Face it. The compilation of rhythmic beats, horns and energetic vocals heard within the Latin-music genre makes most hips shimmy from side to side. Why fight the benefits of dancing? The combination of movements helps the body burns calories while improving both flexibility and muscle tone.
Zumba in a Nutshell
Born in Columbia, Zumba first arrived on the scene in a fitness studio in the mid 1990s. Aerobics instructor Beto Perez showed up to work at the studio ill-prepared for that day’s aerobics class. Realizing he left his group music at home, he retrieved traditional meringue and salsa music from his car (his genres of choice).
As the beats came through the speakers, Perez conducted a brand new aerobic routine based on the steps from the four core dances: salsa, reggaeton, merengue, and cumbia; with some mambo, rumba, flamenco, and calypso steps thrust in for added movements. When Perez saw the smiles on his students’ faces, he realized he had just created a masterpiece.
Why is Zumba Growing?
Most Latin dances are performed by both a man and a woman. Since there are a lot of single people who want to learn these styles (or those who cannot convince a significant other to take dance classes), Zumba is one way to learn without relying on a partner. Because it is available for everyone, Zumba has quickly spread across the country since its inception into the United States in 2001.
What makes Zumba so much fun? No dancing skills are required. Instead of expecting students to master intricate steps of a routine, they are asked only to try the steps at their own pace. Instructors are trained to nourish self esteem within all participants, which is what makes this form of exercising so contagious. When asked what her favorite part about Zumba is, instructor Gianina Cervatti shared, “I just love how people that have never been into fitness are getting in shape with Zumba while having fun, getting results and forgetting about how hard it is to ‘work out’.”
Get Started with Zumba
Along with the growing number of followers, the number of Zumba courses available also continues to increase. From children to senior citizens, people of all ages are able to take part in this form of aerobics. Students are also able to progress to higher levels, or decide to take classes outside of the normal studio environment. Below is a list of the names of classes that are currently available.
- Zumba Basic Steps Level 1
- Zumba Basic Steps Level 2
- Zumba Gold This course is designed specifically for senior citizens.
- Zumba Toning
- Aqua Zumba This course is an aerboics class that takes place in the pool.
- Zumbatronic This course is designed specifically for children between the ages of four and 12.
This list targets all demographics and all skill levels.
It’s simple. Take the first step and research nearby athletic studios to locate Zumba courses. Many fitness centers that require monthly fees offer special drop-in rates that allow guests to take classes without committing to annual contracts. Once a class is found, put on some fitness attire and thin-soled sneakers that promote smooth steps without sticking to the floor, and get ready for a fun cardiovascular workout.
Andrea Lettic - I am an introverted extrovert that loves to read, write and play poker. After graduating from Rutgers, I have worked writing company ...
