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Fitness Benefits of Zumba: Why It's More Than Just Dancing

Struggling with health and fitness? All you need to say is 'Alexa, play some Zumba…'

Isha Gokhale

When you think of fitness, what do you picture? A gym filled with dumbbells of a hundred kinds, people running along pavements in athletic wear, or perhaps a lady doing complex yoga poses on a solo mat. Fitness takes many shapes and forms and movements, whether it is climbing up a steep wall or cutting through blue waters. Perhaps one of its most dynamic and engaging forms is dancing, or Zumba, to be more particular. In Zumba, you move along with the captivating rhythms of Mexican beats and lose yourself in the music to emerge significantly more rejuvenated and sweaty. Zumba is a joy to experience, but Zumba’s benefits exceed the entertainment and satisfaction it offers, venturing into the territory of effective cardio and ultra fitness.

Medicine for the heart

From trying olive oil to taking the stairs, we try it all to lower that pesky cholesterol and keep it that way. However, did you know you could groove your way to a healthier heart with Zumba? A very key Zumba benefit is that it is a high-energy aerobic workout that can improve your cardiovascular health by increasing your heart rate and improving your overall endurance. It can also help with weight management and thus reduce the risk of heart disease.

Super calorie-burner

If you want to lose weight then calorie tracking and burning is a very important part of the process. The average body burns about 1600-1700 calories everyday without any intense activity. However, only an hour of Zumba can help you burn approximately 500 calories more. So, you can maintain a healthy diet of your normal amount of calories and still lose weight rapidly!

This is because Zumba is an effective calorie-burning exercise, and helps you to shed excess body fat. However, note that the number of calories burned per hour of Zumba can vary depending on the intensity of the class and your effort, but it's always a fun way to work up a sweat.

Get you moving, head to toe

From salsa to samba and more, Zumba incorporates a variety of dance moves that engage different muscle groups in your body. It includes footwork, hip movements, arm movements, and even head and neck movements to match the music and dance routines. This full-body engagement helps improve cardiovascular fitness, coordination, flexibility, and muscle strength, providing a comprehensive workout experience that is equal parts fun and fitness.

Sync with the synth 

Zumba music consists of a mix of Latin and international music, including salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaetón, samba, hip-hop, and more. To catch up with these tunes, Zumba routines often involve various dance steps and movements that can enhance your coordination and rhythm over time. This can be particularly beneficial if you are looking to enhance your dancing skills and hone your sense of rhythm 

More Zumba, less tension

Physical activity of any kind, like Zumba, triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. These ‘feel-good’ chemicals help reduce stress and improve your overall mood. Zumba also encourages you to connect with your body, tune into the music, and be in the present moment. This mindfulness aspect can reduce stress by taking your mind off of stressful thoughts. So if you're facing stress, put on your dancing shoes and let the power of Zumba calm you down and sway away all your worries.

Feel that burn light you up

Over the long term, Zumba works its magical chants and enhances your overall health. You will be able to feel this in your increased levels of energy and degree of liveliness. With every step and every hour you spend doing Zumba, it naturally boosts your mood and enhances the quality of your life. Regular Zumba workouts can increase your energy levels and overall sense of vitality. The combination of music and movement can leave you feeling more energised throughout the day, day after day. 

Dance your way to a six-pack

Who among us does not long for a defined, refined, hard-earned six pack on your abs? 
Many Zumba moves involve engaging your core muscles, which can help strengthen your abdominal muscles and improve posture, even to the point of developing a sick six pack!

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