Let me guess…. someone you know has been begging you to join their Zumba class. It’s not too shocking. This workout has absolutely taken the world by storm. More and more people are signing up for these high-energy, calorie-burning classes. So, what exactly is Zumba and can it help you dance yourself fit? Let’s find out!

 

Zumba: The Basics

 

Okay, so you’ve heard a lot of people talking about Zumba, but what exactly does this workout entail? Think movement and dance. Yes, Zumba is all about making working out as fun and enjoyable as possible. It mixes simple dance moves with Latin music (and even some top 40 songs now and again.) You can expect to do cardio intervals that are packed with dance moves. Think salsa, the cha cha, hip-hop, and merengue. The most important thing is not that you’re getting the moves right, it’s about moving!

 

Why is Zumba so popular? Alberto “Beto” Perez, a personal trainer for some of the hottest celebrities, created this popular workout. His focus was on blending cardio with a bit of fun. Not only can you let off some steam with a good dance but you can also become more toned and lose weight.

 

How Zumba Helps You Lose Weight

This high-energy workout can help you stay in shape without feeling like you’re working too hard. That’s right – if you love to dance, it probably will feel more fun than strenuous. Plus with just 3 or 4 simple moves repeated throughout a song, anyone can keep up. But how exactly does it help you lose weight?

Zumba is an aerobic dance workout. It gets your heart rate pumping, works all different muscle groups, and helps to tone up your abs at the same time. This combination of cardio and strength can help you burn up to 350 calories in just one class. It doesn’t just help you lose weight though. This exercise also improves your overall health. With more energy, lower cholesterol, improved blood circulation, and reduced stress…this is one effective workout.

 

Is Zumba Right For You?

 

Even though Zumba is gaining in popularity every day, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll love it. If you take a class, keep in mind there will be plenty of other people around you! If you’re a shy person by nature, you may not feel comfortable jumping around and shaking what you’ve got. Try going with a group of friends to ease your way into it. Otherwise, you can try a Zumba workout DVD by yourself at home. It is also important to keep in mind that this is all about dance and high-energy. If you’d rather lift weights and do squats, this may not be the best fit for your needs. Give it a try and see what you think. It can’t hurt!

Are you ready to dance yourself fit? Then it may be time to think about Zumba. Sign up for a class or do it at home. The most important thing is to let go, have fun, and keep moving. You never know – you may actually start looking forward to your next workout.