Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance workout that makes dreading exercise a thing from the past. It isn’t just any type of workout. It’s a workout and dance party all wrapped in one. Zumba includes choreographed dance workouts combined with upbeat music, mainly Latin beats. It features low- and high-intensity moves, making it ideal for all fitness levels.

Zumba Dance History

Zumba was created by dancer and choreographer Alberto ‘‘Beto’’ Perez in Colombia during the 1990s. Perez reportedly was teaching an aerobics class, forgot the music and instead used salsa and merengue tapes he had in his bag.

Benefits of Fitness Classes: Zumba

Zumba dance moves help emphasize the core, legs, and glutes. Most of the moves center around moving your hips and legs, so you can find yourself with a more centered core, toned legs, and a firm behind before you know it! While the arms are incorporated in Zumba dances, they’re not the main target, so make sure you don’t skip arm day!

Zumba helps increase flexibility and strength in the core, helping your body become more supple as you continue with the course. Zumba is also helpful in weight management, and learning the steps can help strengthen your coordination. 

Not only does the exercise itself significantly improve health, but exercising in a group also has its benefits. Here are the advantages of participating in a Zumba fitness class.

• Increased cardio endurance;
• Weight loss;
• Increased core strength;
• Better balance;
• Psychological benefits, such as improved quality of life and levels of self-esteem;
• Decreased risk of heart disease;
• Reduced blood pressure;
• Reduced bad cholesterol;
• Increased good cholesterol.

Group Fitness Benefits 

One of the great things about Zumba is that it is done with a group of people just as interested in fitness and fun as you. While not necessarily common knowledge, exercising in groups does have its benefits.

According to Livestrong, working out in a group environment increases accountability, increases motivation and creates social opportunities among a group of people with similar fitness goals. 

Mental Benefits of Zumba

While the steps for Zumba aren’t complex, they do require concentration to learn correctly, which can help improve your focus. The natural endorphins that your body releases during exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, and lessen the effects of depression, as well as the physical symptoms that come with such conditions. Doing Zumba in a group setting is most effective, as it helps build a sense of community, and your classmates can help encourage you as you go through your Zumba journey. And doing Zumba in a class helps emphasize the biggest selling point of Zumba: you’ll feel less like you’re working out and more like you’re at a dance party!

Types of Zumba Classes

A Zumba workout can be tailored to target particular parts of the body or to reach certain health goals. 

• Strength training: If you wish to increase your strength, look for Zumba courses that include the use of light weights.
• Handicap/physical limitations: Consider joining a wheelchair Zumba class where you can have the same amount of fun and cardio activity without requiring you to stand up. 
• Easy on the joints: There is a Zumba version that can be completed in a pool so that you can enjoy all the benefits of Zumba without the strain on the joints.

What You Need

Unless it’s a specialized Zumba class, no equipment is required, but it is advised to wear comfortable attire and workout appropriate shoes. 

Specialized courses typically require light weights and other small exercise equipment, but they are usually provided.

Tips for Your First Zumba Class

Like any workout, come in comfortable clothes and shoes that you can move in, and bring plenty of water to hydrate. Unless it’s a specialized course, you won’t need any other equipment besides a willingness to learn and sweat!

Om’echaye Wellness Center Zumba Classes in Miami

At Om’echaye Wellness Center, we offer a variety of fitness classes, including Zumba. For more information on our Zumba fitness classes, scheduling or to book a Zumba session, contact us today!