Are you part of the dance sensation that hit America? No, I’m not referring to the hit reality TV show Dancing with the Stars, I’m referring to the Latin dance-inspired Zumba Fitness. Zumba has become America’s new darling of exercise obsession. From the beginning as a mistake when creator Alberto Perez forgot his traditional gym music and replaced Latin dance music, Zumba Fitness has become one of the fastest growing fitness programs in the world.
Zumba Fitness has become so popular that an estimated 12,000,000 enthusiasts are enrolled in classes and millions more participate at home or in private groups. Due to its popularity, participants of all ages and fitness levels have been giving the program a try and have become addicted to its “party-like” atmosphere. Because of this, Zumba has had to evolve in order to accommodate different ages and fitness levels.
Zumba Gold is a great example of how Zumba has evolved. This program is specially designed for beginners and especially for the elderly – but still young at heart. It is a program that allows individuals who may be physically restricted in any way to participate in a physically active exercise program. By slowing down the pace of a traditional Zumba fitness routine, Zumba Gold helps keep those who need a more relaxed way to stay in shape up to their plate. It even contains routines for those who are restricted to exercise from chairs or a wheelchair.
Not only does Zumba Gold still have the familiar sounds of Latin music (such as Salsa, Mambo, and Reggaeton), but it’s added music that baby boomers will find more familiar with. New routines have introduced Rock’n Roll, Cha-Cha and Cumbia strikes to get those feet and arms moving. If there is a theme behind the golden routine, it is that “all” people need to be physically fit and have a better quality of life.
Although Zumba Gold is designed for a slower paced workout, it can be taken to a higher level with the use of Zumba Sticks. By adding Zumba Sticks (1 or 1.5 lb. hand weights), participants can push themselves to the next level of fitness. The Zumba Gold-Toning Program helps both beginners and baby boomers of all ages get extra help in toning and toning muscle groups faster. As Zumba Gold-Toning fans get stronger and more stable, they have been shown to improve posture and coordination, and also benefit from increased bone density when they become more active.
Zumba Fitness has already become a global fitness phenomenon; And with the addition of Zumba Gold and Zumba Gold-Toning, its popularity is sure to grow. Participants learn how fun the activity is again. Zumba programs can be done in the seclusion of your home, but it’s always fun to get a group together and “structure” as you learn new moves and form together.