What is Zumba? – All About Zumba Pros, Cons and How it Works

What is Zumba? – All About Zumba Pros, Cons and How it Works

Zumba is a fantastic workout and is gaining more and more popularity every single day. If you have ever entered a gym, then you might have an idea about Zumba. Now, if you do not know what is Zumba and how it works, you need not worry. Here is an article with all you need to know about Zumba. 

What is Zumba?

Zumba is a trademark that is owned by Zumba Fitness, LLC. It was invented in 1990 by a Colombian choreographer and dancer, Alberto Perez. It is a style that includes an aerobic workout, but instead of focusing only on the step-taps and kicks, it comprises techniques adopted from Latin dance styles like salsa, merengue, and samba. 

The best feature of Zumba is its energetic soundtrack, which is an amazing blending of Latin songs with pop and hip-hop songs. Some devotees and fitness classes also like to include toning moves like lunges and squats to the dance steps. The main intent of fitness classes that offer Zumba is to provide a high-energy and fun workout experience to people in order to keep them excited to exercise. 

One of the fantastic things about Zumba is that this workout doesn’t claim potential weight loss or calorie burn. The marketing of Zumba concentrates on improving fitness with fun that helps in improving your confidence and how you feel every day. 

Types of Classes

Since Zumba includes dance, it appeals mainly to the female audience. The choreography is highly accessible to everyone, so people of all age groups can join the Zumba classes. Below mentioned are some of the types of Zumba classes.

Zumba Step – It includes the same Latin-inspired choreography with the addition of aerobic steps in order to enhance the workout intensity and add more moves that help in strengthening legs. These moves are good for leg strengthening as they feature continuous stepping in and off the surface.

Aqua-Step –  It is best for people seeking low-impact exercise and is also good for people who have low-extremity injuries. 

Zumba Gold – This version of Zumba is for older audiences who want to experience the style of a traditional class with the same music fun but with a low-intensity workout.

Zumba Kids – This version of Zumba is designed for kids belonging to the age-group of 7-11 years. It modifies and breakdowns the traditional moves and integrates fun activities and games to keep the kid interested and tagged during the workout.

Zumba Kids Jr. – It is similar to Zumba kids and is designed for the kids belonging to the age group of 4-6 years. It is positioned as a dance party in order to keep the little one engaged.

Zumbini – This type of class is a once-a-week 45 minutes class that is designed for the Zumba fabs between the age of 0-3 years. It allows the little ones to engage in active play, providing less workout and more learning experience.

zumba dance classes near me

How it Works?

Almost all the classes of Zumba are designed as group class exercises of 45-to-60 minutes led by a trained and certified Zumba instructor. These classes are offered at fitness centers and gyms. The classes include a series of Latin dance songs with highly choreographed movements of the dance. 

The first song in Zumba classes comprises lower beats in order to help you in getting warmed up. Each successive song develops intensity and challenges. A few low-intensity songs are included in the series to allow recovery. The last song in the workout is a cool-down song. People are allowed to take a second and grab water between the workouts to catch a breath before they start the next song. 

Pros and Cons

Below mentioned are some of the pros and cons of Zumba.

Pros

Sustainability – The more you enjoy a program, the more you will be motivated to continue, and you will be more consistent with it. According to a study published in 2014, in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, in sedentary adults having Metabolic Syndrome Zumba intervention showed good adherence and feasibility, which shows that as a whole, the program has positive sustainability.

Accessibility – The program is easily available and is suited to approximately all the fitness levels. Local gyms offer Zumba classes, which makes it easily accessible. 

Fewer Restrictions – Zumba includes fewer restrictions in terms of health status, age, and ability level. The different classes of Zumba are designed for people belonging to different age groups. It is due to the lower-impact dance moves included in the program.

Cost – The cost of Zumba varied depending on the location. If you have a membership in the gym that offers Zumba, then it may be included in your membership. The flexibility in price depending on the location and need makes it financially accessible for most of the people. 

Cons

Safety Concerns – A small study presented evidence that one out of four participants of Zumba experienced knee, shoulder, or ankle injury as a result of the program. However, all you need to remember is that you should ease yourself in the program and take rest when needed.

General Fitness – Zumba is continuously gaining popularity as it is highly effective in enhancing cardiovascular fitness. There is limited evidence that it also improves flexibility and muscular fitness. 

How it Compares?

Zumba is a workout that includes fun and dance moves which makes it a great option for people who enjoy an environment of fun group exercise and upbeat music. Below mentioned are some classes similar to Zumba.

Barre Classes – These are popular programs and are mostly available at boutique fitness studios. The workouts in bare fitness classes tend to focus on core strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance. The main focus of these classes is flexibility and strength. They are good options for people with low-extremity injuries as they include a low-impact workout.

BUTI Yoga – This form of classes combine the exercise of high-intensity with yoga flaws and choreography inspired by African dance. The best part about BUTI yoga is that is focused on all bases of general fitness like you will develop flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance.

Rashmi

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