Benefits of the ZUMBA Dance Fitness Program
Zumba is the latest worldwide craze and it is no wonder that Australia has been quick to embrace this fantastic new fitness trend. Zumba is a latin dance fitness experience suitable for anybody. As an instructor myself, people always have questions and concerns regarding the workout. I say workout, but it is often referred to as a ‘party’ meaning it is such a fun and easy hour, you won’t even know you are working out. Exercise doesn’t have to be boring anymore and with Zumba it isn’t. The music is motivating, the moves are motivating the atmosphere of the class is motivating. In this article you will find essential key points to help with your Zumba experience.
Zumba is a fantastic way to workout. It has often been called the ‘exercise in disguise’ as it is just that. People that attend Zumba classes always say it feels like they are not working out, and that is the idea behind Zumba. It takes all your favourite latin rhythms, (merengue, bachata, cumbia, salsa, reggaeton, mambo, cha cha and other styles including belly dancing and flamenco) and simplifies these moves making it an easy to follow workout. Zumba classes include everything you need from a workout, lower body, upper body and without even getting on the floor to do sit ups, your abdominal region!
A one hour ZUMBA class allows you to burn up to 1000 calories per session on average which is fantastic in you think about the other exercise regimes you would have to partake in order to burn the equivalent amount of calories. Zumba is great for weight loss in both women and men.
Zumba improves co ordination. And the proof is right in front of you after you attend 2 or 3 classes. For those of you that are regular Zumba people, remember that first class you did? And how it was a little difficult? And now, if you think about how easy the moves have become and how you can pick them up more quickly. The proof is right there, the more Zumba you do the better you become, therefore the better coordinated you will feel.
Zumba is great for your general health and fitness level. In an average Zumba class you will get a sweat on but you should not be out of breath the whole time. There will be moments during some of the routines where you heart rate is elevated and and the workout harder but then there are the songs with the routines which allow you to return to normal and therefore make the workout seem easy. A lady on the radio the other day from here in Adelaide was 120kgs, and from doing Zumba 2 – 3 times per week she was down to 80kgs! Zumba is a workout that works.
Zumba is a go at your own pace workout, which everyone should be aware of. This means you do what part of the workout you can do and for those parts that are too challenging you can take it at your own level or simply march on the spot. As long as you keep moving during the class, you are doing something good for your body.
The easiest way to find out about Zumba is by taking a class. Classes are casual and there is no pressure to get the moves straight away. As an instructor I tell people that the first class is the most difficult, it’s new and its probably like nothing you’ve ever done before so you have the right to make mistakes. People often come to me and tell me they are uncoordinated. I watch these people during the class and it appears they are not uncoordinated at all!
The moves are repetitive so it gives everyone time to pick up the moves, then later in the routine the moves are repeated again so you have a chance to refine them. After the first class, you will find the moves become easier, your fitness levels are better and your co ordination will be improve. What better way to spend an hour out of your day?
