zumba for beginners

What is Zumba?

Zumba is one of many popular ways to get and stay fit. Even if you don't quite know what it is, you've probably heard the name before.

In the 2000s, Zumba grew in popularity and it quickly became a worldwide phenomenon. And it has always been that way.

The fitness program is so popular because it turns a workout into a real party. It is based on different dance forms and that makes it one of the best ways to get the necessary movement.

Origin

Zumba is a dynamic fitness program that combines exercises based on Latin American dance forms such as the Quebrada, cumbia, salsa, and merengue, with immersive music.

Zumba was created by Alberto Perez, a Colombian dancer, and choreographer from Miami.

It all started as an impromptu class when Perez forgot his regular routine but soon expanded it into a full-fledged fitness program.

The name was also invented by Perez. First, he called his new program Rumbacize, a combination of the words Rumba and Jazzercize.

Rumba is a word for various dance forms and is also used in Cuba as a synonym for 'party'. Jazzercize is another dance fitness program. Eventually, the name was simplified to 'Zumba'.

By basing the exercises on different Latin American dances and combining them with appropriate music, Perez managed to combine fitness with the pleasure of dancing

Zumba classes

Zumba consists of 4 basic rhythms: reggaeton, merengue, cumbia, and salsa. Each rhythm then has 4 core steps. These 16 core steps in total are combined for each lesson and linked to suitable music.

Each lesson lasts approximately one hour. In order to teach Zumba, instructors must first obtain a degree and then purchase a license.

You can follow the lessons in exactly the way you prefer: live lessons, video-on-demand lessons, Livestream lessons or via an 'oldskool DVD'.

The advantage of a group lesson is that you are in the middle of the Zumba atmosphere and that can be motivating, but if you prefer to train alone, you can also take online classes.

Different Zumba programs

So Zumba is a fitness program that appeals to many people, but it is also very accessible.

There are several Zumba programs, so you can always find a program that you can handle, like and give you what you need.

Some of the different programs are:

• Zumba gold
  This is the same as the standard program, but completely adapted to be accessible to the elderly.
• Zumba Step
  This program focuses on the lower body and stimulates fat burning.
• Zumba Toning
  Toning sticks are used to strengthen different muscle groups.
• Aqua Zumba
  Same as the standard program, but in the water.
• Zumba in the Circuit
  Here Zumba is combined with strength training.
• Zumba Kids
  This is the standard program, but adapted for children.
• Zumba Gold Toning
  This program is aimed at the elderly and focuses on strengthening muscle groups.
• Zumba Sentao
  In this lesson the participants sit on a chair and their own body weight is used to train.
• Strong Nation
  A combination of Synced Music Motivation and high intensity interval training.
• Zumbine
  This is the program for babies and toddlers.
• A plate by Zumba
  An e-learning program designed to teach participants to eat healthy.

Benefits of Zumba

Zumba is a fantastic cardio workout to burn fat and build fitness.

Because Perez's philosophy is that you should have fun with your workout and not necessarily perform all exercises perfectly, it is a good workout for people who normally don't have it in the gym. Or people who just have a passion for dancing, of course.

The biggest advantages are:

• It is an effective way to burn fat
• It ensures a faster metabolism
• It improves your fitness
• You get a toned body from it
• You improve your flexibility
• It lowers your cholesterol
• It improves your posture
• You also strengthen your core (your abs, back and leg muscles)
• It's nice for people who are normally not real 'gym beasts'
• The choreography is easy to learn
• The exercises and the music are selected to work together

So it's not surprising that Zumba is still such a popular fitness program.

It is also nice that it has 16 core steps and that the instructors have followed a program before they can teach.

This means that if you do Zumba but have to change classes, for example, because you are moving, it is not difficult to learn to play along with a new class.

What do you need to get started?

Zumba is a very accessible fitness program. You can start taking the classes without much effort or investment.

Because the basis of the fitness exercises of the program is dancing, you do not need expensive equipment. All you really need for gear is comfortable sportswear and Zumba shoes.

You could possibly purchase a Zumba step as an aid to your training.

Zumba also sells officially licensed Zumba clothing, but it is of course not mandatory to choose them.

Apart from the right clothes, you don't need any other stuff for the basic programs.

In addition to your equipment, you now need instructions. This is also very easy with Zumba, from group lessons to taking lessons at home via video on demand, you can always participate in a Zumba lesson.

Zumba is for everyone

Zumba is really for everyone. For young and old and anyone who wants to have fun with a fitness program.

It is a program that you can easily start with and it is also fun, which in turn makes it easier to stick to.

And because Zumba has different programs, you can always find a program that suits you. With all these benefits, it's not hard to explain Zumba's popularity.

More similar training forms

Is Zumba not really for you, for whatever reason? In addition to Zumba, there are other similar forms of training that you can use to get fit and lose weight.

Everyone has their own thing of course and that also applies to sports. For example, maybe you are someone who prefers cardio fitness at the gym.

Other group classes that are similar to Zumba are, for example, XCO training and Aerobics.