Ah, the wonderful class of Zumba. Due to my lack of maintaining cardio endurance, I can honestly say that I would much rather watch a Zumba workout than participate. However, one thing I can agree with, is that this energy driven style of workout has exploded on the fitness scene over the last few years. Zumba originated in Columbia. Alberto “Beto” Perez started practicing Zumba in the early 1990’s and shortly after, this modern dance class took off when a Brazilian pop star named Claudia Leitte took the workout and became the International Ambassador for Zumba Fitness.

Zumba focuses on a combination of dance and aerobic exercises revolving around choreographed moves set to music. Often times, Zumba classes are set to popular music genres like hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, and mambo. In addition to the standard dance moves, Zumba also incorporates lunges and squats to focus in on ones thighs and leg strength.

Zumba Classes

Traditionally, there are considered 9 different types of Zumba classes based on difficulty and training focus. Outlined below are the 9 classes to give you a bit more information on which type of class you would like to participate in and what those classes focus on.

  • Zumba Gold – typically geared towards the elderly, this class offers softer movements, lower cardio workouts, and slower paced music to boogie to.
  • Zumba Step – is a lower body workout maximizing your return on step routines and strengthening your legs, calves, and feet.
  • Zumba Tone – focuses on the abs, thighs, and arms to give a full body workout through toning exercise and activities.
  • Aqua Zumba – conducted in water, Aqua Zumba is great for people looking for a low impact workout, needing rehabilitation, or the elderly.
  • Zumba Fitness – tends to be a higher-octane version of the previous Zumba classes geared towards those who are looking for a challenging full body workout.
  • Zumba Circuit – this program maximizes your standard dance class with circuit training to add variety and com
    plexity to your workout.
  • Zumba Kids – designed for a younger crowd, this workout often times includes shorter versions of workout reps, combined with fun and light music.
  • Zumba Kids Jr – continuing with the youth theme, Jr. Zumba is a less impact program geared towards pre-teens looking to have fun, dance and get a workout.
  • Zumba Senato – is based on maximizing the dance routine of standard Zumba while incorporating the use of a chair during the workout.

So How Many Calories Can I Burn?

Having a fun and interactive workout is great, but let’s get down to the bottom line. What kind of results can you expect from a standard Zumba class? It is reported that an average woman weighing between 120 to 170 lbs can burn up to 650 calories an hour when dancing her heart away during a Zumba class. Now to be fair, that’s assuming that she was exercising at full intensity during the entire class. Most of us will admit we can’t sustain a full throttle workout the entire time, but if you are seasoned and committed, you can see amazing results with a 650 calorie workout two to three times a week.

Zumba has become so popular over the recent years that is has developed a cult like following. I have friends on social media that have formed groups and compete like well-oiled machines! With so many people promoting the positive results, fun atmosphere and long lasting effects, it is no wonder this dance routine has hit the market in full force. So if you are looking for an alternative workout that includes music, fun and exercise, then a Zumba class may be the right choice for you!

 

 

 

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