Capiz State University: PE 122 - Fitness Exercises Chapter IV: ZUMBA
Capiz State University: PE 122 - Fitness Exercises Chapter IV: ZUMBA
Capiz State University: PE 122 - Fitness Exercises Chapter IV: ZUMBA
HISTORY OF ZUMBA
WHAT IS ZUMBA?
Alberto Perez had an insatiable passion for Latin music, dance rhythm, and high-energy
fitness. In 1988, once he had hosted that first “accidental” class, he felt as if he had hit on
something great. And of course, he had. This was proven by Shakira’s interest in him as a
choreographer. It didn’t stop there, though.
Beto wanted to create fitness classes that are an exceptional amount of fun but are also
extremely effective too. His aims was to create fitness classes with a party-like vibe and
positive influence. And he wanted these classes to be available to
everyone, regardless of their age and current fitness level.
In 1999, Perez moved to Miami in search for a new life with bigger and better
opportunities. His first act of business was to start teaching his aerobic dance class in his new
neighborhood. The first fitness center he approached was the Williams Island Fitness Center,
where he got the director, Brenda Anderson, to agree to promote his aerobic dance routine.
In 2002 they formed a trio that set out to make their new dance class better
known-and it really worked. The name Zumba comes from Spanish word “ Zumbar”, which
means “to buzz”. It demonstrates (or sounds like) the fun, high-energy, fitness class that it is
linked to.
In was in 2002, with Aghion and Perlman, that Perez released his very first
televised informercial on Zumba. Once the infomercial was out there, many workshops
resulted- all of which were based on Zumba routines. The workshop were taught by means of
DVDs, which the trio sold, and soon the international following was booming.
Original Zumba
Zumba Toning
Aqua Zumba
Zumba Sentao
Zumba Kids
Plate by Zumba
BENEFITS OF ZUMBA
Have you ever wondered why you could not get past a week with your exercise or
jogging routine? Sometimes, you may be successful in clinging on to it for a month or so. But,
what happens after that? Boredom steps in, and the motivation to get out of bed, each morning,
slips away.
What if you work out in a way that doesn’t actually seem like a workout? You must be
thinking whether that’s even possible. Well, it is! Have you heard of Zumba? Zumba, created
by a Columbian dancer and choreographer, Alberto “Berto” Perez, is inspired by various styles
of Latin-American dance forms.
It is a dance fitness program which helps you lose weight, get back in shape, and stay
fit, all this while having loads of fun. Dance and music have the ability to uplift our moods and
have proven to be great stress-busters, sometimes therapeutic, even. Zumba is a great form of
fitness program that blends them both with physical activity.
4. ZUMBA IS FUN!
Zumba is fast, intense, and rigorous. And Zumba is fun also. This is one of the
main reasons why people who practice Zumba keep going back to it. They look
forward to attending the class so they can dance away to the music along with their
friends and family. Zumba also presents you with opportunities to socialize and
make new friends.
Anyone and everyone can practice Zumba and reap all of its benefits. No matter
what your current level of fitness is, the intensity of Zumba can be fine-tuned to suit
your body. Kenneth Cooper, an Aerobics expert and the author of the book Aerobics
rightly says, “Fitness is a journey, not a destination”, and Zumba is a great way to
embark on this journey and make sure you never give up!
5. YOU’LL BUILD ENDURANCE
Since music played during a Zumba class is relatively fast-paced, moving to the
beat can help build your endurance after just a few workouts.
One study Trusted Source found that after 12 weeks of a Zumba program,
participants showed a decreased heart rate and systolic blood pressure with an
increase of work. These trends coincide with an increase in endurance.
7. IT’S SOCIAL
Since Zumba is a group activity, you’ll essentially be welcomed into a social
situation any time you step into a class.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, benefits of group
workouts include:
• exposure to a social and fun environment
• an accountability factor
• a safe and effectively designed workout that you can follow along with
This is all instead of a workout plan you must design and follow through with
on your own.
If you have been hooked on the Zumba beat since before you became pregnant, you
have no problems with your pregnancy, and it’s OK with your OB-GYN, then you can keep
stepping. But there are some changes that you need to make to stay safe.
Zumba has a lot of high-impact moves that can wreak havoc as your hormones loosen
up your joints. Talk to your instructor about switching out some of those jumps and bounces -
- or any routines that might throw you off balance. And remember to stay cool and hydrated
during your workout.
If you have a handicap or other physical limitation, consider wheelchair Zumba classes,
which are a good, fun, no weight-bearing workout.
If you have diabetes, Zumba is a great way to lose weight and build muscle. Your blood
sugars will go down as your energy level soars. Check with your doctor first to see if you’ll
need to change your diabetes treatment plan.
Besides losing weight, Zumba can help lower your risk of heart disease, reduce your
blood pressure and bad cholesterol, and boost your good cholesterol. If you have heart disease,
your doctor may suggest starting back on the road to fitness in a cardiac rehab program instead
of jumping right into a Zumba class.
References:
Laskowski, E. R., M.D. (2019, November 06). Love to dance? Zumba your way to aerobic
health. Retrieved March 18, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-
lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/zumba/faq-
20057883#:~:text=Zumba%20is%20a%20fitness%20program,to%20help%20improve
%20cardiovascular%20fitness.
Odin, L. (2017, December 03). The story behind the zumba dance. Retrieved March 18,
2021, from http://www.sportingz.com/sports/story-behind-zumba-dance/
Team, A. (2020, January 27). The history of Zumba (Beto, Colombia, Miami, and more).
Retrieved March 18, 2021, from https://www.activif.com/the-history-of-zumba-beto-
colombia-miami-and-more/
Kelly, E. (2018, September 17). Benefits of zumba: 9 ways it can improve your health.
Retrieved March 20, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-
exercise/benefits-of-zumba
Helmer, J. (2020, August 02). Zumba: Benefits and what to expect. Retrieved March 20,
2021, from https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/a-z/zumba-workouts
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