It’s a full-body workout. Designed as a combination of salsa and aerobics, there’s no right or wrong way to do Zumba. As long as you move to the beat of the music, you’re participating in the exercise. since Zumba involves movement of the entire body — from your arms to your shoulders and to your feet — you’ll get a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like work.
You’ll burn calories (and fat!)
A small 2012 study trusted Source found that a standard, 39-minute Zumba class burned an average of 9.5 calories per minute. This adds up to 369 calories in total throughout the class. The American Council on Exercise recommends that individuals burn 300 calories per workout in order to promote weight loss.
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.
You’ll improve cardiovascular fitness
According to the Journal of Sports Science and MedicineTrusted Source, accepted fitness industry guidelines indicate that individuals who wish to improve their cardiovascular fitness can practice Zumba and its been proven effective too.
Improved blood pressure
A Source involving a group of overweight women found that after a 12-week Zumba fitness program, participants experienced a decrease in blood pressure and significant improvements in body weight.
Benefits of Zumba
- Decreases risk of heart disease.
- Improves cardiovascular conditioning.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Increases HDL or “good” cholesterol.
- Helps to better control blood sugar.
- Assists in weight management and/or weight loss.
- Improves lung function.Decreases resting heart rate.