Want to lose weight but tired of the same old boring routine? Do you want to not only lose weight but improve your rhythm as well? Did you know 14 million people do Zumba?
Rightfully so, since not only is it fun and engaging, but it also offers many other benefits to Zumba. Ditch that boring routine for energetic and lively Zumba.
Read on to discover the many amazing benefits of Zumba.
Table of Contents
How It Works
Grooving and dancing to the beat feels more like a party than a workout, and that’s what makes it so popular.
1. Full-Body Workout
If you’re looking for a full-body workout look no further, Zumba has you covered! Zumba is a combination of salsa and aerobics, so as long as you’re moving you’re getting the health benefits of Zumba!
When you’re moving during Zumba, it’s working your shoulders, arms, all the way to your feet and you’ll have fun while doing it! Who said working out has to be work?
2. Burns Calories
Did you know that just 39 minutes of Zumba burns an average of 9.5 calories per minute? That’s approximately 369 calories per class! If you’re looking to burn the weight off and maintain a healthy weight, Zumba should be part of your routine!
3. Builds Endurance
Another one of the health benefits of Zumba is you can increase your endurance during a Zumba class since you’re moving quickly to the music. You don’t build as much endurance in strength training as you do with Zumba.
When you’re in a Zumba class you’re moving to the beat long-term which leads to increased endurance.
4. Improves Posture
Do you find yourself slouching especially after a long day at your desk? Zumba benefits your posture since it combines many different forms of dance together. This unique range of motion it targets will also help flexibility as well.
5. It’s Social
Zumba dance benefits include the social interaction of it. When you join a class they’re other people involved, and you’ll be welcomed into that group.
It has also been found that those who work out in groups tend to experience lower stress, improved mood, and a decrease in anxiety and depression.
6. Heart Healthy
According to Harvard, Zumba is a moderate exercise that benefits heart health. You want an exercise that you can socialize with others in 4 or 5 breaths, but not carry on a whole conversation. If you can carry on a whole conversation during a workout, it’s not considered moderate exercise.
Harvard Health also says it’s considered a great workout for many age ranges.
7. Improved Quality of Life
Not only is Zumba a great workout, but it combines social and emotional benefits as well.
If you’d like to learn more about how dancing can improve your quality of life, click this link.
8. Improves Cognitive Function
Research says that Zumba promotes new neural pathways which can enhance cognitive function.
Cognitive function includes:
- Decision-making
- Spatial and visual recognition
- Memory recall
9. Stress Relief
Zumba dance benefits also include stress relief and elevating one’s mood. This occurs because of the stimulation of serotonin. As with many exercises, it releases endorphins in your body which promotes happiness.
Zumba Routine Do’s and Don’ts
Showing up to Zumba and getting all of the health benefits of it are important, but you’ll want to show up prepared as well for the maximum benefit. First, you’ll want to wear the right shoes so you can move freely.
You’ll want to wear shoes that support your arch, movement, and flexibility. You’ll want to avoid running shoes for Zumba.
You’ll also want to make sure to keep yourself hydrated! You’ll be moving quickly and work up a sweat easily which leads to thirst. Make sure to bring a water bottle with you to stay hydrated, and take a drink throughout the class.
Lastly, be aware of your body. Don’t push yourself beyond your limit just because you want to keep up with others. If you start feeling like you need to slow down or stop, listen to your body.
As you go you’ll build your endurance and will be able to go longer without stopping just like any other exercise.
Zumba Can Be High-Impact
Zumba can be high-impact, so like any exercise if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or osteoporosis talk with your doctor before beginning. Zumba is considered an interval workout which means it can quickly range from low to high impact.
Keep these in mind for Zumba class safety:
- If you have high blood pressure, osteoporosis, asthma, emphysema, kidney disease, heart disease, arthritis, or any other illness talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise.
- Zumba can be high-impact at times including bouncing, jumping around, and other quick movements. If your range of motion doesn’t allow high-impact movements, talk with your doctor before beginning.
- If you’re in the older generation or have bone problems of any sort you might be more prone to tripping and falling because of how quickly you’re moving.
Reap the Benefits of Zumba
In this guide, you learned all about the benefits of Zumba! From strength and flexibility to mental clarity and relaxation, Zumba has you covered. You learned that your dream of finally shedding off those pounds while enjoying your workout is entirely possible.
What are you waiting for? Join a Zumba class today and go after your dream goals and shed some pounds.
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