Working out to Latin beats add up to a fitter you
What is this Zumba which has taken the fitness world by storm? Simply put, Zumba is a dance-fitness party created in the 1990s by a Colombian fitness instructor who, as the story goes, was due to give an aerobics class and instead of his usual music, popped in some Latin music CDs into his stereo – and a new craze was born.
These days, you’ll find Zumba classes – led by Zumba-certified fitness instructors – at workout centres in more than 180 countries. There are Zumba classes for kids, the aged, and everyone in between, with varying levels of ability.
Moving to the music
Zumba classes typically last for one hour (60 minutes). As to the music style, it’s upbeat, featuring classic Latin styles such as mambo, salsa and merengue, mixed here and there with hip-hop and the newly popular reggaeton. The routine sometimes includes elements of martial arts and kickboxing.
You’ll be put through different intensity levels during the hour long session. The pace and movements are varied and matched to the rhythm of the music, which is beneficial so different muscles are used in different sequence, making the workout ultra effective. You’ll build strength and increase your ene