Zumba For Heart Health
Zumba has been around awhile, but it continues to be one of the most popular exercise programs out there. In fact, here at South Denver Cardiology, we offer Zumba classes as they provide our patients a way to help lower bad cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and help keep them fit. After all, when it comes to what causes heart disease, we all know that cholesterol, weight and high blood pressure are all factors.
What is Zumba?
Zumba is an energetic workout unlike any other. The workout grooves to salsa, flamenco and merengue music. As a result, it does not feel like a workout or typical exercise class. Instead, Zumba is more like a dance party which is exactly why it is so popular.
Zumba can be varied for all levels of fitness. For people who are just starting Zumba, sometimes it is best to only do the steps and then start working in more of the upper body as you advance. Some advanced Zumba work outs at many fitness studios offer Zumba classes using free weights to all in components of added calorie burning and strength training. Some places even have water Zumba in a pool that provides added resistance for strength building.
No matter what level you start with, you will find Zumba to be high-energy and feature choreographed dance numbers. But, you don’t need to be a great dancer to enjoy it. Zumba is just about movement with the music and having a good time. Rhythm is not required! Most classes, and even Zumba DVDs, move between high- and low-intensity dance moves to get your heart rate up and boost cardio endurance while helping burn away fat and improve your heart health.
What Zumba Targets
When it comes to Zumba, it is almost easier to list what it does not target. Zumba is truly a full-body, core synergistic workout.
Core: You core is the mid-section of your body from your rib cage to the top of your legs. Core strength is crucial to posture and really just overall health of body and strength. So, many of the dance moves in Zumba emphasize hip and mid-section movements (after all, it is Latin inspired).
Legs: With dancing, you can bet your legs will get a workout! Zumba incorporates choreographed jumps and lunges that help strengthen quads and hamstrings.
Glutes: As with the legs, the glutes get a great workout during Zumba. As the rhythm gets you, you will feel the burn on the glutes!
Arms: Some specialized Zumba classes add elements of toning using weights, but that is typically for more advanced and fit Zumba participants.
With Zumba, you will get a workout that helps with flexibility, is aerobic, and builds overall core strength. And, the best part is, you don’t need equipment to do Zumba. All you need is a good pair of sneakers and a desire to move to some high-energy music. Plus, you can do a class with others of your same fitness level, or you can just do it at home with some Zumba DVDs that can progress you through all the different levels.
How to Use This Information
If you are interested in Zumba, take a look at our event calendar. We offer many Zumba Gold classes each month. With Latin style music and dance, Zumba Gold is fun and exciting and allows you to experience Zumba in a safe environment.
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As with any health concerns, your specific treatment program should be discussed thoroughly with your primary care physician as well as any specialists who may need to be consulted – like a cardiologist.
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