Zumba is a fast-paced aerobic workout that combines dance moves and interval training. It uses Latin dance music and steps, but can also incorporate international music, classic rock, and hip hop. Students follow the teacher’s steps and focus on footwork first before adding arm, hip, or head movements. It’s a fun way to relieve stress, but it’s important to take breaks if feeling dizzy or nauseous.
Zumba is a type of aerobic workout that focuses on dance moves and interval training to provide a fast-paced workout. This type of exercise class does not require any previous dance experience, although it can certainly be helpful. A typical Zumba workout will involve a series of short dance steps that are repeated in time to the up-tempo music.
Traditionally, a Zumba workout uses Latin dance music and dance steps, but many teachers prefer to mix styles and songs with international music, classic rock and pop, and even hip hop. Most classes begin with a few slower songs that are used to lead the class through warm-up stretches. This part of the class is very important, as proper stretching can prevent injury during speed training. After completing the main section of the workout, students can go through a similar stretching session to help cool down the body.
The majority of a Zumba workout is made up of watching the teacher and imitating their steps. With each song, the teacher will perform a series of relatively simple dance steps that the students will follow simultaneously. There are usually 3-5 sets of steps per song, and they can be performed to align with certain parts of the song. The series is repeated over and over again until the song ends. Once a new song starts, new steps are introduced.
Unlike a choreography class, Zumba teachers don’t stop the class to demonstrate the steps, then have students repeat them. Instead, students should follow along as best they can, learning to imitate the teacher’s steps as he performs them. One of the easiest ways to learn this type of mimicry is to focus on the teacher’s footwork first, being careful to move as he or she moves. Once a student is confident in footwork, she can try adding synchronized arm, hip, or head movements as well.
One of the best things about a Zumba workout is that the fast pace keeps anyone from paying attention to what other students are doing. Students are usually so focused on following the teacher that they can’t waste time worrying about their comparative ability. Zumba teachers are notoriously enthusiastic, and many take it upon themselves to make classes as fun, silly, and extreme as possible. This makes this training a great opportunity to relieve stress and tension, as well as a good place for people who want to work on a positive self-image.
For people with health problems, it’s important to remember that a Zumba workout is intense aerobic exercise. Even workout freaks can find themselves panting and needing a break after just a few songs. If dizziness or nausea occurs, students should not be afraid to take a break, drink some water and sit down for a few songs. Completing a full Zumba routine is something to be proud of, but it can take a few weeks of classes to reach that level.
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