Zumba: what is it? Does it make you lose weight? Discover all the benefits of Zumba fitness and Zumba Strong
Zumba fitness is a training system that mixes aerobics and Caribbean dancing. Conceived in the 90s by Colombian dancer Alberto Perez, it immediately became all the rage also in Europe. Its strong point?
Losing weight, strengthening and toning the muscles to the rhythm of Latin music is not only possible, but also very useful for our well-being and for our figure! Zumba fitness is not just a sport, but a whole universe of different disciplines all to be explored. Let's find out together then what it is, what are its different types and all the benefits it brings.
But I recommend: before starting a Zumba fitness session, don't forget to prepare your body for the workout by doing some stretching as in the video ...
What is Zumba fitness?
Zumba fitness brings together the best of different disciplines: aerobics, first of all, very useful for toning the body, and Latin American dance, rhythmic and fun. These characteristics make Zumba fitness a very effective method to reshape the body and at the same time recovering sprint and energy.
Zumba fitness is really suitable for anyone: it can be done at any age and does not require you to know how to dance Latin American. The group lessons generally last one "hour and there is maximum freedom among the participants: everyone will perform the movements and choreographies in the way that best suits their level of training. The important thing is to move and have fun!
Some Zumba styles also use small tools, such as small weights, in the same choreography. Even their use, however, is part of the more rhythmic dimension of dance and not of simple gymnastic training.
How many types of Zumba fitness are there?
Zumba fitness, over the years and the increase in the number of its admirers all over the world, has declined in different disciplines. Although starting from the same premise of combining aerobics and Caribbean dance, many variations have been born.
We have Zumba Toning which focuses more on the fitness part than the dance. It is especially recommended for those who want to tone up and firm up their muscles. Light weights are often used.
The Zumba Sentao, on the other hand, involves the use of a chair, used as a tool for both choreography and muscle training.
Zumba in the Circuit is a discipline that includes half an hour of pure fitness training and half an hour of real Zumba.
Zumba Step, as the name makes clear, uses the step within the choreography.
Zumba Gold is based on lighter exercises, especially suitable for the elderly, while Zumba Kids and Zumba Kids J are suitable for children and teens, with workouts specially designed for them.
Finally, there is Zumba practiced in water, close to water aerobics as a type of training: it is called Acqua Zumba.
What is Zumba Strong?
The latest addition to the large Zumba fitness family is the so-called Strong by Zumba, presented at the Convention in Orlando, Florida, in 2016.
This particular type of Zumba consists of a series of high intensity interval exercises, always - of course - to the rhythm of the music. Although the exercises remain good or bad similar to those traditionally provided by the classic Zumba, in the latter the focus is mainly on high intensity cardio, while in the Strong one works on muscle conditioning.
The music tracks specially designed for the Zumba Strong, then, make sure to perfectly synchronize the rhythm with each movement, defining its intensity and increasing the involvement and adrenaline.
Does Zumba fitness help you lose weight? Here are all its benefits
Zumba fitness is a discipline full of benefits. First of all it helps to strengthen all the muscles and, consequently, to tone us up. The movements of the Zumba work your arms, abs, legs, thighs, buttocks: by training consistently, your body will be truly reshaped!
Does Zumba fitness help you lose weight? Of course! In a Zumba class, on average, you consume about 9.5 calories per minute. The metabolism is definitely accelerated: an excellent way to lose weight quickly. Do not forget, however, to associate sport with a healthy diet. Try these specific foods to speed up your metabolism:
The benefits of Zumba fitness, then, concern the improvement of cardiovascular activity: the heart is trained by the high intensity rhythms of the choreography. Thus it develops greater resistance, preventing heart disease and helping in cases of hypertension. Also breathing and capacity pulmonary will benefit.
A further benefit concerns the mood: it is really a cheerful and fun kind of workout, thanks above all to the Latin music that would overwhelm anyone with its inviting rhythm. You will feel what a party atmosphere! A real cure-all against anxiety.
Zumba fitness: clothing for training to the sound of music
The Zumba involves the use of specific clothing, characterized by fluorescent colors, wide pants and sweaters with special writings. It is actually more of a way to bring joy even with clothing than a specific need dictated by training.
The important thing is to feel comfortable and to be able to move easily: a normal gym clothing, if you don't feel like spending on specific products of the brand (you can find them on the official Zumba.com website), will do just fine.
