The Zumba CRAZE in fitness has been going strong for over 15 years now and the widespread popularity isn’t dying out anytime soon! As a Certified Zumba Instructor and part of ZIN (Zumba Instructor Network), I know firsthand just how fun and beneficial Zumba Dance Workouts can be for weight loss and your overall well-being.
I was drawn to Zumba years ago when the expansion first hit the West Coast. At the time, I had just graduated from college, and was heavily involved in two of my lifelong passions- Dance and Fitness. When word got out about this amazing new fitness trend reaching the west coast, I drove down to Santa Monica, CA to get certified becoming the first Zumba Instructor in my area, and my Zumba journey began. Word spread quickly and my weekly classes became a huge hit! As a seasoned dancer and performer, I LOVED being able to put my own stamp on my classes while making fitness fun for everyone.
If you aren’t familiar with Zumba, it’s an exercise program created by Columbian dancer and choreographer, Alberto “Beto” Perez in the 1990’s. Zumba fuses an eclectic variety of dance styles including hip hop, salsa, merengue, samba, soca, mambo, and reggaeton mixed with aerobic fitness movement and energetic Latin and cultural music. Millions of people actively take Zumba classes weekly across 180 countries, making Zumba quite the worldwide fitness phenomenon!
…but is it REALLY beneficial for weight loss???
YES!!! The Zumba format is more like an interval training workout incorporating varied levels of speed, movement, and energy throughout each session. The combination of low-intensity with high-intensity movement optimizes calorie burn and results. You can burn up to 500+ calories in 1 session! It’s truly a total body workout combining all elements of fitness- cardio, muscle toning/conditioning, boosting energy, endurance, balance, and flexibility. The best thing is Zumba is a wonderful choice for all ages and levels and it has evolved to feature a number of new classes including Zumba Step, Zumba Toning, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Kids, and for the youngest of Zumba fans- Zumbini (for little ones ages 0-3!) Fun for Everyone! In a study funded by the American Council for Exercise, Dr. John Porcari and his team of researchers found that Zumba burns more calories than cardio kickboxing, step aerobics, hooping, and power yoga. So whether you’re already a Zumba enthusiast or looking to try a new approach to fitness and weight loss, rest assured Zumba is an excellent choice that will leave you sweating, energized, and meet all of your needs! The American Council for Exercise (ACE) recommends that, before engaging in any exercise regimen for the first time, individuals should consult with their doctors.
“Ditch the Workout – Join the Party!”
I hope this article has inspired you! Be sure to stay tuned for more monthly columns from me as I share my world of dance, fitness, wellness, and healthy lifestyle tips. Please follow me on Instagram and send me a “Like” on Facebook to stay connected.
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