The key to sticking to a fitness routine, is variety and fun. Switching up your cardio each day, and making working out enjoyable are the best ways to keep your exercise regimen exciting. This exhilarating new dance craze, Zumba, is all about dancing yourself into shape- what could be better than that?!
Zumba is a fitness program inspired by Latin dance and choreography. The aerobic elements incorporated into the dance moves are designed to burn calories with a lot of movement, making working out fun.
As the story goes, choreographer Alerto Perez of Colombia created this fitness-style dance during the 1990′s when he forgot a music tape for an aerobics class he was teaching. In his backpack he had tapes consisting of a variety of musical styles, and improvised a cardio class using these beats. After the health craze caught on in Colombia, Perez teamed up with childhood friends Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion, and brought the idea to America.
Zumba fitness classes are popping up in gyms and fitness centers across the country, and instructors are known to be lively and up-beat to keep your energy levels up while you’re working out. Zumba incorporates dance moves from many different areas like samba, mambo, hip-hop, salsa and merengue.
Typically about an hour long, Zumba sessions are taught by licensed instructors and include different music with both fast and slow rhythms, as well as resistance training to work along with the cardio. Different levels of the classes are taught for various ages and fitness levels. Music styles include flamenco, reggae ton, soca, belly dancing and tango.
If you’re looking to switch up your cardio routine, and aren’t afraid to show off your dance moves, check out a fun Zumba class at a local gym, and you will be sure to get a good cardio workout in, all while having a great time!
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