For a few years now, Zumba has become one of the most popular guided physical activities in the world. In 2012, more than 12 million people practiced Zumba in one of the more than 100,000 partner centers around the globe - more than 125 countries. Its laid-back nature and physical benefits derived from aerobic exercise have made this mix of dance and aerobic exercise a favorite of many.
In this article I will explain what Zumba is, where it comes from, what types are there and what benefits you can get if you practice Zumba. Fortunately, its high popularity has made it an object of study within the medical and scientific community.
Origin of Zumba
Zumba is a physical activity originating in Colombia, during the 90s . A well-known physical trainer, Alberto “Beto” Pérez, was its inventor, but he claims that this happened by chance. He had to teach a traditional aerobics class, but he forgot the usual music he worked with, so he replaced it with traditional Latin music that he kept in his car.
There was no correct way to do the movements, but the music allowed us to maintain a good rhythm and lose ourselves in the fun of the activity.
Since then, Zumba has become one of the most popular physical activities in the world. In 2012, Zumba became the ninth most practiced physical activity - "fitness" - in the world. The size of the groups, the type of music, the accessibility of the activity and the different modalities make each one of these “Latin aerobics” classes a real party in each session.
Benefits Of Zumba
Zumba is an aerobic-type activity , comparable to running, using a stationary bike or other activities in which most of the physical effort is done aerobically, ideal for improving cardiovascular health. Weight loss is also remarkable if you adapt to the habit of continuous aerobic activity, since each Zumba class allows you to burn between 400 and 600 calories per session .
Aerobic exercise also improves our respiratory capacity and cardiovascular health , as well as reducing anxiety and its related symptoms. In particular, Zumba is an aerobic exercise in which the vast majority of the body is tried to be exercised through movement, which helps flexibility and knowledge of one's own body, proprioception.
In addition, the social, festive and relaxed atmosphere of the Zumba classes make this activity especially suitable for those who are looking for a group with which to exercise in a relaxed way, which reduces social anxiety and can even be a good place to meet people with similar interests.
The 9 Main Types Of Zumba
There are different modalities of Zumba. Most of them focus on giving accessibility to a specific group that could have difficulties with the more classic Zumba, such as people with movement difficulties.
But there are also types of Zumba that play with other elements, such as the environment (on the track, sitting, or even in the water) or also with the addition of tools to complement the class.
Among the main types of Zumba we can find:
1. Classic Zumba
The original Zumba, where aerobic exercises are mixed with rhythms and music of Latin and African origin. Its festive and relaxed atmosphere means that, in addition to being a good exercise, the practitioners feel looser and enjoy the activity more.
2. Zumba Step
The Zumba Step adds an extra element to the classic Zumba class, the “step”. It is a small, very low and elongated stool , which is an excellent help to focus the exercise on the lower body, the legs and the buttocks.
3. Zumba Toning
Zumba Toning is also another form of Zumba in which an extra element is added to change the class a bit, while maintaining the framework of Latin music and the festive atmosphere. In Zumba Toning, participants carry a “Toning Stick” , a sand-filled dumbbell that also functions as maracas, in addition to increasing the difficulty and physical demand of the activity.
4. Aqua Zumba
Some aerobic activities are not the most suitable for people with joint problems or who are overweight. These problems are considerably reduced in the AquaZumba, which maintains the philosophy of aerobic exercise and Latin rhythms, but in this case it is done in the pool .
5. Zumba Sentao
The Zumba Sentao, as its name suggests, is a Zumba class that is carried out in a sitting position . It is ideal for those with leg problems or reduced mobility, but it is also a good way for those who want to start in the world of Zumba to start with an exercise that requires less effort and physical coordination.
6. Zumba Gold and Zumba Gold Toning
The Gold version of Zumba and Zumba Toning is designed especially for those who find it difficult to pace themselves in traditional classes, whether due to illness, aging or inexperience , so it is also ideal to try a first Zumba class if not we are very proud of our physical condition.
7. Zumba Kids and Zumba Kids Jr.
There are also Zumba modalities designed for the little ones . Zumba Kids and Zumba Kids Jr. activities are for children ages 7 to 11 in the Kids class and for children ages 4 to 6 in the Kids Jr. class.
These classes try not only to educate children about Zumba, but also to practice psychomotor skills, group dynamics and the exploration of other cultures.
8. Zumbini
The Zumbini is a Zumba class adapted for parents and children between 0 and 4 years of age. The exercises are very relaxed and focused on the cognitive and motor development of infants , also in the typical Zumba exercise framework. Nowadays, it is even accompanied by reading material and applications on the mobile.
9. Zumba in the Circuit
Zumba in the Circuit could be described as a mix between Crossfit and Zumba . Modular circuits of specific physical activities are used, along a route to be completed throughout the class. They are classes of greater intensity and physical requirement than the classic Zumba classes.
0 comments