Zumba: Why Is It So Popular?

In this article we tell you everything you need to know about “Zumba”: a form of exercise that allows you  to burn up to 800 calories in one hour. But why is it so popular?

You have probably seen this form of exercise on posters at the gym or heard that someone goes to this exercise.

What is Zumba and why is it so popular?

Zumba is an exercise that combines different types of dance, such as salsa, merengue, mambo, reggaeton, etc.

The classes are based on aerobic choreographies that not only allow you to lose weight, but also reduce stress and improve balance and coordination.

• This modern form of exercise has its origins in Colombia, one of the most popular Latin American countries. In Zumba classes, you can listen to all kinds of rhythms combined with each other and that match their respective choreographies.
• Furthermore, this exercise tones the muscles and allows you to burn 500 to 800 calories per session (about an hour).

The word “zumba” comes from another word that is widely used among Colombians: “rumba”, which means “fiesta” or “party”.

• The creator of this exercise is Alberto “Beto” Pérez , who is a training instructor.
• Zumba has recently reached other countries, although Beto created this form of exercise in the late 90’s when he decided to “spice up” his classes by adding Latin music.

This form of exercise was first introduced to the United States in early 2001, and many celebrities such as Shakira, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna promoted it. From there it spread to Europe and the rest of Latin America.

What does Zumba look like?

You do not have to physically prepare for Zumba; nor do you need to have taken dance classes before.

However, you must keep in mind that the risk of injury is present, and the progression of the class depends on the songs chosen by the instructor.

In most cases , faster beats are combined with slower ones.

Zumba is more popular among women. Furthermore, the training is both intense and dynamic, although it may seem as if it is just “dancing”.

Each class lasts between 50 and 60 minutes (but you can do a half-hour express mode). The session starts with a warm-up, and continues with a combination of exercises to mostly Latin music.

This type of training provides benefits in the long run.

• By dancing salsa, merengue or bachata, you burn calories, eliminate stress, and put your problems aside.
• Music is the special “ingredient” in the classes, since each song has a choreography that makes the exercise less boring.
• The rhythms are very fast paced and the steps are “catchy”. In each class you can strengthen your muscles, improve your heart rate, sweat and have fun.

What types of Zumba exist?

There are different ways to do the most popular form of exercise in recent times. Each one is designed for a specific group of participants and purposes:

Zumbatomic

These classes are for children and consist of special choreographies and music (according to age).

The routines are easy to follow, and the little ones not only have fun, but also want to:

• Be more attentive.
• Gain more confidence.
• Improve their coordination.

Zumba Gold

The difference between these classes and “normal” Zumba classes is that the tempo and rhythms are modified.

In addition, the movements are adapted to the needs of the participants (who are usually older).

The songs are still salsa, reggaeton and merengue, but at a slower tempo.

Aqua Zumba

These classes are a real “pool party”. In addition to offering the physical benefits of the traditional classes, this type of Zumba will add to the difficulty of making movements in the water.

The goal is to achieve better results, or to take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of water.

Zumba Toning

This is the most advanced alternative to traditional classes. The exercises in each session are designed to increase heart capacity and muscular endurance.

Participants use special maracas to mark times and movements. This program also has specific exercises to burn fat.

Zumba Gold Toning

This program combines fun and de-stressing zumba movements with strength training.

• It begins with a routine of low intensity and exciting rhythms, and gradually increases intensity and speed.
• In addition , it increases muscle endurance and bone density, as well as improves posture and coordination. The program also strengthens joints.

Zumba Circuit

• This session lasts for 30 minutes and combines high-intensity dance steps and tasks at fixed intervals.
• The session is perfect for burning calories, increasing endurance and improving metabolism.

Zumba Sentao

This is one of the most modern programs. Participants do the exercises and choreography while sitting on a chair. This form of exercise improves participants’ center of gravity, stabilizes the body and strengthens cardiovascular health.

Zumba and CrossFit: two exercises that are popular now

Although they are different forms of exercise, both have had the honor of being the selected exercises in gyms and studios.

Both forms of exercise can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety levels.
• Increase the feeling of happiness by releasing endorphins.
• Help participants lose weight.
• Tone the body.

Many people choose to do an exercise routine that combines both exercises (for example, twice a week each). Zumba is more aerobic and recreational, while CrossFit is meant to build muscle and increase endurance.