What is Zumba?
Zumba is another form of aerobic dance exercise which is similar to jazz exercise. Its most peculiar feature is it is composed mostly of Latin American music and dance rhythms to create a party-like atmosphere in class sessions. There are two versions of Zumba, the first one is derived from a Colombian slang word which means buzzing of bees or also fast moving. The second one has derived arbitrarily as a brand name with a Latin American flavour.
Purposes
Nowadays Zumba is one of the most appealing forms among people as they want to enjoy themselves along with exercise along with losing weight. People want flexibility, fitness and endurance. It gives a full body workout which involves movement of the head, neck, shoulder, ankle etc. It also helps tonic our body. It also has medical benefits as it strengthens the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It also increases blood glucose absorption and eventually helps in glucose control and preventing the diabetic condition
Other benefits of Zumba classes
- Muscle building- Zumba step workout includes weights. This helps build muscles in the arms, glutes, and legs.
- Muscle elasticity –Intended to improve muscle flexibility as Zumba moves tones and stretches the muscles of your body.
- Good for overall health –Zumba workout is just great for individuals with health problems like Diabetes, heart diseases, or high cholesterol. However, it is good to discuss this with your doctor before going to the sessions.
- Improves heart stamina- Zumba is an interval workout. High- and mid-intensity interval dance moves get your heart rate up. Thus, it is just an ideal cardio workout program to boost your heart endurance and cardiac health.
Precautions
People should always inquire about everything with their primary care physician before beginning any exercise program, including an aerobic program such as Zumba. Children and seniors must ask about the special Zumba classes available for their age groups. Children need to be at least 4 years old to participate in a Zumba Junior class but maybe 3 years or younger to participate in a Zumbini class with their adult caregiver. Pregnant women should be aware that the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy affect their joints and muscles, and they should substitute lower-intensity movements in order not to lose their balance. People having a history of arthritis or any history of athletic injuries, or other disorders affecting the knee joint should consult with their doctor before taking a Zumba class, as the dance routines of Zumba may involve frequent pivoting on the knee joint. Others who should consult their doctor include those with osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, emphysema, or herniated spinal discs.
Effects of Zumba
Zumba has a long-lasting appeal. Some participants report losing considerable amounts of weight, and others report that the upbeat music and lively rhythm of the movements are a form of emotional as well as physical therapy. Some participants also like Zumba classes as it includes ease of social interaction, pointing out that it is possible to make new friends in a Zumba class.
Zumba is indeed beneficial for adults in good general health, and also leads to lower body fat, increased energy, improved psychological well-being, greater endurance, and a higher level of aerobic fitness. Participants can burn as many as 360 calories per hour in a Zumba class. In older adults, the risk of injury with Zumba is low, provided individuals are working with a qualified instructor. Instructors who teach a large number of classes per week are at a slightly higher risk of injury.
Aftercare
Participants in a Zumba class should break for a cool-down period after class, including minimal gentle muscle stretching. Many Zumba instructors schedule a few songs with slower tempos in the final part of the class to help participants cool down. Otherwise, no particular aftercare is needed other than showering and changing clothes.