A step back in time
Sure, we know dancing for fitness isn’t an alien concept, in fact, dance classes are a perfect way to shake things up. People have been shaking their booties with aerobics for eons. So, what happens when a teacher forgets their aerobics music? Enter Beto Perez, the brain behind Zumba, who stumbled upon this exercise by accident. He took his traditional salsa and merengue music and turned it into a workout that’s taken the world by storm.
The lowdown
Let’s tell you a bit about the workout. A typical hour-long session of Zumba fitness is taught to music, but that doesn’t mean that these classes are light on intensity. Having grown over the years, a Zumba dance workout is no longer just about the dancing, but also includes toning, aqua workouts, circuit training and even some resistance training; the workout can be tailor-made to match your fitness needs. Not to mention you’re never too young or too old to get involved! From cumbia, salsa, reggaeton, mambo, rumba, flamenco and calypso – there’s a bevy of dance forms you’ll learn while keeping yourself fit.
Body basics
Alright so it’s a whole lot of fun – but is it worth your time and money? Will it really keep you fit? The good news never seems to end with Zumba, because the answer to all those questions is a resounding yes! The workout incorporates a dance routine that gets all your muscles moving, making it a power toning tool from head to toe. It’s a workout with results as you can burn several calories, depending on the intensity of your individual workout. And it’s not just your body that reaps the benefits; it’s your mind too. A study found that it actually improves your mood, releasing endorphins that make you happy. It’s also a great cardio workout to boot.
So, you think you can dance?
Of course, as with any workout, you’re going to want to find a way to take the best possible benefits from it. Lackadaisically moving your arms back and forth to a beat isn’t going to help. In fact co-ordination and hand movements are actually beneficial to the health of your brain and can even prevent memory loss.
Although it’s a dance, it's still a workout. But, don't stay stiff - let yourself go and feel the rhythm; do what your instructor says so you can burn the most calories and stay super fit.
Endgame
At the end of the day, Zumba is for you if you’ve got energy, need energy or want energy. What we’re trying to say is that there’s no target audience for it. Its fun, it’s motivating and it’s one hell of a workout. It’s best to do a Zumba workout every alternate day, so anyone can find a way to fit it in. So what are you waiting for?
Find Zumba classes near you today!
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