Zumba

Zumba is a group fitness program that combines Latin rhythms and dance steps with aerobic and resistance moves for a fun and exciting workout. Like most group fitness classes, Zumba starts with a warm-up section, continues with the main workout section, then ends with a cool-down. The average Zumba class lasts one hour.

What makes Zumba different from most aerobic classes is the Latin music and the infusion of Latin dance steps. While most aerobic exercises use a lot of linear movements and the hips remain stationary, Zumba incorporates a lot of hip work and ball changes, in addition to the more traditional aerobic steps. The hip work, in Zumba, really works the core in a way that most aerobic classes don’t. Zumba also incorporates intervals that provide both resistance and aerobic training.

A typical Zumba class operates much like a dance class where the instructor starts out by teaching a few steps of a routine. Then, as the participants master those steps the instructor teaches the next set of steps, and so on, then combines all the sections into one large set of steps.

Zumba is offered at a variety of health club, gyms and fitness centers across the US including: the YMCA, Urban Active Fitness and Gold’s. Zumba is also available around world in Japan, Italy, Spain, The UK, Mexico and China. The official Zumba website (www.zumba.com) has a class and instructor locator to help you find the class nearest you.

Zumba is an effective workout for people of all ages and fitness levels. Like most group fitness classes, you work at your own pace and to your own abilities. You may want to wear dance sneakers instead of the usual aerobic shoes. Some Zumba steps have you sliding your feet, dance sneakers provide traction but still allow the foot to slide.