Zumba
Dance the Pounds Away
Now we all remember Jazzercise in the 80s and the hip hop workouts in the 90s. But this Colombian- originating dance workout has been feverishly spreading across gyms in the United States for the last seven years.
Originally called Rumbacize by its creator, Alberto Perez, Zumba routines are accompanied by Latin beats using the dance steps of salsa, merengue, cumbia, mambo, rumba, flamenco, and calypso.
Zumba has become something more than just another dance exercise. When Beto Perez came to Miami in 1999, two fellow Colombian entrepreneurs encouraged him to patent, package, and brand Zumba-- making into an LLC.
There are Zumba DVD’s, a clothing line, and certification courses for fitness instructors wanting to teach it. The electric lime logo surrounding an abstract dancing figure to makes products and places teaching Zumba official.
But it’s not the mass marketing that makes this workout popular.
"It's the Latin music that most people love," says Valencia Hamilton, a certified Zumba fitness instructor.
Burn Calories
Beginners enter Hamilton’s class at Body And Mind Fitness in Ferndale, Michigan with some mild apprehension about their dancing abilities. But she assures them that the movements are repetitive and they'll pick it up in no time.
"It's not based on your form and technique. It's really about keeping your body moving and enjoying your workout, so people will keep doing it and hopefully lose weight," says Hamilton.
She says based on research and according to some clients attending her Zumba classes, people can burn from 600 to 800 calories.
These numbers vary depending on which research reports you read. Some experts say this is because the amount of fat burn depends on a person’s age, weight, fitness level, diet, and the intensity put forth in each workout.
Partying for Sleek Toned Muscles
Some classes turn on colorful flashing disco lights, generating more of a party atmosphere.
Like any high and low intensity workouts this one builds up the body’s endurance, toning abs, arms, glutes, and legs. But the unique thing about Zumba is all that amped up hip action gives waistlines the sinuous, svelte shapeliness of a dancer.
Zumba instructors concur that this is one workout that puts a smile on people’s faces.
If you are not ready for the sexy hip hugging pants then leave off getting them, but a nice pair of dance sneakers is a good investment.
Exercise physiologists say any 30 minute cardio or strength workout done on a daily basis is a good investment. But the best workout routines are the ones you stick to.
Always consult a physican before starting any new fitness program.
Valencia Hamilton leads Zumba class
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