Myth #1 Zumba is a dance like salsa
Zumba is a dance-inspired fitness form. It includes rhythms from across the world with international artistes like Pitbull, Daddy Yankee and Lil Jon creating music just for Zumba.
It is inspired by salsa, merengue, cumbia-reggaeton, flamenco, tango and belly dance, among others, and the steps are simplified and made easy to follow so that anyone can do it. And the exercise is hidden so that you don’t realise that you’re working out.
Myth #2 Zumba is only for fit people
Zumba is for everyone — anyone of the age of 12 and above, men and women, old or young, and of any fitness level. A licensed instructor will show modifications before a class to make every move either low-impact or high-impact so that it suits every age and fitness level.
There is also Zumba Gold for active older adults and Aqua Zumba for anyone suffering from joint issues, knee or back pain.
Myth #3 Anyone can teach Zumba
A big NO to that. Only licensed Zumba fitness instructors can teach Zumba. Each of these instructors are licensed after a rigorous training with a Zumba education specialist. They are part of a Zumba instructors network in which they are regularly updated with continuous learning material, keeping their classes fresh and safe. Verify that a Zumba instructor is licensed.
Myth #4 There is only ONE KIND OF Zumba
Zumba isn’t one single fitness regimen. There are different kinds of workouts under the broad Zumba category.
• Zumba® Fitness: Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before participants know it, they’re getting fit and their energy levels are soaring. There’s no other fitness class like a Zumba fitness party.
• Zumba® Gold: It takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the active older participants as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle.
• Zumba® Toning: When it comes to body sculpting, Zumba Toning raises the bar (or rather, the toning stick). It combines targeted body-sculpting exercises with high-energy cardio workouts with Latin-infused Zumba moves to create a calorie-torching, strength-training, dance fitness party.
• Zumba® in the Circuit: Maximise your workout while still having a total blast. Zumba in the Circuit is 30 minutes of high-octane, Latin-inspired dance fitness moves combined with circuit training and a series of strength exercises at timed intervals.
• Aqua Zumba®: Known as the Zumba “pool party”, Aqua Zumba gives new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. Splashing, stretching, twisting, even shouting, laughing, hooting and hollering are a part of an Aqua Zumba class.
• Zumbatomic®: Designed exclusively for kids (ages four-12), Zumbatomic classes are rocking, high-energy fitness parties packed with specially choreographed, kid-friendly routines and all the music kids love, like hip-hop, reggaeton and cumbia.
• Zumba® Gold-Toning: The Zumba Gold-Toning programme offers the best of both worlds — the exhilarating experience of a Zumba Fitness Party with the benefits of safe and effective strength training.
• Zumba Sentao™: This workout takes the thrill of the fitness party and combines it with explosive, chair-based choreography to strengthen, balance and stabilise your core, and step up your cardio work in a whole new way
Myth #5 Zumba is only cardio TRAINING
Zumba is a full body workout. It’s the perfect balance of cardio, strength training and a progressive core workout.
Before they know it, the participants are getting fit, building stamina and strength. There is no other fitness class like a Zumba fitness party. No wonder it’s there in 150 countries with two million weekly participants.
Sucheta Pal is Zumba® global brand ambassador and lead ZES India. Meet her today at The Fit Expo 2017
