Zumba is fast becoming one of the most popular fitness movements in recent times. You may have also asked yourself “What is Zumba?” a time or two. Many gyms now offer Zumba classes. Instructors have also begun to give classes to groups in recreational facilities and community centers or churches as well. People have also begun to practice Zumba in their own homes through Zumba DVDs. While this exercise sensation has hit like a storm, its origin is quite an interesting story in itself. If you’ve wondered what is Zumba then read on and learn the history and concept of this fitness revolution.
What Is Zumba?
Zumba basically is a dance fitness routine. Unlike other dance exercise classes however, Zumba is a fusion of mainly Latin American beats couple with funky reggae or Caribbean sounds and hip hop. Its focus is not in the dance itself but in the effect that the music has to move the participants. It is therefore both an expression through dance movements as well as an exercise routine. With its upbeat dance tempos, the participants find themselves more in a party atmosphere where they are moved to dance to the music. It is in this way that it encourages more people to participate because of its free form.
How It All Began
Zumba was created by Alberto Perez in the 1990’s in his home country of Colombia. Beto, as he is usually called, was then a fitness instructor and choreographer. Going to one of his classes, he found that he had left the music he was supposed to use for his aerobics class. Thinking quickly, he used the tapes he had with him which were made up of salsa and merengue music. He improvised his class by using these tapes and used a dance type of class instead of the usual aerobics routine. Encouraging the class to move to the music, he found that his students really enjoyed it.
You are reading, Dressing up the Zumba Way | The Ultimate Zumba Clothing
He developed the Zumba program from this and in early 2000 he brought his concept over to the United States and started the Zumba franchise. The Zumba program started with direct to DVD launches as well as a series of infomercials. As more people started to know what is Zumba all about, the demand for Zumba classes also began to grow. Zumba then started to accredit instructors and gyms started to pick up the programs for their classes. Soon, more people began to ask what is Zumba and started to grow not just curious but enticed by the concept.
Today, Zumba has become a lifestyle for many people all over the world. By encouraging more people to be moved to the music, Zumba has attracted followers that grow in numbers even today.
How You Can Join In The Fun
Get to know more about Zumba by visiting a local gym or trying out the DVDs they sell. It may very well be the change you have been looking for in your fitness routine.
Dressing up the Zumba Way
As with any physical activity, dressing right can improve the benefits you will get from exercise. The right clothes can also help avoid injury and allow you to get the most out of your Zumba experience. While there is no prescribed uniform for Zumba clothing, you do need to keep in mind the nature of a Zumba class. The high impact and free flowing movements mean that Zumba clothing should give you the ability to move and keep up with the class.
You are reading, Dressing up the Zumba Way | The Ultimate Zumba Clothing
What to Look for in Zumba Clothing
When looking for Zumba clothing, keep in mind that you’ll be doing a dance exercise for an hour or two. You will need to be able to move with the music and you will need clothes that will keep you going for that amount of time. Below, you will find a list of things to keep in mind when looking for Zumba clothing.
• Comfort – comfort really depends on the user. As you’ll be in your Zumba clothing for a good hour at least, you will want to be comfortable in what you wear. Before making a purchase, try on the clothing to make sure it fits comfortably.
• Freedom of movement – Zumba is a free flowing exercise. This means that your clothes should allow for a full range of movement. Flexible and stretchable clothes allow you to twist, turn and jump and do all the moves in a Zumba session. Your arms should be able to move freely as well. Clothes that can restrict movement can cause injury in the long run.
• Support – Wearing the right support can aid your more sensitive body parts. Sports bras for women are a must in order to keep the chest stable while doing the dance steps. If you have joints that need support as well, you should look at getting flexible braces in order to avoid injury or stress.
• Breathable – absorbent and quick drying fabric are also best for Zumba. You’ll be working up a sweat and fabric that doesn’t hold sweat well can cause you to be uncomfortable in a short amount of time. There are many sports tops and bottoms that feature fabric that whisks away sweat from the body, making you feel light throughout the entire workout.
• Fashionable – As a dance themed exercise, it is also nice to have fashionable clothes. Zumba is a vibrant fitness program and colorful and bright clothes can enhance the experience of a class.
• High quality – The high impact nature of portions of the Zumba class means that your clothes will take a beating. Go for good quality apparel so you can be sure that they will last longer.
Have fun shopping for your Zumba clothing and have even more fun wearing them while you dance your way to a fit body!
What Is Zumba?
Zumba basically is a dance fitness routine. Unlike other dance exercise classes however, Zumba is a fusion of mainly Latin American beats couple with funky reggae or Caribbean sounds and hip hop. Its focus is not in the dance itself but in the effect that the music has to move the participants. It is therefore both an expression through dance movements as well as an exercise routine. With its upbeat dance tempos, the participants find themselves more in a party atmosphere where they are moved to dance to the music. It is in this way that it encourages more people to participate because of its free form.
How It All Began
Zumba was created by Alberto Perez in the 1990’s in his home country of Colombia. Beto, as he is usually called, was then a fitness instructor and choreographer. Going to one of his classes, he found that he had left the music he was supposed to use for his aerobics class. Thinking quickly, he used the tapes he had with him which were made up of salsa and merengue music. He improvised his class by using these tapes and used a dance type of class instead of the usual aerobics routine. Encouraging the class to move to the music, he found that his students really enjoyed it.
You are reading, Dressing up the Zumba Way | The Ultimate Zumba Clothing
He developed the Zumba program from this and in early 2000 he brought his concept over to the United States and started the Zumba franchise. The Zumba program started with direct to DVD launches as well as a series of infomercials. As more people started to know what is Zumba all about, the demand for Zumba classes also began to grow. Zumba then started to accredit instructors and gyms started to pick up the programs for their classes. Soon, more people began to ask what is Zumba and started to grow not just curious but enticed by the concept.
Today, Zumba has become a lifestyle for many people all over the world. By encouraging more people to be moved to the music, Zumba has attracted followers that grow in numbers even today.
How You Can Join In The Fun
Get to know more about Zumba by visiting a local gym or trying out the DVDs they sell. It may very well be the change you have been looking for in your fitness routine.
Dressing up the Zumba Way
As with any physical activity, dressing right can improve the benefits you will get from exercise. The right clothes can also help avoid injury and allow you to get the most out of your Zumba experience. While there is no prescribed uniform for Zumba clothing, you do need to keep in mind the nature of a Zumba class. The high impact and free flowing movements mean that Zumba clothing should give you the ability to move and keep up with the class.
You are reading, Dressing up the Zumba Way | The Ultimate Zumba Clothing
What to Look for in Zumba Clothing
When looking for Zumba clothing, keep in mind that you’ll be doing a dance exercise for an hour or two. You will need to be able to move with the music and you will need clothes that will keep you going for that amount of time. Below, you will find a list of things to keep in mind when looking for Zumba clothing.
• Comfort – comfort really depends on the user. As you’ll be in your Zumba clothing for a good hour at least, you will want to be comfortable in what you wear. Before making a purchase, try on the clothing to make sure it fits comfortably.
• Freedom of movement – Zumba is a free flowing exercise. This means that your clothes should allow for a full range of movement. Flexible and stretchable clothes allow you to twist, turn and jump and do all the moves in a Zumba session. Your arms should be able to move freely as well. Clothes that can restrict movement can cause injury in the long run.
• Support – Wearing the right support can aid your more sensitive body parts. Sports bras for women are a must in order to keep the chest stable while doing the dance steps. If you have joints that need support as well, you should look at getting flexible braces in order to avoid injury or stress.
• Breathable – absorbent and quick drying fabric are also best for Zumba. You’ll be working up a sweat and fabric that doesn’t hold sweat well can cause you to be uncomfortable in a short amount of time. There are many sports tops and bottoms that feature fabric that whisks away sweat from the body, making you feel light throughout the entire workout.
• Fashionable – As a dance themed exercise, it is also nice to have fashionable clothes. Zumba is a vibrant fitness program and colorful and bright clothes can enhance the experience of a class.
• High quality – The high impact nature of portions of the Zumba class means that your clothes will take a beating. Go for good quality apparel so you can be sure that they will last longer.
Have fun shopping for your Zumba clothing and have even more fun wearing them while you dance your way to a fit body!
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