How Effective Is Zumba For Weight Loss?

Losing weight and getting in shape is not an easy process, but let no one lie to you about that.

It can be a bearable and even fun process. Imagine that?

It sounds impossible, but that is precisely the goal of Zumba.

Most people despise the idea of lifting weights and running on the treadmill.

Zumba is different; those who have tried Zumba for weight loss have never looked back. It is a fun way to lose extra pounds by increasing your physical activity with friends or even strangers since it involves dance moves.

Even if you don’t like exercising, Zumba will keep you coming back because it’s fun to do.

Now that we have your attention let’s talk about how you can enjoy the weight loss process through Zumba.

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What is Zumba?

Zumba is an aerobic fitness program that incorporates dance and exercise routines performed to primary Latin-American music.

It features alternating fast and slow rhythms to develop a fast-paced interval training routine.

The dance and exercise moves engage the hips, hands, and feet mostly and heavily rely on step counts.

How did the Zumba craze begin?

The short version of the story is that it was all by accident.

But the long version is also pretty interesting. Back in the 90’s Alberto Perez ¹  was an aerobics instructor at his local gym back in Colombia.

On this particular day, however, he forgot to carry the music he normally used for the class.

And with the students already in class and no other option, Alberto dashed to his car and grabbed the only music he had, a cassette of Latin music he had taped from the radio.

Seeing that he had to work with what was available, Alberto decided to lead his class in dancing to his favorite salsa and rumba tunes.

And what do you know? At the end of the class, everyone had worked up a sweat, but more so, everyone had a great time.

This first-class was a hit and the birth of Zumba fitness.

In 2001, Alberto Perez decided to take his Zumba fitness class global.

With the huge success that he had already accomplished in Colombia, it was no surprise that Zumba was well-received in the United States.

And thanks to that one forgetful mistake, Zumba is now a fitness craze worldwide.

Well, now that you understand what you might be getting yourself into, it’s time to answer your most important question: How effective is a weight loss Zumba plan for you?

Well, we have 6 answers to that question.

Keep reading.

6 Reasons Why Weight Loss Through Zumba Is A Guaranteed Success

1. Zumba sessions do not and will never feel like a workout session

Let’s be honest. If you loved working out, then you would have already done that to get into shape.

You would not be scouring the internet for alternative weight loss options and reading this article on weight loss through Zumba.

And this is what makes Zumba so great for weight loss ². Zumba sessions always feel like being in a dance party where you know all the moves.

The high energy music with catchy tunes and fun dance moves creates the perfect environment to have a good time and break a sweat without even knowing it.

If your exercising routine was a fun dance session, wouldn’t you enjoy it more? Wouldn’t you always look forward to the session?

2. Zumba is not that hard to learn

Traditional exercise requires you to learn different workouts and learn to do them correctly to avoid injury and get the expected result.

Well, it’s no different in Zumba fitness. However, the learning process is easy and fun. The same moves are repeated several times to help you master them, and for the more complex ones, you are allowed to modify them into what works for you.

So, even if you have two left feet and can barely follow a rhythm, you will still get Zumba. It might not happen in the first class, but by the third session, you will be dancing without a care.

Why? Because Zumba fitness is all about fun, and dancing is all about letting go of your inhibitions.

3. Zumba offers a full-body work out that makes you burn calories fast

We have already established that there is plenty of dancing involved in Zumba.

Now, can you possibly dance with one body part only? No.

Zumba routines engage almost  every part of your body from the  hips, feet, shoulders, and neck.

And that is how you end up with a full-body work out without even knowing it.

It is possible to burn about  900 calories ³ during a one hour Zumba class of mid-to-high intensity.

This is because Zumba is primarily a cardiovascular workout routine. It gets your heart rate up and boosts your cardio endurance through the alternating fast and slow exercise rhythms.

Some of the general exercises included in Zumba routines include jumps, lunges, and arms. However, several Zumba variation classes modify the routines to focus on specific toning needs, such as with the use of weights and toning sticks.

4. Zumba offers more benefits than just weight loss

One of the biggest reasons why Zumba is loved and appreciated by a lot of people is because it is a wholesome fitness routine.

Yes, your primary goal for taking up Zumba is weight loss, but there are many other benefits you will enjoy, such as:

• Reduced mental stress – there is no better way to relax and give your mind a break than having fun dancing.
• Reduced body fatigue – you are not only dancing but exercising which gives your body a chance to shed off some dead weight and rejuvenate itself leaving you feeling fresh and alert.
• Improved hand, feet and body coordination – a little bit of reggaeton, salsa, hip-hop, and belly dance all fused with aerobic moves and constantly repeated is bound to bring out your inner dancer and make you much more comfortable moving your body.

Say hello to body confidence.

5. You can easily access Zumba sessions

Today, most gyms offer Zumba class sessions several times a week.

Local community centres and recreation centres are also an option of where you can gain access to a Zumba class. These options are especially useful if you are looking to socialize and make new friends as well.

However, if you prefer working out alone or in the comfort of your home, then accessing Zumba classes and tutorials online is the best option for you.

There is plenty of Zumba work out content online, so all you need to do is find which fits perfectly into your weight loss Zumba style plan. And if you are more old-fashioned and prefer DVDs. That is a plan, as well. You can easily get Zumba sessions available on DVD for purchase online or at your local music store.

6. There are no restrictions on who can participate in Zumba sessions

Ideally, it is advised to consult your physician before taking up any new workout routine. However, we can guarantee that Zumba is almost suitable for everyone.

There are almost no restrictions in regards to age and health status. Also, the availability of modified Zumba classes means you can find a Zumba class at a physical location or online that works best for you.

What Else You Need To Know To Do Zumba For Weight Loss?

Before embarking on Zumba for weight loss, please note:

Proper footwear is essential

Remember, you will be on your feet throughout a Zumba session. So please have a good pair of aerobic dance shoes or cross-trainers on to prevent straining or to hurt your feet.

The more breathable the clothing, the better

You may be surprised by how much you can sweat during a Zumba class.

Loose-fitting clothes will help you keep cool during the session. Also, comfortable clothing allows you to move your body a lot more easily.

You will need to hydrate a lot

Please drink enough water before and after a Zumba class.

It is also possible to grab some water during the session when necessary. Staying hydrated is not only important for sweating but it also beneficial for your weight loss journey.

Do not stress your weaker muscle areas

Although we have said weight loss, the Zumba way is appropriate for everyone. It is important to let your trainer know if you have lower back pain or knee problems.

We do not want to worsen those situations. If you are accessing Zumba sessions online or through DVDs, try and avoid moves that stress your muscles or joints that are weak.

Intensity is the key to burning calories

The end goal is to lose weight, yes?

Then be true to yourself. Zumba classes vary in degrees of intensity from beginners to full-body toning, so pick up a class that will challenge your body.

Have your Zumba sessions as frequently as needed concerning your weight loss goal. If you need to have a 90 minute Zumba class 3 times a week, then do that.

Don’t take a 45-minute class once a week and lie to yourself that you’re putting in the work.

Conclusion

To successfully lose weight, you must create a calorie deficit in your body.

The only way to achieve this is to ensure the calories you burn up are more than the calories you consume. This is the weight loss formula.

To create a calorie deficit in your body, you have three main options:

• Increase the intensity of your physical activity to burn more calories.
• Decrease the quota of your daily caloric intake.
• Combine both increased physical activity and decreased caloric intake to find the perfect balance that works for you.

Zumba is an ideal physical activity if you opt for either option 1 or 3.

It is essential to mention that your diet is very crucial to the success of your weight loss plan. So eat clean, eat healthily, and be disciplined in your eating.

Combine that with your Zumba sessions, and you will get into shape much more comfortable than you could have imagined.

Lastly, have fun with Zumba. Enjoy dancing to the rhythm!

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