Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Zumba FAQ

Although millions of individuals have successfully experienced the fun and fitness benefits of Zumba, there are still a lot who want to find out more. Zumba is very unique compared to other dance-inspired fitness programs, in the sense that it provides rich history, an exhilarating experience and the best moves that truly give you that calorie burn.

What is Zumba?

Zumba incorporates both hypnotic Latin music and easy-to-do moves that lead to a dynamic and effective workout program that will help you de-stress, have the greatest time and burn fat. The goal is to give individuals an entertaining time so they can consistently stick to a program and reach their health and fitness goals. Zumba fanatics get to have the long term benefits of the dance and exercise by doing body-energizing and muscle-pumping movements that are also very addictive.

The routines include interval training sessions that use both slow and fast rhythms, plus resistance training to sculpt and tone the body for effective fat loss. International zest and Latin inspirations are also included in the program for uniqueness. During the past few years, Zumba has become a revolution, giving the impression that getting fit can be fun. In February 2008, the program has grown to having more than 11,000 certified instructors in 35 countries and has sold more than 3 million DVDs, changing the lives of more than 2 million individuals.

Is There a Special Attire?

There is no special attire required for Zumba. Ideally, you should wear only comfortable and breathable workout clothes. Dance sneakers and gym or tennis shoes are good for classes. You have to be careful in choosing to wear track shoes since these limit your movement from side to side. Depending on your skills, you may also wear other types of clothes. Some people enjoy flaunting Latin dresses for a more formal approach.

What Does Zumba Offer?

Zumba has aligned with IDEA, SCW Fitness Education, ACE or the American Council on Exercise and AFAA or the Aerobic & Fitness Association of America, plus other leading fitness organizations and facilities. To design and complement the innovation of creator Beto Perez, the Educational Division was built to give instructor workshops and make the program as effective as ever.

Zumba, at present, offers the Zumba Basic Skills Instructor Training workshop wherein instructors can teach basic classes for Zumba. The Zumba Gold workshop was designed for active older adults, and is used frequently as an exerciser for the deconditioned. There are several other workshops launched internationally. Some of the countries that help push the program include Japan, Mexico, Italy, the UK, China and Spain.

What a Typical Class Like?

A Zumba class lasts for about one hour based primarily on the principle of interval training. Dancers get to alternate low and high intensity exercise. This is great for both beginners and advanced individuals. The intensity changes are controlled by the various musical rhythms and steps, taking out the negative effects that can be acquired from high impact aerobic sessions.

The class always begins with a warmup, followed by a series of routines that incorporate the cumbia, flamenco, meringue, reggaeton and salsa. Everyone can participate regardless of age. A cool down is done at the end of the session composed for stretching moves. The routines can repeat for many weeks so that individuals can practice.

Two to three sessions a week is good enough for most individuals to stay fit and burn extra fat and calories.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Zumba for the Beginner

Zumba has become widely popular all around the world because of the several benefits. The workout program incorporates different Latin and international rhythms that will truly give you a whole new and exciting experience. The movements can range from easy to advance, although everything follows basic principles. Beginners can easily follow too through these different techniques and tips.

Zumba Basic for Beginners

If you haven't tried Zumba before or prefer a class paced slower, you can try out Zumba Basic. It is a good starter class for those who want to familiarize the different songs, rhythm and moves. You can start out by practicing without the music on. Some certified instructors prefer that you understand some of the principal movements first. When the music is finally on, you will find that you get your groove more easily. More steps will be provided for the next song. Some video clips for the moves may also be available in the web site, depending on your instructor and location.

Zumba Gold for True Beginners

There are people who have never tried Zumba, but there are also individuals who still have a hard time, regardless of the pace and simplicity of moves because of different reasons like lack of skills, physical incapacitation or disability and inadequate strength and flexibility. The Zumba Gold program is intended to help the true beginner learn and go through the workout successfully. In fact, it regulated so that senior citizens can also enjoy the health benefits. Zumba Gold can improve your flexibility, balance, cardiovascular strength and speed. Even if the person is in a chair or wheelchair, he or she can still exercise.

Advantages of Zumba to the Beginner

Zumba is very easy to follow. You can actually go through the different movements in a more fluid fashion compared to trying aerobics classes and other more sophisticated workouts. Zumba is good for individuals who stay in the beginner level because they simply do not enjoy exercising very much. It is vital that the music and experience itself remains fulfilling. The different types of dances and rhythms used in the sessions are excellent in the sense that these let people be themselves, worrying less about the steps and movements and feeling the music and getting in shape more.

Beginners are also not required to keep joining classes several times a week. You can join 2 to 3 sessions a week, with each class lasting one hour each. You should have had burned enough calories to keep you fit and trim, without you even realizing it. Zumba is a great opportunity for beginners to socialize and learn about culture. You get to appreciate the origins of the music and dances.

Things Required

There are no special requirements for the beginner. Just wear comfortable clothes and shoes for your Zumba workout. Drink a glass of water before starting and do some stretching if you haven't exercised in a while. Register beforehand or sign up after researching about the class you're interested in joining. Feel free to bring friends along. If you feel that you're getting better with the workouts faster than others, you may want to join workshops too.

These are intended to help you teach others Zumba. You get to receive other perks and benefits by joining and get to be part of a network.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Zumba Information

The Zumba has captured the hearts of many and has successfully helped hundreds of thousands of individuals all over the globe lose their extra pounds finally. You also get the benefit of keeping the pounds off through dedication and consistency. Knowing the details will help you understand the concept, as well as the proper ways of doing the Zumba.

On Interval Training

Zumba incorporates the interval training concept, wherein the entire workout goes from one routine to the next without stopping. The pace will change depending on the type of dance or musical influenced used. There will be no need for slowdown when moving from one constant motion to the next, so every individual can just go along with the flow. The steps are relatively easy to follow. Complete beginners and seniors can stay comfortable with the Zumba Gold, which does the routine at a more comfortable and easy pace. The same addictive music and dance steps are used, except that the pace tends to be slower. More time will be given in helping individuals get to know the steps.

More Cities

Zumba has spread all over United States and the world. It is one of the most popular in states like California, New York and Texas. International craze has also been on the rise in areas like Japan, Mexico and Europe. More and more individuals are getting hooked because of the unique approach of the program. Most beginners report that the steps are very easy to follow, plus they can focus more on fun and enjoying the music, instead of just mastering the steps. The fusion of different influences, plus the camaraderie are the best factors that eliminate workout boredom for good.

Becoming an Instructor

Thousands of individuals are now training or certified instructors of Zumba. There are workshops and seminars offered wherein people can be trained and become certified Zumba instructors. You get to receive materials and gain access to a network of instructors via the internet from all over the world. This way, you can enhance your knowledge and skills continually, plus get new contacts regardless of your location.

Losing Weight

Zumba is one of the best ways to losing weight. As opposed to other types of programs and workouts, Zumba takes away the boredom effectively since the dance steps are very entertaining, introducing the likes of the merengue, salsa and belly dance. There are also international education specialists who can further help individuals achieve the body they have always wanted. Zumba keeps your heart rate and breathing going steadily, and can burn as much as 450 calories in a single session.

Types of Zumba

There are generally 3 types, the Zumba Basic, Zumba Gold and Zumba Level 2. Zumba Basic is the most basic which incorporates different dances, most commonly Latin, into a continuous series of workouts. Zumba Gold is specifically designed to help the elderly and the physically incapacitated to cope with the various steps and moves. Zumba Level 2 is more advanced, using more sophisticated movements for a more intense workout and effective fat burn. You can start on either the Zumba Gold or Zumba Basic, depending on your current physical condition.

There are workshops available for each as well, should you decide to improve your skills or teach others how to lose weight the fun way.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Zumba Tips for the Beginner

Zumba is one of the easiest workouts to learn. You do not need any background in dance or fitness to get started. Even if you intend to teach, you may find that routines are quite easy to develop once you get the groove. Making the necessary preparations can greatly enhance your skill and talent, so you can easily move up the ranks in just a short span of time.

Getting Started

You may choose to watch a session or two first before joining, although most individuals can easily catch up even if they've seen and joined Zumba for the first time. It is advisable to wear loose and comfortable clothes that breathe and wick sweat off your skin. You can begin with a couple of layers on too, such as a sweatshirt or jacket. Later on, take off one or two layers as you warm up more. Wear the right kind of footwear with low treads. Cross trainers and aerobic dance shoes are ideal. These are the ones having the round pivot point on the ball of the foot. Running shoes are not very good since these have very strong traction.

The Right Mood

Join the Zumba class with a playful attitude. One of the main thrusts of the fitness program is to let you indulge and enjoy the music, so feel free to have fun and give out a yell once in a while as you feel the fat melt away. You do not need to master or follow the moves perfectly during your first few sessions. Feel the tunes and let loose. You can bring some friends to the class also, since Zumba is very enjoyable when done in big groups.

Do not worry so much if you can't learn the steps immediately. In most occasions, it takes about 2 to 3 classes before individuals really feel comfortable about the movements. Practice and consistency are the tools in letting your movements become more fluid over time. There are experts on hand who will help you get better in your form for maximum calorie burn. When exercising, keep your knees bent and the abdominal muscles tight through the entire session. Bent knees let you become looser in the hips, while the engaged abdominal muscles support the spine adequately.

Scope of the Class

Individuals of any age can join the Zumba class. Specifically, only those 18 years old and above are allowed to join workshops. 16 and 17-year olds may also join with special considerations. They have to secure a note from their parents or guardians, allowing them to join seminars. Young kids and seniors can receive the several benefits of the workout by joining the right class that caters to their needs and physical limitations. Zumba Gold is a special type of class that particularly targets older individuals and those with physical problems. Even people confined in wheelchairs can workout and get fit.

Upping the Intensity

Zumba takes on the principle of interval training, so expect to go through both slow and fast-paced dances and moves as the routine lasts from 45 to 60 minutes. You can burn anywhere between 450 to 800 calories per hour, depending on the intensity. You can increase the intensity of your movements to burn more fat and make workouts more effective.

Other beginners may choose to slow down and feel the groove first before deciding to increase the difficulty.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Zumba Workshop 101

If you want to become really good at Zumba and hopefully teach it to different individuals, you need to join some workshops. These are available in almost all states in America, as well as several other cities around the globe. Consistency and discipline is the key if you aim to become certified. Knowing the details and understanding what to expect are also essential.

Skills Needed

Do not worry so much about your current skills since everyone who joins the workshop is not expected to be much of an expert. However, there are some requirements needed to become a truly good and certified Zumba instructor. Dance background can help a lot since you need to immediately pick up the rhythm to teach other exercisers. Another thing that could help is having a background in teaching fitness and dance. Zumba is mainly taught using visual cues, since the program wants to let students listen and enjoy the music more.

Music can greatly motivate students to move, shake and have fun. It is very easy to teach visually. Teaching more will help you quickly signal the students that there are new steps arriving first. A number of teachers also use microphones present in health clubs for added verbal backup. Both visual and verbal methods are highly effective in teaching.

Where the Workshops Are

There are plenty of areas where you can have a Zumba workshop. In most cases, health clubs host Zumba classes, job openings and workshops all around the United States, as well as other countries. You can sign up immediately. There are also other places that require prior reservation. On the average, a workshop can last anywhere between 1 and 2 days. Expense in joining will be around $150 to $300 or more, depending on the instructor, venue and lesson.

If you intend to hold your very own workshops, other ideal places include dance or yoga studies, yacht clubs and community centers. You may rent the space or get one of your own, provided that you already have a strong following. You can actually have a workout almost anywhere. It is ideal, however, to have someplace with mirrors so you can watch your movements.

The Next Level

Aside from Zumba Basic and Zumba Gold, there is also Zumba Basic Steps level 2. It is a new workshop which includes concentrating and learning 4 basic steps namely the Samba, Flamenco, Tango and Belly Dancing. Although several Zumba instructors already include these dances in their programs, the workshop provides more time and focus to the rhythms and backup the formula, so that individuals can take on the next level of Zumba.

The first few workshops generally concentrate on style, professionalism, teaching tips and techniques. Some of the inclusions when joining the workshop are the Basic Steps Level 2 music CD, a Level 2 instructor manual, a review DVD and a certificate or completion. ACE and AFAA trainers get to have CEUs and CECs for joining Zumba workshops.

Final Tips

Pre-registration is highly recommended among those who plan to join the Zumba workshops. New techniques, steps and other freebies may be available if you check the web site. Payment may be through credit card, check or cash, depending on the host. Sold-out workshops usually do not allow any walk-ins to ensure quality and safety.

Friday, April 9, 2010

All About Zumba Gold

Zumba has taken the world by storm and is now a favorite among millions of individuals. Since it aims to help you get fit, stay entertained and improve your moves, Zumba shows to be truly versatile and useful in a variety of occasions. The entrance of Zumba Gold focuses more on senior individuals who want to retain their active and vibrant life for years to come.

Introducing Zumba Gold

Zumba Gold is a fitness course specifically designed for the active older population, as well as a deconditioner for beginners. The program gives exercisers a full, safe and effective body workout. The program is still highly inspired by Latin and international dance rhythms. Seniors can come and workout wearing loose and comfortable clothes, plus aerobic dance shoes. Lessons usually last an hour. Depending on the place and organizers, exercisers will have to register before joining or freely enter.

The Zumba Gold is ideal for individuals who are not used to exercising or have stopped physical activity for several years. It is also good for complete beginners and those who have limited physical capabilities. The main difference between Zumba Basic and Zumba Gold is the lower intensity done with the latter. Both are just as fun, with the same steps and Latin rhythm incorporated.

What to Expect

The Zumba Gold program is very easy to follow, since it aims to let individuals of any age exercise without any worries. The dances included in the program are the salsa cha cha, meringue, rock & rock, salsa, cumbia, twist and Charleston, flamenco, belly dance and tango. There is also another Zumba Gold program that involves a chair workout for those who are bound to a wheelchair or live very sedentary lifestyles. The program is very useful for individuals who remain in short and long term care facilities and those in assisted living conditions.

Zumba Gold plans to target the baby boomer population, who are now getting older. These individuals are approximately between the age of 50 and 65 today. The population is expected to double within the next 30 to 35 years so the fitness program will continue to cater to the needs of the elderly. Individuals living longer can also benefit from the program.

Happy Customers

Hundreds of thousands of clients claim the several positive effects of Zumba Gold. There are individuals who have stopped exercising for over 10 years, realizing the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. The workshop provided in the area lasted only 1 day, together with ZES or Zumba Educational Specialist Instructors and other internationally popular fitness trainers that is part of the Zumba Gold Development Team. The workshop started with a Zumba Gold Master Class. There were also a lot of free items and materials like the Zumba Gold manual, Zumba Gold soundtrack CD and snacks. Instructors present for the first time also received 4 DVDs.

For the Seniors

The soundtrack CD featured different songs, depending on the course of the routine. There are warm up tracks, class tracks and cool down tracks. The class gets shorter if there are only a limited number of participants. The workshop also covers a variety of topics such as psychology, physiology and the benefits of Zumba Gold.

Other inclusions and activities are the monitoring of the intensity of exercises, instructor safety tips and leadership and education skills. There are also recommendations for teaching Zumba Gold the right way via drills and techniques. Seniors can expect improvement in their quality of life and maintenance of functional skills that will let them cope with daily activities.