,
you can loosen up and have a fun time.
There is no right and wrong, it is all about what you can achieve
personally that counts.
Zumba qualifies as an
aerobic activity by its prolonged rhythmic nature and because you are using
your large muscle groups. Dancing can
raise your heartbeat from 120-160 beats per minute, hence building your hearts
strength and endurance. Zumba also
incorporates elements of strength training and flexibility as has you bending
and moving in every possible direction.
The music motivates you to do conditioning exercises with more intensity
than if you were trying to do them on your own.
Core strength isn’t ignored either.
Zumba works your entire body and naturally works all of the muscles that
support your torso and help you stand tall.
Don’t forget fat burning. The
real beauty of Zumba is its high calorie burn.
You can burn 600-1000 calories an hour, depending on if you dance
delicately or really work at it until you are drenched. Zumba, as you can see, is a total body
workout.
You do not have to struggle
to follow combination steps or transitions, but instead can concentrate on
naturally moving your body in new and different ways. Are you still skeptical? The author suggests studying the book and
instructionally DVD. Simply follow along
and you will be able to follow the routines easily.
What to wear? Hmmm, we all want to look good, right? Half the fun of a new exercise routine is
dressing the part. You can find all
kinds of moisture wicking outfits that make you look great, but investing in a
good sports bra for gals or non-binding athletic supporters for guys is
probably the most important. The second
most important item is a pair of supportive shoes. You want to wear sturdy, well cushioned
exercise shoes that are light but offer good support. She suggests an aerobic shoe, a court shoe or
a jazz sneaker. Otherwise, just remember
that Zumba routines require a lot movement so your clothing needs to be loose
and comfortable. I peaked in at a class
the other day and saw everything from long dresses to jeans gracing the
exercisers.
