Muscles Worked

The dance moves are incorporated into different aerobic moves like lunges and squats. Besides the obvious benefits of fat burning that comes from the fast-paced cardiovascular workout that leaves you breathless while also strengthening the heart, Zumba also works various muscles groups in the body.

Every single move aims to build strength and lean muscle in moves that are perfectly coordinated to blood pumping music.

Lunges And Footwork

Zumba incorporates body rolls and hip shakes, along with lunges and intricate footwork, all of which blend together perfectly to comprehensively work the core and lower body muscles.

It is truly a total body aerobic workout. Good for weight loss and good for building lean muscle mass. You will likely see a six-pack peeking through on your core after a few classes.

Muscle Groups Worked Include:

• Hamstrings • Quadriceps • Glutes • And virtually all the large and small muscle groups of the body

Classes Today in Zumba

Instructors in Zumba are first licensed by Zumba Fitness, LLC, and then teach hour-long programs that incorporate both slow and fast rhythms, squats, lunges, and resistance training. The music mostly used is Latin dance, although there is some hip-hop and other musical styles incorporated into the dance routines.

The dance routines keep people going almost nonstop for a fun and entertaining exercise style that rivals many other aerobics class routines. There is even a Zumba Gold program for the elderly that uses routines and styles of aerobics that are more appropriate for people with less vitality and flexibility.

[Photo c/o JBLM MWR [] Creative Commons ]

How To Get Started With Zumba

After checking with your doctor to be sure this type of intensive training is appropriate for you, you can do Zumba in a number of ways. Gyms, community centers, and private fitness studios offer Zumba classes. These options mean you go to a live class that will include an instructor and members. Another option is to purchase a Zumba DVD and participate it in the privacy of your home.

If you find it difficult to complete a full hour session don’t get discouraged, many work up to the full hour and see impressive body changes as their fitness level rises.

Other Types of Zumba Programsz

• Another program derived from the original Zumba program is Zumba Step. This latest Zumba program is primarily titrated to work on the gluteal and leg muscles. • Zumba Toning is also offered, which utilizes toning sticks to help work out the abdominals, thighs and arms, in particular. Zumba Toning is a great program for people who want to sculpt lean and strong bodies. • Aqua Zumba is held in a pool and is easier on the joints when compared to other Zumba programs.

What about you?

If you are a Zumba success story, share your experience here.