My all-time favourite type of cardio combines music, dynamic movement, and that experience of feeling like you’re not even working out yet getting all the benefits of exercising (hello endorphins – and where did all this sweat come from?). Otherwise known as Zumba, the Columbian termed Latin-inspired dance workout literally means ‘to move fast and have fun’ and has been raved about all over the world since its launch in 2001.
Now that winter has engulfed all that remained floral and warm in this city, it’s hard to imagine any motivation that requires a walk in the blistering cold, or any prospect of leaving the warm comforts of your bed. Although most of you have probably heard about Zumba in some sort of phrase, form, language, or even have had the opportunity to partake in this magnificent art of body toning, allow me to further enlighten you with everything you need to know about the Latin-infused fitness and why it’s a perfect remedy for your physical and mental well-being this winter!
Zumba on your body:
The physical benefits from this high energy rhythmic workout is quite simpler than it sounds: because of the constant movement, the routine targets and tones all parts of the body. Zumba improves heart and lung function, reduces the risk of heart disease, and shapes key muscle groups without you even realizing – in other words, you’re burning about 520 calories in a 50 minute class feeling more like you stepped out of a party. Zumba improves posture, core strength, and stability which ultimately improves your co-ordination and agility, because let’s be honest; most of us weren’t born as dancers. You literally don’t have to know how to dance, and those with two left feet are welcomed with open arms! It’s all about practice and being okay with making mistakes. The more you attend, the more you get used to the moves, and eventually you’ll be mastering dances like the tango, salsa, samba and more!
Remember it’s all about the effort you put into it. It doesn’t matter how good you are at following the moves as long as you continue to move that body! So keep pumping those quads, stirring those hips, and swinging those arms no matter how delayed they are from the instructor – as long as you’re having fun with it, you’re burning calories!
Zumba on your mind & soul:
You’re in a room full of others who are all there for the same reasons: to stay fit, healthy and happy by dancing it out. The benefits on your mental health aren’t fully realized until you become a weekly Zumba-er and I assure you it’s a phenomenal affirmation. After the first couple of classes, you slowly get better, a little faster, and the choreography starts to sink in. You eventually become in sync with others in the room that are experiencing the same learning curve as you, the great feeling that you’re all in this together.
Seriously though: Do you know how useful these moves are when you hit the dance floor at a bar? With the addition of a drink or two, I can salsa my way out of any situation. Once, a guy even asked me if I was a dancer (!!!). Either he was wildly inebriated or my body subconsciously sets itself on Zumba shuffle mode when the beat drops outside the classroom.
Many Zumba instructors incorporate different playlists, moves, and styles – so make you sure try out a couple of instructors before deciding if it’s the right fit for you!
So ditch those frost-covered sneakers and put on them dancing shoes (sneakers sans-frost)! Not only are you going to be well-trained to tango your way to South America, but you’re toning your entire body and are always ready for any spontaneous dance-offs! Why not meet new people, dig up your buried self-confidence, and shine in new ways you never would have thought? Whether you want to combine your passion for dance and fitness, lose yourself in the Latin rhythm, or simply want to try something new, dance like nobody’s watching you and enjoy. Just remember, Zumba is addicting– you’re going to want to take a break from the Netflix-in-bed winter routine, and your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.
Where can I join Zumba?
Carleton University offers Zumba fitness classes all year ‘round! Check it out here:
http://athletics.carleton.ca/fitness/dance/zumba/
Goodlife Fitness – Zumba
If you have a membership of course, they offer Zumba classes at many different times during the week.
City of Ottawa – Zumba
http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/parks-and-recreation/fitness-memberships/group-fitness-aerobics
Fitness Fusion Studio
http://fitnessfusionstudio.com/classes.php
Zumba Fitness Ottawa
http://www.zumbafitnessottawa.com/
Can’t afford to go to classes? No worries – there are tons of Zumba tutorials on Youtube, so you can dance away in the confinements of your own bedroom*!
*Invite friends over for maximum party factor.
My Zumba Playlist:
1 Danza Kudoru – Don Omar ft. Lucenzo
2 Zumba Fitness Siracusa – Don Omar
3 Capirahna – Zumba SDTRK
4 Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira
5 Limbo – Daddy Yankee
6 Pause – Pitbull
7 Ai se eu te pego – Michel Telo
8 Mas Que Nada – Sergio Mendes
9 Mueve Ese Bom Bom – Bandido
10 Chica Bonita – Shaggy
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Pic sources:
http://www.cakechooser.com/960/cakemania-%E2%80%93-torta-zumba/CAYm9kZW4uZmguc2Uvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzL3p1bWJhMS5qcGc/
http://neosoulcafe.com/health-n-fitness/the-zumba-craze/
http://pureromania.com/purecla…
http://www.crossfitpinnacle.com/zumba