Zumba: What Are The Health Benefits?

You may have heard about Zumba, but had no clue what it was about. It’s a Latin-style form of fitness dance which has been gaining popularity very quickly. It was created by “Beto” Perez, and now has thousands of instructors across the country. Designed for people of all sorts of abilities and fitness levels, it’s a feel-good workout set to funky Latin beats.

Fat and Calorie Blasting

Zumba focuses on aerobic and interval training, which is optimal for burning calories. There is also a large focus on toning, so even beginners trying to get their heads around the steps will have that post-workout feeling in the morning. Depending on your weight and fitness, Zumba burns between 400-600 calories per hour.

Full Body Workout

If you want to tighten up hips, thighs, and abs, Zumba is perfect. But Zumba is also fantastic for working the entire body, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself going from Latin dance to doing push-ups and squats to slim you down everywhere.


Flexibility

Classes involve warm-ups and cool-downs to increase flexibility. Increased flexibility makes it less likely for any injuries to occur.

Everyone is Invited

These days it’s hard to find a gym that doesn’t offer a Zumba class. There are no one-to-one lessons, you just jump right in! It is safe for any age group and improves your cardiovascular health. Your cardiovascular system comprises of your heart, your veins, and your arteries. A poor cardiovascular system can induce shortness of breath and fatigue; worst case scenario, it can mean heart attacks.

Another great benefit is increased co-ordination. The steps are simple and easy to master. Anyone who feels that learning choreography is not their strong point will thrive in Zumba classes.

Dance is considered a universal language, and instructors are encouraged to do-away with words and use gestures to signal what they want, so people of any nationality can join in.

Teaching Zumba, as well as being fantastic for fitness, is a great opportunity to engage with other people and improve their health. Nuffield Health Careers invite Zumba enthusiasts to consider developing a career in fitness instruction so the benefits of Latin dance can reach increasing amounts of people.

Feel-Good Factor

Endorphins flood your brain when you exercise. They are sometimes called ‘happy chemicals’ or feel-good hormones’ – they basically make you smile. Dancing, in particular, is often prescribed to those suffering from clinical depression.

Everyone has been on that exercise regime that fell through. People are more likely to come back to something fun like dance, rather than jump on a treadmill for a 30 minute workout. Zumba is something to look forward to, and ensures you have a steady workout schedule that you stick with, lasting between 45-60 minutes per session.

It’s also great for social interaction. As a group session, meeting at least once a week, you’ll get to meet new people and make friends in your area. That way you have others there to keep you motivated to meet your fitness goals.

And who knows? Maybe you can try out some of your new, Latin moves next time you hit the dancefloor!