Zumba Dance – What Is It and Why Is It So Addictive?
The zumba is a high energy and fun way to spin around the house and burn some calories. In fact, it’s one of the best workouts because it’s just so fun that you don’t feel like you’re working out!
Founded by a fitness instructor in Columbia, the zumba was accidentally created when the instructor had to use Latin American music for one of his classes without any preparation. On the spot, he combined steps from meringue and salsa and created what’s now known as the zumba!
The zumba was then sent to the United States of America where two talented entrepreneurs took an interest in it and made it grow into a worldwide passion. With heavy Latin influences, it became popular in no time and was soon introduced in most dance studios, gym classes and fitness centers.
You too can find so much delight in this awesome weight loss dance routine by simply learning a few steps. You don’t have to go out of your way and sign up for classes that will cost money but simply invest in a home DVD or better yet, download a few do-it-yourself zumba videos from the internet.
What you need to do would be to have comfortable shoes that will provide you with good lateral support. Pick a pair that has little or no tread so that you can slide around and have the most fun. It’s also important that you pair your shoes with a good and thick pair of socks to absorb sweat and to act as a barrier against blisters forming on your skin.
Also, wear lose and comfortable zumba clothing that have got good wicking to keep you dry and to prevent chaffing. For women, it’s important to have a good sports bra to avoid muscular damage and to keep from chaffing as well.
When you’re all prepped and set to go, jump right into a warm up routine. Do it as enthusiastically as you can because that’s what zumba is all about. A warm up basically requires you to stretch and prepare for a good workout, if your video doesn’t come with a workout then look for another that does. Or you could read of a warm up online and do it yourself.
Learn footwork moves such as box steps, lunches, crossovers and other movements which will help with moving the hips and torso. You should also pay attention to arm movements, simple things like waves, floor touches and swings are good enough.
As you let a home video or fitness instructor guide you, don’t be intimidated by their speed, because that will lead you to give up real quick. Instead, what you should do is work at your own pace. How fast and agile you are depends on your age, fitness level, flexibility and so on. With time, you will be able to increase your tempo as you zumba all over the place.
As you workout with the zumba routine, keep a bottle of water by your side so that you can take a swing of water every now and then. Fluids help keep the body hydrated so it’s important that you drink plenty of it as you sweat through this fun workout.
