Zumba: Shake Your Way Slim | The Best Life Blog: Fitness, Weight ...

Posted By Bob Greene on June 21, 2012

Zumba?even just saying the word is fun. The Latin-inspired dance class, which was created in Colombia in the mid-90s and came to the United States in 2001, has attracted a large and loyal following in recent years. According to the official Zumba website, more than 12 million people take weekly Zumba classes in more than 110,000 locations throughout 125 different countries. Why is it such a hot workout? It could be that an hour of Zumba burns more than 500 calories (based on a 175-pound woman). Or maybe it?s the music?when you hear the mix of slow and fast tunes, you can?t help but start moving. Zumba draws from a number of different dance styles, including tango, salsa, merengue and mambo. It offers something for everyone: You can find different variations of Zumba based on your age, exertion level and fitness goals. There?s even a water version called Aqua Zumba.

There?s some good research on the health benefits of aerobic dance classes, too. One study found that amateurs who salsa danced elevated their heart rate and increased their energy expenditure. Another suggests that even a slower-paced dance (like the tango) can help you get in shape by increasing the number of steps you take each day. In the study, older adults who strapped on dancing shoes logged 2,000 steps during the two-hour class, which replaced previously sedentary time.

Afraid to give it a try because you have two left feet? Classes usually welcome beginners, but if you still feel self-conscious, skip the studio and opt for the comfort of your own living room: Rent or buy a Zumba DVD or look for the Zumba Fitness game (available for a variety of video game consoles, like Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect).

To learn more, watch videos and find a class near you, check out the Zumba website.

Have you ever tried Zumba? If so, what?s your favorite part?

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About Bob Greene, Best Life Founder

Bob is an exercise physiologist and certified personal trainer specializing in fitness, metabolism and weight loss and the driving force behind The Best Life. He holds a master?s degree from the University of Arizona and is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise. For 30 years, he has worked with clients and consulted on the design and management of fitness, spa, and sports medicine programs.

Bob has been working as a personal trainer to Oprah Winfrey for more than 15 years. He has since become a contributing editor for O, The Oprah magazine, and writes articles on health and fitness for Oprah.com. He is also the bestselling author of The Best Life Diet Cookbook, The Best Life Diet, The Best Life Diet Daily Journal, Bob Greene's Total Body Makeover, Get with the Program!, The Get with the Program! Daily Journal, The Get with the Program! Guide to Good Eating, Make the Connection and Keep the Connection.

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