Zumba: Why Is Exercise In Fashion?

Thanks to its multiple modalities, Zumba has become the fashionable activity, since we can adapt it to our needs and exercise, almost without realizing it, while having fun

You may have seen signs in gyms or heard someone say they attend classes. In this article we will tell you everything you should know about Zumba, a fashionable exercise that allows you to burn up to 800 calories in an hour.

What is zumba

It is all the rage among women of all ages. Zumba is an exercise that combines different dance rhythms : salsa, merengue, mambo, reggaeton, etc.

The classes are based on aerobic choreographies that not only allow you to lose weight, but also reduce stress and improve balance and coordination.

• This discipline arose in Colombia, one of the countries where people dance the most. For this reason, in class we can listen to all kinds of rhythms combined with each other with their respective choreographies.

• This exercise tones the muscles and allows you to burn 500 to 800 calories per session (approximately one hour).
• In fact, this study by Texas Tech University has shown its benefits for people suffering from obesity and even type 2 diabetes.

The word “zumba” comes from another word widely used among Colombians: “rumba” and that means “party” in that country. The creator of this discipline is a teacher from a gym in the city of Cali named Alberto “Beto” Pérez.

Although it all started in the late 90s when he decided to turn his classes around and add Latin music, in recent times he has become known in other countries.

Zumba was first exported to the United States in early 2001 and celebrities such as Shakira, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna spread it. Then he traveled to Europe and the rest of Latin America.

How is zumba training?

It is not necessary to have a previous physical preparation or to have given dance classes. However, we must bear in mind that the risks of injury are serious and the progression of the class depends on the songs that the instructor chooses.

In most cases, a more active rhythm is combined with a slower one. Zumba is more popular with women and while it may seem like it’s just “dancing,”  the training is intense and dynamic.

Each class lasts between 50 and 60 minutes (although there is a half-hour mode). It begins with a warm-up and continues with a combination of exercises with music, especially Latin. This type of training provides long-term benefits :

• With salsa, meringue or bachata movements , calories are burned, stress is eliminated and problems are put aside.

• Music is the special “ingredient” in the classes, since each song has a choreography designed to exercise without getting bored.
• The rhythms are very lively and the steps “catchy”. In each class we can strengthen the muscles, improve the cardiovascular rhythm, perspire and have a great time.

What types of Zumba are there?

There are different modalities within the most popular discipline in recent times. Each of them is designed for an audience and a particular objective:

Zumbatomic

The classes are for children and consist of choreography and special music (according to age). The routines are easy to follow and the little ones not only have fun but also:

• They pay more attention.
• They increase self-confidence.
• They develop coordination.

Zumba Gold

The difference with the “normal” classes of Zumba is that the times and the rhythm are modified. The movements are adapted to the needs of the participants (who are usually seniors). The songs are still salsa, reggaeton or merengue, but slower.

Aqua buzz

It’s a real pool party. In addition to offering physical benefits of traditional classes, the “difficulty” of doing it in the water is added. The objective is to obtain a better result or to take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of water.

Zumba Toning

It is the most advanced alternative among those who practice Zumba. The exercises in each session are designed to increase cardiovascular capacity and muscular endurance.

Special maracas are used to mark the times and movements. This program has specific exercises to burn fat.

Zumba Gold Toning

Combine the fun and stress-free moves of Zumba with strength training. You start with a low intensity routine and exciting rhythms and gradually increase the loads and speeds.

It allows to increase muscular endurance and bone density, as well as improve posture and coordination and strengthen joints.

Zumba Circuit

This 30-minute session combines high intensity exercise with dance and timed interval routines. It is perfect for burning calories, increasing stamina, and improving metabolism.

Zumba Sentao

It is one of the most modern modalities within Zumba. The exercises and choreographies are practiced sitting on a chair. They improve the center of gravity, stabilize the body and support cardiovascular health.

Zumba and crossfit : the two exercises of the moment

Although they are two different disciplines, in gyms and academies both are the chosen ones of recent times. Both Zumba and Crossfit have the ability to :

• Reduce anxiety and stress levels.
• Increase happiness by releasing endorphins.
• Lose weight.
• Mark the figure.

Many people choose to carry out a routine that combines both exercises (for example, twice a week each). Zumba is more aerobic and recreational. Meanwhile, crossfit is designed to build muscle and increase resistance.