Zumba is a fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Zumba routines incorporate interval training, alternating fast and slow rhythms to help improve cardiovascular fitness.
Zumba is an aerobic activity that can count toward the amount of aerobic activity recommended for most healthy adults by the Department of Health and Human Services.
As the story goes, Zumba as founded by Perez in Cali, Colombia, Perez, an aerobics instructor, forgot to get his regular music to his aerobic class. He happened to have tapes of Latin dance music – salsa and meringue and danced to them instead. Later Perez taught the workout as Rumbacize. He partnered with Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion and the trio released a series of fitness videos. Insight Venture Partners made an investment in 2012. The company expanded into class instruction and by 2015, there were 14 million Zumba students in 186 countries.
Zumba choreography is composed using all or some of the sixteen core steps. There are four basic rhythms : salsa, reggaeton, meringue and cumbia.
The guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. But even small amounts of physical activity are helpful. Being active for short periods of time throughout the day can add up to provide health benefits.
Aerobic exercise can reduce health risks, help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your heart and boost your mood. If you enjoy Zumba, you’re also more likely to do it regularly and experience its benefits as an aerobic exercise.
As with any exercise, if a certain movement or position hurts, try to modify the workout to avoid the activities that are painful.
