If there’s one fitness craze that proves to have serious desire power, it’s Zumba. Dance classes topped the list of the country’s most popular workouts in 2023, and Zumba, in particular, ranked in the top ten.
Known for their upbeat vibes, super fun music and absolutely prosperous community, Zumba offers a multitude of physical, mental and social benefits.
But what is it Zumba classesReally? What can you expect if you take one? And how can Zumba improve your fitness routine?
Let’s move on to the subject.
The Basics Behind Global Fitness Fashion
Zumba classes began gaining traction in the early 2000s, but the concept actually began to take shape a decade earlier.
Then Alberto “Beto” Perez, a 16-year-old Colombian fitness instructor and choreographer, accidentally forgot his usual playlist for his aerobics class – a list of pop songs that his employer insisted he play., He improvised by leading the class with a mixed tape full of Latin melodies that he had in his car. The on-site session transformed into an innovative and dynamic mix of aerobics and dance moves.
In a word, it was a success.
By 2003, more than 150 U.S. residents became certified Zumba instructors, and classes have been offered everywhere from Cali, Colombia to Los Angeles, California. Nine years later, Zumba Fitness was crowned the world’s largest fitness brand. And today? More than 12 million people of all ages participate in Zumba classes at more than 110,000 locations in more than 125 countries (if ever there was proof of a workout’s popularity).
What is the Zumba class?
Zumba, which was originally called “rumba” (or “party” in Colombian slang), has retained its original flow of cardio exercises mixed with internationally inspired dance moves, such as:
- Salsa
- Merengue
- Hip hop
- Bollywood style
- Reggaeton
- Cumbia
- samba
The general consensus is that Zumba doesn’t work feel like exercise. Instead, Zumba classes feel like a dance party to thrilling songs by Shakira, Con Calma, Ricky Martin and Bruno Mars. It’s snappy but low-impact, fast but liberating, making it a popular workout choice for all ages and fitness levels.
What are the benefits of Zumba?
In addition to burning big calories, Zumba can:
- Provides full body toning – Squats, slides, flamenco arms: Zumba classes are full of targeted movements dozens of different muscles, including yours:
- Quads
- Calves
- Glutes
- Heart
- Shoulders
- Arm
- Improve flexibility, strength and cardiovascular health – Consistency (but feasible consistency) Zumba classes can provide both aerobic and anaerobic benefits, while the assortment of dance moves can nourish muscle strength. The stretches that conclude Zumba classes may also increase flexibility.
- Promote mental and cognitive well-being – Exercise itself has been proven to be a boon for the brain. In particular, creative dance classes like Zumba, which force the mind to focus on the next step, can:
- Improve self-esteem
- Reduce fatigue
- Improve concentration and alertness
- Limit stress and anxiety
- Enrich memory
- Increase stamina – Looking for new ways to increase your endurance? You might want to give this group fitness classes a whirlwind. Zumba is above all a cardio workout, which helps strengthen your heart and lungs while SO improve your circulation. This can lead to better endurance inside and outside of a Zumba studio.
What can you expect in a Zumba class?
You don’t consider yourself a dancer? Fear not: Zumba is famous for its welcoming, non-judgmental warmth. Participants are encouraged to move creatively to the rhythm of the songs (like the addictive “Que Viva la Vida”) rather than strictly following the choreography (which, we might add, involves repetitive, easy-to-remember steps and instructions simple).
However, what you can expect from your first Zumba class will depend on the type.type of the Zumba class you are taking. There are a handful of Zumba classes for specific interests and populations, such as:
- Aqua-Zumba
- Zumba chair
- Zumba for kids
- Zumba for seniors (or Zumba Gold)
- Zumba Step (which incorporates movements typically found in Step classes)
- Strong by Zumba (a routine that includes additional strengthening exercises like push-ups and burpees)
Regardless of which class you choose, sessions typically begin with a warm-up that gradually progresses to a higher-intensity dance/cardio workout with built-in intervals. They end with a cool-down that incorporates essential stretches that can leave you feeling extra refreshed. .
What should you wear to a Zumba class?
Freedom of movement is an important part of Zumba, so you’ll want to wear non-restrictive clothing, like yoga leggings and a breathable tank top. And don’t forget your feet! Your shoes should be comfortable, supportive and flexible.
Once you’re equipped, get ready to do some rumba: Zumba is the party you’ve been waiting for.
Embrace the Global Workout Craze at Chuze Fitness
If you want to spice up your workout routine, Zumba may be the solution. Its tantalizing blend of upbeat music and bodies (and brain) – stimulating exercises can turn a trip to the gym into a real, ultra-energizing mini-vacation.
Chuze Fitness is the perfect place to start salsa and improve your health. Whether you want to register for a gym membership or start with 7 days free gym testour friendly team is happy to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Reap the rewards of Zumba at Chuze Fitness.
Sources:
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https://athletechnews.com/dance-yoga-were-most-popular-exercise-classes/
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Women’s Fitness Clubs of Canada. A Brief History of Zumba.
https://womensfitnessclubs.com/a-short-history-of-zumba/
BBC. Zumba: how a missing cassette sparked a global craze.
https://bbc.com/news/business-49111612
CNBC. How the founders of Zumba turned a Handycam video on the beach into a global phenomenon.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/19/how-zumba-exercise-class-went-from-an-idea-to-global-phenomenon.html
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https://www.zumba.com/en-US/fitness_facilities
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https://www.livestrong.com/article/259945-basic-zumba-moves/
Clovia. The best Zumba songs to get you in the groove. https://www.clovia.com/blog/best-zumba
-songs-to-get-you-in-the-groove/?srsltid=AfmBOooD0asx9YdzgAe0-mMjr-aBK1tfhzTHVvmM1wnpoV5C-GwDseJk
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https://classpass.com/blog/zumba-class/
Reviewed by:
Ani is the Vice President of Fitness at Chuze Fitness and oversees the group fitness and team training departments. She has had a career spanning over 25 years in club management, personal training, group exercise and instructor training. Ani lives with her husband and son in San Diego, California and loves hot yoga, snowboarding, and all things wellness.