Zumba Time

The popularity of Zumba is spreading across the world as its reputation for positive results is evident and being broadcasted worldwide. Zumba has turned into not just a Latin dance, but a dance that people from all cultures can adapt to and make their own.

“According to zumba.com, Zumba has expanded to more than 110,000 locations and 125 countries,” said Stephanie Kariuki of Ohio State University.

Zumba has been described as a formula that proves that working hard will promise results. So it is surprising that the dance was formed by accident? Alberto “Beto” Perez, an aerobics teacher from Columbia, forgot the music for his class one day and decided to improvise. After positive feedback and the creation of a dream, Beto moved to Miami to start what is now known as the Zumba revelation.

“… in 2001, his innovative style caught the attention of two entrepreneurs, Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion.  The three men joined together to create Zumba Fitness, LLC, a global company based on Beto’s fitness philosophy,” said writers ofzumbaway.com.

Zumba has transformed from a Latin dance, to an exercise class at the gym, to take home DVD’s and games, to physical education classes on college campuses. Zumba, especially in college, encourages students to stay fit with friends. 

"You can go with your friends and get the same workout and have a good time,” said an anonymous student from Ohio State University.

Dance is a great workout because of all the aspects of exercise it targets. Zumba, unlike other forms of exercise, improves the cardiovascular system, improves coordination, helps lose weight at a steady pace, and can even boost one’s mood all in a fun way.

“Research has found that one of the best ways to improve the condition of your cardiovascular system is by performing physical activity that stresses the heart, such as… Zumba dancing. For best results, try to get at least 30 minutes five days a week,” said 4 Fitness Benefits of Zumba Dancing.

Zumba has had a reputation for changing the way people feel about themselves while exercising and being a great tool for motivation as opposed to feeling self-conscious.

“There is something about the way Zumba Fitness can make you feel. The way your body performs those Zumba Fitness moves. You just let go…and allow your body to enjoy itself. When I do Zumba, I dance like no one is watching. There are no barriers,” said a blogger from jfitnessarts.com.

The skyrocketing popularity of this dance form is also just due to the plain and simple fact that it is fun and never the same. A majority of first time Zumba dancers always go back for another class.

"I needed something more than my usual exercise and walking to get my weight down and Zumba has been it!  Plus it is so much fun!” said Sarah G, a frequent Zumba dancer.

Dance Fitness Shoes - Picking a Shoe Designed For Zumba Dance Workout

One of the most often asked questions of Zumba instructors is about what is the best dance fitness shoes or sneakers to wear to a class. This beats out the second most often asked question which is can I lose weight by doing this type of dancing aerobic workout.
Zuumba as it sometimes misspelled, is really an aerobic work out which brings together Latin based dance moves as well as conditioning steps.
However, everyday workout footwear just wont cut it.
It doesn't have the necessary support, comfort or the ability to absorb shock. It may also be too heavy to properly execute the Zumba moves. The ideal dance fitness shoe is lightweight and does not have grips on the bottom or sole.
So, how do you get the best aerobic sneakers or shoes?
Fortunately for all of us, with the ever-increasing worldwide recognition of the effectiveness of fitness classes there is a decent selection of footwear available to us today. This is great for those of us that have a hard time with getting the proper shoe size and/or because our feet are too slender, too wide, or if we have elevated arches.
Some of the major brand names, including Zumba, can provide you with a decent selection of cardio or aerobic shoes. Companies like Nike, Ryka, Avia, and Sansha just to name a few.
One neat trick that I have found to make any shoe more comfortable, is to purchase a cushion insole that's made out of gel. This not only makes it more pleasurable to where it also absorbs some of the shock that comes from the dancing moves.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's get back to how to pick a dance fitness shoe for your Zumba fitness workout.
If you're used to searching online, you will probably find some decent reviews of the different manufacturers. Such as the ones I listed above. Another way to find out what type of workout shoe you should use is to ask your aerobic workout instructor. Many times, they have already done all the research for you. Since, they usually spend a great deal of time teaching.
So for them having the proper aerobic shoe is perhaps a little more important than it might be to an occasional dance class participants.
Let me leave you with one last tip. Whatever manufacturer you choose, make sure that they offer some kind of money back guarantee. You really won't know too much about how comfortable, supportive or shock absorbing the sneaker is until you try it out in class.
Some of the better retailers will allow you to return them or exchange them even after you have worn them once.