Meet Zumba: the class that mixes dance and gymnastics moves

For women who want to “get in shape” or simply keep their bodies beautiful and healthy, there are no secrets: you need to combine a balanced diet with the practice of physical exercises! Perseverance is also a keyword, which is exactly why it is very important that the person chooses a type of physical activity that really pleases them.

And if you are also part of this group of women who are looking for a physical activity that can help them achieve their goals, in a healthy and pleasant way, you will love to know the new modality that is making the biggest success among the female audience. !

Zumba Fitness is a class that mixes dance and gymnastics movements, packed with Latin and international rhythms like Cumbia, Reggaeton, Salsa and Merengue.

The modality arrived in Brazil after being successful in the United States and in 110 other countries, and is gaining more and more fans in our country because it is fun and playful, in addition to escaping the routine of traditional training carried out in gyms.

Maybe you’ve heard about Zumba, but if you haven’t had the opportunity to practice a class, you’ll know now, good reasons to do so!

10 benefits of Zumba for your body

Below is a list of 10 reasons to take Zumba classes:

1. Calorie expenditure: According to Caroline Pascarelli, Zumba teacher at Contours, a gym exclusively for women, the great attraction of this modality is that you can lose 600 to 1,000 calories in 1 hour of class. And all this “without realizing it”!

2. Increased metabolism. Also according to the Zumba teacher, the class mixes dance with gymnastics, alternating aerobic and localized movements and, as a consequence, increases metabolism and caloric expenditure.

3. Elimination of toxins. The activity also helps in the function of eliminating toxins and retaining liquids from the body, as highlighted by Caroline.

4. Recruitment of various muscles. The class works every muscle in the body. “However, the lower muscles are the most recruited (quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings and calf). There is also a recruitment of the core muscles, which involves muscles of the abdominal, gluteal and back region”, explains the professor.

5. Benefits for the heart. The Zumba class has benefits for the heart. “Activity causes an improvement in the cardiovascular system through an increase in heart rate and due to the greater volume of blood that the heart takes to the body, mainly to the muscles”, says Caroline.

6. Positive Astral. The class songs are 70% Latin rhythms. These rhythms are extremely contagious, so they improve the mood and relieve stress.

7. Ease. Another interesting point is that there is no requirement for excellence in movements, that is, you don’t have to be an “expert” in dance, the class is easy and everyone has fun while exercising.

8. Interaction. Zumba is an individual modality, with choreographies guided by teachers, however, during classes, it is possible to work creating circles, columns, lines and dividing the room into two parts, one group facing the other, for example, so that a greater interaction among students. “This change in the class format generates a greater atmosphere of friendship among the participants”, says Caroline.

9. Significant calorie burn. Also according to the teacher, the caloric burn of Zumba can be compared with other activities, such as Muay Thai, Running, Spinning, Body Attack.

10. Fun and exercise. Zumba Fitness is fun, different, easy and effective. “The proposal is to introduce everyone to the practice of physical activity, improving the cardiovascular system, strengthening muscles, spending a lot of calories, improving balance, concentration, relieving stress and, above all, transforming the class into a real party”, highlights Caroline Pascarelli. .

To achieve good results

The number of Zumba classes to be held in the week is unlimited, that is, the student can do every day, if she wishes. “If the person is going to do only Zumba, we recommend a minimum frequency of three times a week”, explains teacher Caroline.

Contraindications

Now you already know great reasons to practice Zumba, but it is normal for the question to arise: are there contraindications or can anyone practice the activity?

Caroline Pascarelli explains that there are no contraindications to the practice of Zumba. “Only in cases where the student is a beginner and already has some pathology, for example, not being able to perform impact, the teachers should adapt some choreographies that have jumps. Another case is that of pregnant women, in which we recommend that they use a frequency meter at all times in class”, she highlights.

Can I practice at home?

On the Zumba Fitness website, it is possible to buy DVDs, clothes and accessories for those who want to practice the activity at home. In addition, on its Youtube channel, there are videos that can be followed.

However, even though it is a fun class, the presence and guidance of a teacher for the Zumba class is very important. The professional will guide in the steps, turns and possible restrictions of each student – as, for example, in the cases mentioned above, of beginners who already have some pathology and pregnant women.

As it is a modality that has been very successful and has attracted more and more fans in Brazil, it is not difficult to find gyms that offer classes. So, don’t waste time and register! If you were looking for a way to exercise and have fun at the same time, you’ve found it!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.