Exercise: ZUMBA!!

Over the summer, I had an opportunity to try a variety of different exercise programs.  One of my favorites is Zumba.  If you have not tried it, for those of you that love to dance, it is a MUST! Zumba is a high intensity workout containing mostly Latin style dancing, but they throw in a few other styles to add a little fun.  If there is any exercise that will burn the fat off of you in just a matter of time it is Zumba.  My first few sessions, I burned about 800 calories each time.  They were about 50 minutes to an hour long sessions.  My body was cooking.  What was great about it is that I didn't even realize that I was burning that much.  If you are looking for a fun cardio workout, check this one out.

Huffington Post lists 12 Benefits of Zumba that I would like to share:

1.   Huge Calorie Burn I mentioned that I burned 800 calories, on HP, one participant mentioned burning more than 1,000 calories

2.   Total Body Toning  You certainly move parts of your body that you forgot even existed. Good way to give it a workout.

3.   It Keeps You Coming Back  For someone who certainly enjoys dancing, this is most certainly true.  It is well worth it each time you go.

4.   Amazing Results  One participant claims to have lost 75 lbs just doing Zumba.  That's just one!  

5.   It Works For All Ages  Ok . . . maybe you wouldn't want to take your toddler with, but your school age kids are most certainly welcome.  They can just skip the weights. :)

6.  Get Stress Relief  With all the fun you will have and the release of endorphin, how could you feel stressed?

7.   Can Be Adapted For Any Fitness Level  . . . Or ability level.  Ha ha ha.  I don't know about you, but sometimes my body is just not as coordinated as dancers who have been professionally trained.  You can take it slow, start with your feet and once you get that down you can add in the arms, increasing your intensity as you go.  The bigger the movements, the more the intensity.  Just be careful not to do the movements out of form and hurt yourself. :)

8.   If Goes By Fast  When your having fun, time always flies!

9.   It's Social  You can meet your friends there or bring your family for a bonding experience.

10. Gives You More Awareness of Your Body  As mentioned, you'll move parts of your body that you forgot even existed and you will feel it later.

11. You Can Always Find A Class  They are everywhere.  An old friend of mine is a Zumba instructor near my home.  To find out where there is a class near you, check out http://www.zumba.com/

12. It Makes People Happy  There are those endorphins again.  Gotta love 'em!

If you would like to check out more about this article, you can look it up at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/02/12-healthy-benefits-of-zumba_n_1011261.html#slide=409051

Leaving your home not desirable to you?  There are also DVDs and games that you can play.  I've tried the Kinect version and enjoyed it.  I hope that you have a chance to try it if you haven't.