Join the Zumba party

Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi

Join the exercise craze that has hooked those who would rather dance than run on the treadmill

YOU’VE probably heard of the fitness craze Zumba, dubbed by many as a dance fun fitness party.

When it originated in California, the dance fitness pitched itself as a home training session in a DVD format, which was a plus for many who hate going to gym.

Fast forward a few years, the Latin based aerobic dance and fitness sensation Zumba is still gaining popularity as one of the favourite exercise methods in South Africa.

Its popularity can be arguably credited to it being offered in a group workout class in gyms across SA.

Gyms are offering it a few times a week to people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and ages who would rather dance their hearts out than run on a treadmill or cycle for an hour.

Sonwabo Bomvana, a Zumba licensed instructor explains a Zumba class as a instructor-led workout with simple dance moves that consist of a combination Hiphop, Salsa, Latin, Contemporary and Reggaeton.

He says the most impressive part of Zumba is how much it appeals to people who would have stayed away from exercise or the conventional gym, if it was not for the sessions.

The health benefits of this dance class is evident.

A study in the American Journal of Health Behavior revealed that when women with type 2 diabetes and obesity did Zumba three times a week for 16 weeks, they lost an average of 1.4 kg and lowered their percentage of body fat by 1%. “More importantly, the women enjoyed the class so much that they made it a habit – very unusual for an aerobic exercise programme.”

Bomvana explains that a full workout session usually ranges from anything between an hour to 90 minutes depending on the group exercise requirements.

“An hour of Zumba can burn about 100 calories in a session. An hour might seem like a long time to exercise, but it's not when you consider just how much fun you'll have during those 60 minutes. Like the saying goes, ‘time flies when you’re having fun’.

“To make the class more interesting and more fun. We request a few songs from people and add a Zumba routine to it. When people hear their favourite songs they are motivated even to sweat the unwanted fat.”

However, Bomvana says that you may not see instant results but over time the results will be evident and rewarding.

Here are some of the major benefits of Zumba:

Full body workout:

According to an online portal, Live strong, aside from its heart health benefits, Zumba provides a workout for the whole body. From head and shoulder rolls that loosen up the neck and warm up the upper body, to footwork that strengthens and stretches calves and ankles, this fitness method works the full body.

“ Flexibility is not ignored in a Zumba class either, with warm-ups and cool-downs a regular part of Zumba programming”

Mood boosting:

Music is the main ingredient to Zumba classes which becomes an instant mood booster according to Bomvana. “Music is a powerful tool, it helps you distress and gets you in a contagious happy mood. If anyone would go into a Zumba class at any given time, you are most likely to be greeted by smiles and laughter.”

Toning:

While many may be stressed about toning after they lose weight, they won't have to change their exercise method once they shed a few kilos.

Some Zumba classes put extra emphasis on toning and sculpting to define muscles.

According to Zumba’s web portal, “lightweight maraca-like toning sticks used at Zumba classes enhance a sense of rhythm and coordination, while toning target zones, including arms, core and lower body.”

It’s social:

Bomvana says the high energy fitness, sweating to the Salsa and Reggaeton beats is good for sparking conversations and creating new relationships.

“People come in most of our classes shy and reserved but as soon as the music plays, a wave of energy and conversation fills the room instantly.”

ZUMBA is a mood booster. | CLEYTON EWERTON Unsplash