Zumba Exercises

Zumba exercises are the brainchild of Beto Perez, a Latin aerobics instructor from Columbia. In 1999, Perez brought the dance inspired workout routines to the United States where he created a company to train instructors and provide classes. Zumba is different from other aerobic classes, because its focus is to burn calories by using Latin dance moves. Find out how you can melt off the weight by dancing the Zumba.

  1. Zumba Exercises

    • Zumba exercises were inspired by the dance moves of salsa, reggaeton, mambo, flamenco, rumba and hip-hop. Classes start off with muscle-warming exercises set to a fast pace by Latin music. Instructors add more and more movements as the routine progresses. Each routine starts with basic steps and arm work. As the music speeds up, these steps are altered to incorporate more difficult moves. The heart rate is sped up and slowed down to maximize weight loss as part of interval training. Core muscle groups are used during the workouts to tone and strengthen. Classes are rarely held the same way each time, because instructors are encouraged to use some of their own dance moves to mix up the routines. Some Zumba classes are specifically tailored to its audience. For example, classes held in senor citizen centers are slowed down. Bring water to a Zumba class, because the music rarely stops for you to grab a drink.

    Zumba Educational DVDs

    • Learning the Zumba can be done in the comfort of home. At zumba.com, you can pick from the Zumbatonic box set or Total Body Transformation System DVD set. Zumbatomic is a kid-friendly workout DVD that designed for children ages 4 to 11. The package comes with one musical CD, three DVDs, a comic book and stickers. Incorporate your kids when working out They will burn off excess energy and stay in shape while you lose weight. For adults, purchase the Total Body Transformation DVD set. This set comes with DVDs focusing on the Zumba basics, a 20-minute routine, abdominal workout, and a fast cardio workout. In addition, two Zumba toning sticks come with the package. Get accustomed to the basics prior to starting the more-advanced DVDs. Set aside a couple of days a week to start off. You may feel sore after trying out some of the moves, so it's better to start off slowly. Practice and try to have fun.

    Finding a Class

    • Zumba Fitness has designed workshops and classes that certify teachers. According to the New York Times, 3.5 million Zumba DVDs have been sold and 20,000 instructors worldwide teach it. To find a class or an authorized instructor, visit the website and type in your location. Many gyms and recreation centers advertise Zumba classes, but make sure the instructor has been certified by the organization.