ZUMBA...Is it a worthwhile workout system w/ Luis Espinoza

Zumba is the name of a dance fitness program created by dancer and choreographer Beto that became popular in the Miami area in the late 1990s and became ever present in 2000. The program combines Latin and international music with dance in an effort to make exercise fun. Zumba can be done at gyms where Zumba classes are offered through licensed instructors in more than 90,000 fitness center locations in 110 countries with ten million participants. I chose the DVD route where I could do the videos in the privacy of my own home. The moves of Zumba are based on salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, samba and other international music styles and forms.

There are a total of 6 DVDs that come in a set for $59.95. They include: the Zumba Fitness Basics Workout; Zumba Fitness 20-Minute Express Workout; Zumba Fitness Sculpt & Tone Workout; Zumba Fitness Cardio Party Workout; Zumba Fitness Live! Workout; and Zumba Fitness Flat Abs Workout. It also comes along with 2 Zumba Fitness Toning Sticks to help aid in the sculpting process for that specific DVD. Until you become proficient with all the moves it is suggested to the go through the complete Bascis workout. I so far have only done that video along with the Cardio and the Sculpt and Tone workout. The one thing I liked about Zumba is that all moves workout your core and work out your abs. You feel them burn…If you need the motivation a class might be for you. I also like Zumba because Beto actually teaches the moves and goes through the work out with you.

You see what his abs look like… :). The girls instructors really know how to teach and make you have fun. I love how in the Basics video they breakdown the moves so that you can get them in 3 counts. The motive is to do the move, eventually once you are great...You can put your own personal rhythm into it. The point is to be active and yes you do feel it. Some of the music could have been better but did the job none the less. I give Zumba an overall of 4 out of 5 stars.

I am on my Zumba weight loss journey and I love it. This is something that would be much more fun to do with your friends. The Zumba Fitness Live makes you feel that way...I can see why this system has flourished here in the states because of the latin feel and that the moves can translate to other types of dances.