What is Zumba?
Zumba is an exercise program that combines cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility. Zumba classes are like a dance party with aerobics, that’s why it’s called exercise in disguise. During a class, you’ll dance to the beat of Latin-inspired tunes while sneaking in both low- and high-intensity moves, though each instructor has their own style. Each routine comprises choreographed dance moves that combine elements of different musical genres.
There are many levels designed for many exercisers. For example, Zumba Gold is specifically geared toward seniors and people with physical limitations. Aside from this, there are also Zumba Step classes, Zumba Toning, Aqua Zumba, and more. While modernized classes incorporate a glow-in-the-dark style with a party vibe!
Zumba classes are found in almost every fitness studio all over the country and around the world. And once you’ve gotten the hang of the steps, you can pop in and take a class anywhere or watch recordings online.
Is Zumba Good for Seniors?
Absolutely Yes! It will help burn calories, improve heart health, and reduce stress. It is even great for seniors with arthritis. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation recommends trying a Zumba Gold Class. This Zumba exercise can help improve flexibility and strengthen your leg muscles, which reduces stress on your knees, leading to osteoarthritis relief.
Zumba for seniors is also great for cardio workouts. Health suggests a 30 minute cardio per day, five days a week for overall health and fitness. Zumba workouts can keep your heart strong and make your lungs work more efficiently, which is crucial as we age. For seniors, you want your beats per minute to be somewhere between 90 and 135. Your doctor can help recommend the best option based on your age and other health factors.
Zumba can even be an excellent stress reliever. Zumba–like any kind of exercise–releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural feel-good medicine, taking away anxiety and even helping us sleep better.
If you’ve ever been to a class in person, you’ve seen firsthand how the energy flows through the room and the music takes over. You might even feel compelled to release a “woop woop!” or two.
