ZUMBA — DANCE FITNESS FOR ALL!

What is Zumba fitness?

Zumba fitness is a Latin American dance-based cardio workout. It incorporates music and dance moves from salsa, cha-cha-cha, rumba. Although Zumba is mainly inspired by Latin American dances, it can also blend in any other beats – from jazz to African, from hip-hop to pop music.

Since its creation in the mid-90s by Alberto Perez, the Zumba program reached 10 million followers in more than 90,000 locations and in more than 110 countries. Over the years, Zumba fitness classes have expanded greatly and now they even include special kids programs (Zumbatomic) and elderly programs (Zumba Gold), together with aqua classes (Aqua Zumba), body shaping classes (Zumba Toning) and weight loss circuit training classes (Zumba in the Circuit). There are also Zumba DVDs and interactive video games.

Who is Zumba suitable for?

Indeed, Zumba is for those who can get up and dance. And “dance” is a very liberal term here, because you don’t need any special dance experience or skills. People of all ages, shapes and sizes are welcome to Zumba fitness classes. If you like fun music and dancing, this class is for you.

What to expect during Zumba training?

Most Zumba sessions are 1-hour long. They begin with an energetic warm up and end with static exercises and stretching. Training is divided into few parts that use different songs and different dance comboes.

Although many of the dance moves that the teachers use in their classes are native Zumba choreography, instructors often add their own moves and dance series, as well as they can create totally new sequencing to their favourite songs.

Unlike other aerobic classes, Zumba uses different parts of a song, such as a chorus or a specific phrase or even a certain beat to form the basis for its choreography.

Zumba is also unique in that its instructors say very little. Instead, they use gestures to show which direction to move, or clap loudly with their hands. Generally speaking, participants simply need to follow what they see. Newbies might not like it first, but soon you’ll be enjoying it.