Latin dancing isn’t just a fun thing to do on a Saturday night. It can also be the perfect tool for sculpting the sort of toned and athletic body you have always craved.
Zumba incorporates a variety of Latin dance moves into a vigorous workout. It uses music and choreographed dance steps to make exercise feel like a dance party. Zumba is a highly popular form of exercise. More than 14 million people in 151 countries use the fun program in their daily exercise routine, according to the official Zumba website.
It offers programs for all ages and body types. Zumba participants can do programs designed for children, seniors, water-based exercises, circuit training and resistance training.
Most Zumba classes are designed to make beginners and gym rats alike feel at home. They typically last an hour and feature a workout broken down by song. Each Zumba session uses 9-12 songs. The song signals the start of a new dance routine. Common dance techniques in a Zumba workout include V-steps, mambas, side touches and cha-cha-cha moves.
Moveable and breathable clothing works best in a Zumba class. A pair of shoes that provide good cushioning and support is essential to moving your feet to the beat.
Few aerobic exercise routines are more effective than Zumba at burning off fat. During a 60-minute session, you can burn off as many as 600 calories. You switch between high and low intensity intervals throughout a Zumba session. This helps you tone muscles throughout your whole body and you build greater endurance.
Classes from a licensed Zumba instructor typically cost between $5 to $25 per class. You can find a Zumba class at most local gyms.