Zumba Fitness Versus P90X

Zumba and P90X are two very different workout programs. One brands itself as a fun way to work out with dance and Latin music, while the other is as a high-intensity workout that challenges users to "bring it!" Both programs have fitness benefits, but you'll need to decide which best suits your needs and abilities.

  1. Workouts

    • Zumba is a dance-inspired, cardio-intensive workout program. The workouts are intended to be fun and are set to latin music. P90X, on the other hand, features both cardio and strength-training routines. Rather than dance focused, the cardio workouts are inspired by martial arts and plyometrics. While the original Zumba program doesn't involve strength training, some variations of the program incorporate this aspect into the workouts. For instance, Zumba Toning incorporates lightweight resistance training and Zumba in the Circuit is a circuit-training routine, as the name would suggest.

    Format

    • P90X is primarily known as an at-home workout program. The workouts are available on DVDs you can use in the comfort of your own home. Zumba, on the other hand, is better known as a class that's available at gyms. Both programs are, however, available in other formats. There are gym-based P90X classes you can take and Zumba is also available as a home DVD. It can even be performed as a video game for the Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Wii gaming systems.

    Calories

    • The number of calories you burn with any workout will vary depending on your weight and the intensity at which you perform it, but according to Zumba's "Great Calorie Drive," an average one-hour class will burn 750 calories. Research by the American council on Exercise found that the calorie burn varies between P90X workouts. The study found that the "Chest, Shoulders and Triceps" routine burned the fewest calories, at 378 on average, while the "Plyometrics" workout burned the most at an average of 631.

    Fitness Level

    • According to Shape magazine, Zumba is appropriate for people of all fitness levels. Zumba workouts allow you to exercise at your desired intensity level, based on your ability. P90X, however, is not designed for everyone. According to the "P90X Fitness Guide" the program is an extreme program for people who are already in decent shape. The guide recommends that you only attempt the program if you can successfully pass the fitness test included in the guide. Before starting either program you should consult a physician to see if it's right for you.