What is Zumba ?
This is a Latin inspired workout that has the semblance of a dance routine. The aim is to dance at a certain pace to burn your calories.
It is a very good alternative for people who easily become weary of a routine workout but still want a way to get rid of the extra body fat. Zumba enables them to do that by enjoying a party kind of environment.
Do I need to be a good dancer to do Zumba?
Many people hesitate to consider this form of exercising as they think they are not good at dancing so it would make them less capable of doing Zumba.
They are wrong to think so as it is a very different kind of routine. A normal dance would focus on moving in accordance with the rhythm. Zumba is more inclined towards cardio moves, where the sole purpose is to burn your calories.
Intensity level in Zumba
Zumba varies in intensity level like any other cardio workout. When you are a beginner you may opt for a medium level of Zumba with more breaks in between to catch your breath. Later as your stamina starts to build up you can increase the level and decrease the number of breaks between your Zumba session.
Types of Zumba
Classic Zumba
This can be called low intensity Zumba. The moves are done in a relaxed environment. The music is usually mellow. This kind may relax your mind but obviously if you want to tone flabby skin you would have to step up from the Classic Zumba.
Step Zumba
This is literally a step above Classic Zumba. The dance routine is done with a long step. This kind of Zumba is very effective for toning legs.
Zumba Toning
This is a very effective form of Zumba. This includes usage of dumbbells in the routine. This is a high intensity workout where the participants switch between dancing and lifting dumbbells during the routine.
Aqua Zumba
This is a very unique kind of routine. This kind of Zumba is done in a swimming pool.
Zumbini
This is a fun session. It aims at polishing infants’ cognitive and motor skills. The target audience for Zumbini are toddlers between the ages 2-5 . Parents’ presence is recommended in this session.
The Do’s for Your Zumba Class
Stay Hydrated, Always
Zumba is a kind of a cardio workout. You tend to perspire a lot while performing Zumba dance routines. There is a great likelihood that you would get dehydrated during the intense moves of Zumba. Always keep a water bottle with you. It is also recommended to drink water before coming to the workout session. However even then if you feel at any moment that you are getting dizzy stop the workout right there.
Fit in to the Right shoes
Zumba is a dance routine. Dance differs from running so going for normal running shoes is not recommended for Zumba. Zumba includes various foot movements in all directions so shoes should be chosen accordingly.
Watch/Control Your moves
If you are a newcomer in the session do not blindly follow the rest of the classmates (even if it is a low intensity session). Your body needs time to pick up the pace of the workout. If you think you are not able to perform a certain move, stop right there. You can ask your instructor to teach you the particular move afterwards and you may practice it at home.
A Prior Visit to the Doctor
Zumba is a high intensity workout. It may have many benefits but it is always advisable to have a word with the doctor before joining the class. This is specially recommended for people suffering with diseases like asthma, heart issues, arthritis, high blood pressure etc.
Space ( no crowd, no obstacles)
Zumba is a cardio workout. Once you pick up the pace your entire body is moving a lot faster than how it moves in a normal way. If you are following a Zumba session on a DVD/video make sure you have ample space to carry out the routine. There should be no one around you, person or object, when you do the routine. The dance moves would include a lot of going sideways, raising legs, spreading arms etc. Collision with any obstacle can be hazardous in such a case.
This is a Latin inspired workout that has the semblance of a dance routine. The aim is to dance at a certain pace to burn your calories.
It is a very good alternative for people who easily become weary of a routine workout but still want a way to get rid of the extra body fat. Zumba enables them to do that by enjoying a party kind of environment.
