When thinking
about fitness, what it the first thing that comes to mind? Dance likely is not the answer. However,
dance is quickly catching on in the gym and making its presence known in the
fitness industry.
Dance based classes
are quickly growing in number. Zumba, a Latin based dance cardio workout that
promotes a dance party atmosphere, is the most popular. Worldwide, over 12 million people, at 110,000
sites, in 125 different countries participate in Zumba1. A study conducted in 20132 found
that the dance workout can be used as a sufficient alternative to running or
cycling.
No talent is
needed for this high energy alternative workout. Zumba provides choreography,
but Beto Perez, the creator, claims “there is no right or wrong way to do it.”1
Instead, participants are encouraged to move to the beat. The study conducted
in 2013 fund that participants reached ACSM’s guidelines for cardiovascular
workouts, all while dancing the Salsa, Rumba and Merengue. How fun is that?
If you are
feeling tired of the same old treadmill routine, check out a Zumba class. You
will receive the same benefits while partying with your fellow classmates.
“Ditch the workout – Join the Party!”
1 Porcari, J.
(2012). ZUMBA®: Is the "fitness-party" a good workout? Journal Of Sports Science & Medicine,
11(2), 357-358.
2 Sternlicht,
E., Frisch, F., & Sumida, K. D. (2013). Zumba® Fitness workouts: are they
an appropriate alternative to running or cycling? Sport Sciences For Health, 9(3), 155-159.
doi:10.1007/s11332-013-0155-8
I absolutely agree with you! Dancing, however weird some insecure people may think it is, is a great and maybe even a better alternative than the conventional treadmill or stair stepper. The majority of people I work with are athletes, and to be honest, I would much rather them attend a dance class over a cycling class any day of the week. To add to the benefits you described, dancing involves and requires coordination and motor skills that are significantly higher and more demanding than those needed to go out for an early morning jog. Good post keep up the good work. Trash the treadmill - Join the Party!
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