What does zumba do

Zumba doesn't make unrealistic claims about calorie burn or the potential for weight loss or strength gains. Instead, their marketing focuses on improving fitness in a fun way that helps enhance how you feel every day—and more than delivers on those fronts. The literature is clear that Zumba can provide cardiovascular benefits, but the jury is out on whether there are significant benefits to flexibility and strength.

Unless you're taking Zumba classes, such as Strong by Zumba, that specifically incorporate strength-training moves as a primary component of the workout, you shouldn't view Zumba as a well-rounded general fitness class.

In addition to taking two to three Zumba classes a week, you may want to add a few strength training and flexibility activities to your schedule as well. Consider trying a minute strength circuit followed by a minute stretching session on days you're not doing Zumba. Zumba is considered a generally safe fitness activity, but because all physical activity carries inherent risk, you should think about your own physical health before diving into a program. If you have a known lower-extremity injury, or if you have a history of ankle or knee problems , talk to your doctor before trying Zumba, or start with a lower-impact version of the program, such as Zumba Gold or Aqua Zumba.

And if you're brand-new to dance choreography, don't overdo it and push yourself too hard. Give yourself time to master the movements at your own pace. Moving quickly or without coordination can lead to an increased risk of injury. Zumba is a fun, effective dance workout that is a good option for people who enjoy upbeat music and an energetic group exercise environment. Here's how it compares to other similar classes.

Jazzercise is the original dance-fitness class that took the world by storm in the s and s. While it experienced a bit of a resurgence in the s, Jazzercise has yet to return to the popularity of its heyday. That said, like Zumba, it offers choreographed dance moves to upbeat music in a fun, group environment.

If you want the atmosphere of Zumba, but you don't feel comfortable with the booty-shaking vigor of Zumba's dance choreography, Jazzercise might be a mellower option for you. BUTI Yoga is a workout that combines high-intensity exercise with African dance-inspired choreography and yoga flows.

The nice thing about BUTI is that it really does hit all the bases for general fitness—you'll develop strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. The program is also available online and through independent instructors at gyms and fitness centers, so you can access classes pretty much wherever you are.

That said, the movements are less appropriate for a general audience, making it more suitable for healthy adults with a solid baseline of fitness, rather than an older audience or those with known health issues or injuries. Barre fitness classes are highly popular programs most often available at boutique fitness studios. These workouts tend to be focused more on flexibility , muscular endurance , and core strength , and less on cardiovascular fitness.

The movements are slower and more controlled, and while the classes are choreographed, you're not trying to keep up with a series of fast-paced steps. Barre workouts may be a good supplement to Zumba, as strength and flexibility are a greater focus. They're also considered a low-impact workout which can be a good option for beginners or those with known lower-extremity injuries. Zumba provides a fun and positive workout experience with options appropriate for almost all ages and ability levels.

There's a lot of independent research to support the efficacy of the program and not much to detract from its potential benefits. However, if you don't like dancing, fast-paced choreography, or Latin-inspired music, Zumba might not be a good fit for you.

But if you're looking for an addictively fun, high-energy group dance workout set to upbeat music, Zumba is a great one to try. Get exercise tips to make your workouts less work and more fun. Health benefits of Zumba fitness training: A systematic review.

Araneta MR, Tanori D. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. A survey of musculoskeletal injuries associated with Zumba. Hawaii J Med Public Health. An 8-week exercise intervention based on Zumba improves aerobic fitness and psychological well-being in healthy women. J Phys Act Health. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellFit. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Original Zumba. Types of Classes. How It Works. Your dancing and moving at varying speeds, so it is only natural that you improve your cardiovascular health with sustained Zumba classes.

Closely related to 4, Zumba makes you move and dance around for an extended period of time, which will do wonders for body-toning, especially if you continue with weekly Zumba classes. Everything will look a little sharper! Dancing naturally improves your coordination. As such, as you continue to take Zumba classes, your footwork and ability to follow the routine will improve in time.

As you dance, your brain will release endorphins that will make you feel happy and exuberant! Not only will Zumba dancing release mood-altering endorphins, but as you continue to dance, you will also tone your body see 6 above , which will make you feel more confident with how you look. Exercising naturally helps speed up your metabolism, which will help with any weight-loss goals. Products and services.

I've heard friends talk about Zumba. What does it involve, and is it an effective workout? Answer From Edward R. With Edward R. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again.

Show references Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed July 8, Vendramin B, et al. Health benefits of Zumba fitness training: A systematic review. Cugusi L, et al. Zumba fitness and women's cardiovascular health: A systematic review.

Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention. Laskowski ER expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

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