Zumba -- The Latin Dance Workout

Said to have been invented by accident, Zumba combines dancing with exercise in a high-energy fusion. Offered at nearly all health clubs, Zumba has now branched out into a variety of specializations and even video games. Could Zumba be the answer to your fitness needs?

Alberto Perez (called “Beto” by his friends) created Zumba in the 1990s when he neglected to bring his soundtrack tapes to the aerobics class that he taught. In desperation or inspiration, he substituted one of his personal cassette tapes, containing salsa and merengue music. Beto called his new exercise routine Zumba, a Columbian slang word meaning buzz like a bee or to move fast.  His improvised class became an overnight sensation and rest, as they say, is history.

Zumba is a workout disguised as a dance party. Instead of counting repetitions, the musical stanzas delineate changes in motion.  The original Zumba classes used a broad range of latin music, including salsa, meringue, cumbia, reggaeton, flamenco, tango and samba. This energetic music makes the strenuous dance moves fun and masks the underlying fitness aspects. Becoming fit can be fun, and Zumba delivers on that premise.

Since inception, Zumba has grown into an international experience. Zumba is itself a registered trademark, with instructor certification programs, certified classrooms, DVDs and video game products for every popular game platform. The Basic Zumba class have branched into Zumba Gold for more mature enthusiasts, Zumba Toning for body sculpting, Aqua Zumba for dancing in the pool, Zumbatomic for children and Zumba in the Circuit for fans of circuit training. 

Regardless of the type of Zumba class that you choose, the cardiovascular benefits are substantial. Many practitioners use Zumba as part of a weight management program. Given the dance format, there isn’t any particular uniform or equipment required, just clothing and shoes appropriate for dancing and pivoting in place. People who enjoy exercise with others can easily find a class at their nearest gym or YMCA, while those who prefer to work out on their own schedule can use one of many available DVDs or video games.  Regardless of the format, most people find that exercise is more fun with a buddy. Don’t have a friend who wants to try Zumba with you? Just go to WannaBuddy.com and find a Zumba buddy near you.

What do you think?  Click on the Comment link and let us know!

No comments:

Post a Comment