Zumba fitness classes seem to be all the rage right now. But for some of us, all we know is that this workout has a funny name and involves some type of dance routine. Trying a Zumba class may peak your curiosity, but you still might have a lot of questions. Read on to find out why Zumba is so popular and a great workout option.
Everyone’s talking about it, but what exactly is Zumba?
Zumba is an aerobic dance class set to Latin music. It incorporates flamenco, salsa, meringue, reggaeton and the sort of moves you’d see in a nightclub. While you’re dancing away, you’re likely to forget you’re at your gym or community center, and instead you feel like you’re transported to somewhere exotic. It’s fun, and for some, it unleashes a sexy, confidant persona that can shake their hips like Shakira.
Are the moves hard to learn? What if I’m not a good dancer?
Whenever a workout involves dance moves, it can cause some worry. Besides finding the right instructor and class, learning the Zumba moves is not stressful at all. In a Zumba class, it’s all about feeling the music. And the more classes you attend, the easier it becomes for you to let loose and really have fun. In fact, most classes only focus on four or five steps in a given song, and you just keep repeating them.
Sounds like fun, but is Zumba really a good workout?
Yes! Zumba is an excellent cardiovascular workout. In fact, because of its rise in popularity, the American Council of Exercise wanted to find out if Zumba provided a workout, party, or both. They hired a team of exercise scientists to study the heart rate and calorie burn of a group of subjects during various forms of exercise, including Zumba. Through their study, the scientists determined that Zumba is an excellent workout option. Because of its high and low intensity intervals, Zumba is a total body workout, making it one of the most effective cardio classes you can take. In fact, the doctors were able to determine that your beginning fitness level doesn’t matter with this form of exercise. Research showed that everyone was working out in the zone that’s recommended for improving cardio health, so everyone gets a quality workout.
Is Zumba right for me?
Sometimes with fitness dance workouts, learning the moves can be so difficult that your mind gets tangled up figuring out each move instead of focusing on burning calories. Fortunately, the upbeat music and intensity of Zumba allows you to get a good workout, even if you don’t follow the moves exactly. The more uninhibited you are, the more calories you are likely to burn. Don’t be afraid to attempt this workout. If you like to dance and have fun, you should give Zumba a try.
If you’re interested in trying a Zumba class, check your gym, a local dance studio, or community center for classes. You could even suggest it as your next night out with friends. And don’t worry—Zumba might sound like a funny word, but it’s a serious workout—without taking itself too seriously. In fact, Zumba’s official slogan is, “ditch the workout; join the party.” It’s social and fun, and if you find yourself in a workout rut, this might be the best thing to kick-start your motivation to get or stay fit. Once you try Zumba, you’ll quickly understand why it’s so popular, and maybe for the first time, truly have fun while getting fit.
Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/zumba-fun-is-secret-ingredient-of-latin-dance-workout
http://www.acefitness.org/certifiednewsarticle/2813/
