ORIGIN OF ZUMBA

Latin-inspired dance class originated in Colombia more than a decade earlier. Zumba,
dubbed a "dance party" rather than a workout, grew from an improvised dance class in a
Colombian aerobics studio in the '80s to a widespread exercise phenomenon.

Zumba was first introduced in the United States in Miami in 1999

Latin Influence
Although the fitness program of Zumba started in the late 1980s, Zumba has roots in Latin
dances such as the merengue, salsa, cumbia and samba that date back in some cases to the 17th
and 18th centuries. Flamenco, for example, originated in Spain in the 18th century. Cumbia,
which originated in Colombia as an infusion of Latin and African influence, established a
presence in the early 19th century. The interplay of these Latin rhythm and dance styles come
together to define Zumba.

The First Class

Alberto "Beto" Perez initiated the Latin dance class now known as Zumba in an aerobics class in
Cali, Colombia in 1986. Perez arrived to teach class one day without his traditional aerobics
music, so he substituted Latin music he had with him at the time. The improvised class was a hit
with his students. Perez, along with Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion, trademarked the
Zumba name in 2001, two years after Perez introduced his Latin-inspired fitness class in the
United States.

Zumba's Growth
Zumba established a foothold in the U.S. fitness industry after the considerable success of
infomercials launched in 2002. By 2007, Zumba had spread to six continents and established
credibility with such fitness organizations as the American Council on Exercise, the Aerobics
Fitness Association of America and the IDEA Health and Fitness Association. The original
Zumba class included the stylings of El Gran Combo and Las Chicas del Can, and the sound and
feel of Zumba remains grounded in Latin music and dance.

Evolution
Zumba classes and videos offer a high-intensity cardiovascular workout that last 50 minutes to
an hour, on average. Since its origination in 1986, Zumba has evolved to include not only more
traditional Latin dance exercise, but hip hop, reggaeton, pop and more. Official Zumba
instructors are trained through the Zumba Academy, with certification options in toning, water-
based exercise, step, basic Zumba and Zumba customized for older adults and novice exercisers.
 7 health benefits of Zumba
Why Zumba is a great alternative to traditional fitness programs:
1. It’s fun.
The more you enjoy your exercise routine, the more likely you are to stick with
it. Many people say they have so much fun dancing that they forget they are
actually exercising.
2. Great for weight loss.
Zumba is a powerful exercise with a 600 to 1,000-calorie burn in just an hour.
3. Tones your entire body.
You may feel sore in places you never knew existed, but it gets results. Zumba
targets lots of different muscle groups at once for total body toning.
4. Boosts your heart health.
You not only get aerobic benefits (it really gets your heart rate up), you also
get anaerobic benefits – the kind that help you maintain a good
cardiovascular respiratory system.
5. Helps you de-stress.
Turning your attention to dance, and away from the daily grind, is a great way
to relieve stress. Studies show that exercise is very effective at reducing
fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and enhancing overall
cognitive function.
6. Improves coordination.
In Zumba, your arms and legs are generally moving in different directions so it
requires a good deal of coordination. Repeated practice improves coordination
and helps you feel more comfortable moving your body.
7. Makes you happy.
Every time you exercise, you release endorphins, which trigger positive
feelings throughout the body.
Side effects Of Zumba Dance:

While an aerobic based workout program will make you lose weight
quicker, you will also gain weight quicker if you stop following a fitness
program like Zumba. This is usually not the case with slower workouts
such as yoga

With a faster workout program, there is a higher chance of injury by

tripping, slipping or falling down or simply spraining a muscle. This will
especially be a problem with those having certain bone conditions
and/or for older people.

Zumba fitness may prove to be tiresome for some people who also look
for relaxation in their workout regime

For people who do not enjoy dancing or lots of noise around them, will
be more likely to not be at ease with Zumba.