Zumba, the Latin Inspired Fitness Party

Most people have heard of Zumba, but you may have no idea what it is. Since its introduction to the US in 1999 and its inception in 2001 Zumba has swept the world and become one of the most recognizable cardio fitness routines available. So what is Zumba? Zumba is a Latin inspired dance fitness program that disguises exercise as fun. They don’t call it a fitness party for nothing. This high-energy dance phenomenon not only slims down the body by burning calories and fat but also encourages people to free their inhibitions to dance.

Zumba was actually created totally by accident. Its creator Alberto “Beto” Perez, who is a dancer and choreographer, was teaching an aerobic class in Columbia and forgot his music. Instead he used his own music, which included salsa and merengue. Miraculously the people loved it and Alberto revolutionized fitness from there on. From its initial success in Columbia, Zumba is now in 125 countries worldwide. It’s available in gyms, on TV, on DVD, and video game format.

The reason that Zumba has become such a huge success is because it’s easy to follow, fun, exhilarating and effective at burning calories and who doesn’t like to dance? Zumba’s choreography incorporated hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, martial arts, bollywood, and even belly dancing. That’s not to say that there are no aerobic elements. Commonly known fitness moves include squats, lunges, head rolls and shoulder rolls. Zumba routines typically last 45 minutes, which alternate between fast and slow rhythms in order to, burn calories. Movements work against your own body resistance to tone and sculpt muscles. Zumba workouts will tough every muscle and joint in the body so you get a complete workout.

There are a total of six different types of Zumba classes to incorporate all age ranges. If you want a fun easy, effective, total body workout, then its time you tried Zumba.