These days there is a lot of pressure from society to have a fit body, which is why many people are rushing to get gym memberships. However, going to the gym to do the same workouts four times or more a week is not for everyone and can quickly get boring. If you find that working out at the gym makes you want to quit before you even begin, then consider an exciting alternative like Zumba.
What is Zumba?
Zumba is a popular fitness program that uses dancing to work out your body muscles. It was created by a Colombian dance instructor by the name of Alberto “Beto” Perez, back in the ‘90s. He mixed Latin dance moves with aerobic exercises, including high and low-intensity intervals, for a good cardio workout.
You can find classes either online or in most gyms. A workout is easy to squeeze in, as it can take anywhere between 40-60 minutes. The simple dance routines are easy to follow, which means you won’t even feel like you’re working out. Even better, you do not have to be a pro dancer to do Zumba. All you need to do is keep up with the moves to get the most out of this dance class. The moves are also fairly repetitive, so after just a few classes, you’ll get it down pat.
Zumba's health benefits
The fast-paced one-two steps you see during a Zumba class help your body in more ways than one. Other than improving your mental health and mood after each session, Zumba can also help reduce blood pressure. It lowers blood sugar levels and reduces bad cholesterol. Consistent Zumba classes promote cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease. The movements help strengthen your heart, so it pumps blood efficiently.
If you want to dance your worries away and lose some weight, consider going to a Zumba class. No doubt, Zumba is an effective and healthy way to use dance to stay active and have a blast while working out.
Who can try Zumba?
Zumba includes learning the moves from an instructor or even online video tutorials. Everyone can join in on the fun since it is a recommended activity for all ages. You can find Zumba classes for your children, friends, and even grandparents. In addition, it can be a great way to meet new people and stay healthy, too.
If you have a fitness goal in mind, you can try one of the many Zumba variations for different ability levels. There are Zumba classes for weight loss, beginners, and body toning that will cater to all your needs. Another option is Aqua Zumba, which takes place in the water to target your core muscles.
To start, get yourself a good pair of sneakers, some workout clothes, and voila -- you are good to go for your first Zumba class! We also recommend listening to upbeat music, like salsa and mambo, to help keep your heart rate up during sessions. Zumba is proven to make you more flexible and better at dancing.
To start, get yourself a good pair of sneakers, some workout clothes, and voila -- you are good to go for your first Zumba class! We also recommend listening to upbeat music, like salsa and mambo, to help keep your heart rate up during sessions. Zumba is proven to make you more flexible and better at dancing.
Zumba for weight loss?
Other than dancing, many people go to Zumba classes to shed those unwanted pounds. It’s considered a quick way to burn extra body fat. You can burn between 300-600 calories during a one-hour Zumba class, and each class offers a combination of cardio and strength training for a full-body workout. You perform exercises like lunges and squats, which can target your core, glutes, and legs. Unlike working out in the gym, you feel happy and get that endorphin rush, just as if you are dancing at the club with your friends.
You do not need equipment for basic Zumba. However, some classes include dumbbells in their routines. For beginners, you can start with two classes per week to give your body time to adjust. Most classes start with warm-ups and stretches, then go on to different workouts. Make sure to carry a towel and water bottle since you end up sweating a lot during the class.