What Is Better: Zumba or Kettlebells?

Once you've had enough of feeling overweight and sluggish, your next order of business is to pick a workout to help you get in shape. Although you have a variety of choices at your disposal, workouts such as Zumba and training with kettlebells are appealing. Each workout has specific benefits, and while neither exercise is fundamentally superior to the other, one might cater more to your fitness goals.

  1. Zumba

    • Zumba is a fast-paced, dance-style workout that is prevalent at many gyms and fitness centers. Part dance, part up-tempo aerobics, this exercise relies on an instructor and upbeat music to help you elevate your heart rate and oxygen consumption as you burn calories. If your primary fitness goal is losing weight by burning fat, Zumba is an ideal choice. According to HealthStatus, a person who weighs 155 pounds will burn 418 calories during a 45-minute Zumba class. Taking multiple Zumba classes per week can help you create the calorie deficit needed to build a leaner body.

    Kettlebells

    • Kettlebells are an alternative to traditional free weights such as dumbbells and barbells, and their handled design allows you to perform a long list of exercises with them, including plyometrics. Traditional weightlifting isn't an effective way to burn calories; HealthStatus notes a 155-pound person will burn only 181 calories in 45 minutes of lifting weights. However, if you tailor your approach with kettlebells to mimic high-intensity interval training by employing snatches and swings, you'll burn considerably more calories.

    Zumba Benefits

    • As you move in time with the music at a Zumba class, you might have so much fun that you forget you're working out. Despite the entertaining side of the workout, the American Council on Exercise reports it's an effective way to get in shape. An ACE study found Zumba participants will experience an elevated heart rate during the class and the use of many major muscle groups. As such, choosing Zumba as your workout of choice is ideal whether you wish to lose weight or maintain your athletic physique.

    Kettlebell Benefits

    • If you use kettlebells to perform traditional strength-training exercises such as shrugs and curls, you'll receive several benefits. MayoClinic.com notes benefits of strength training include stronger bone density and increased stamina. However, if you perform your kettlebell workout at a quick tempo, the ACE reports the workout can boost your heart rate at a considerably higher rate than standard weight training. By employing this strategy, a kettlebell workout can be ideal for people who wish to lose fat and build muscle.