Zumba is the latest fitness craze in the USA and around the world. The name "Zumba" is a Colombian word, which means, "move fast and have fun". The dance/workout is a combination of African, Caribbean and Latin dance styles, interspersed with aerobic moves. It is often called "an exercise in disguise" because it provides the absolute enjoyment of dancing with the results of a good workout.
Beginning Zumba workouts include a variety of steps from dance styles such as Hip Hop, Mambo, Soca, Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia and Reggaeton, while more advanced sessions include African dance, Samba, Tango, Flamenco, Cha Cha and belly dance moves, along with squats and lunges. It is all about dancing fun, while moving your body to the beat. The dance routines focus on abs, arms, gluts and legs, and provide an aerobic workout for heart health as well.
Zumba was created by choreographer Alberto Beto Perez in 1986. The beginning of the whole Zumba dance craze started when Beto forgot to take his aerobics dance tape to his class and used the cassettes he had in his backpack for the session. He instructed the class with improvised dance routines according to the traditional Latin, salsa and merengue music. This accident had a happy ending, as evidenced by the immense popularity of Zumba around the world.
Since it was a success in Columbia, he moved to USA in 2001 and introduced Zumba to the Americans while teaming up with Alberto Perlman and COO Alberto Aghion. Fitness Quest took the initiative to further develop the concept, also creating a direct marketing campaign and home videos as well.
This Latin-inspired dance workout has spread across the globe. It is an incredibly successful fitness program in more than 125 countries; Zumba classes are conducted in over 110,000 locations worldwide. More than 12 million people enjoy Zumba workouts in classes each week, which makes it one of the most popular dance/fitness routines ever.
Zumba is a thrilling exercise program, typically held in a party atmosphere. That helps it stand out from traditional fitness routines, which can be boring with their ho-hum music and repetitive movements. The rocking rhythms of this dance help the participants enjoy the process, keeping them energized until the end of class, where they end up sweaty and breathless (having completed a full workout while having fun!).
Zumba has become popular for a variety of reasons:
- First and foremost, it's fun!
- It's intense -- participants burn a lot of calories
- It provides an excellent aerobic workout
- It can be followed by anyone, regardless of age
- The moves are so easy that even a person who cannot dance can learn them
Zumba has become one of the most popular ways of getting a great workout. The whole body is toned with the use of resistance training and intervals, providing a perfect workout physically, while relaxing the mind and soul spiritually. So, join the party and experience the difference of Zumba.
