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.