4 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE ZUMBA YOUR NEXT WORKOUT
Has your fitness routine started feeling stale recently? Consider joining the countless fitness enthusiasts who are remixing their workouts with Zumba! Zumba is a cardio-focused fitness program centered around Latin-inspired dances fusing salsa, reggaeton, merengue, and cumbia. If you’re interested in a fun environment set to heart-pumping music that will push you out of your comfort zone, here are some reasons you should give Zumba a try!
1. Engages The Entire Body
Finding workouts that engage the full body is always a plus. Zumba incorporates footwork that involves the leg muscles, arm movements that tone your biceps/triceps, and squats that target the glutes and core muscles. In a 50 – 60 minute session, you can promote weight loss with an average of 600 – 1000 calories burned per session, improve your endurance, and support your cardiovascular health.
2. Beginner Friendly
Having workouts that meet you where you are is the key to a consistent and successful fitness journey. Sessions of Zumba are suitable for everyone at any level, ranging from beginner to intermediate and high intensity. Participants of all skill levels are welcomed in every class and modifications can be made to adjust to your experience level.
3. Supports Mental Health
Studies show that structured dance is more effective than other types of physical activity for improving mental health. As you move to the rhythm, you release endorphins and dopamine that relieve stress and boost your mood. Zumba can also help you gain more self-confidence as you are able to push your body and see results.
4. Growing Community
Today, Zumba has amassed a following of over 15 million people who actively take classes. The growing Zumba community promotes inclusivity, welcoming participants of all backgrounds, abilities and fitness levels, where everyone motivates each other in a friendly environment.
Ready to try Zumba for yourself?
Asphalt Green hosts Zumba classes weekly with Carlos Chavez, our Zumba expert! Carlos brings 15 years of experience to Asphalt Green, and hosts some of our most popular group exercise classes.
To book a class with Carlos, visit our group exercise page using the button below. Then, toggle the instructor menu and search for Carlos to find a Zumba class that works best for you!
MEET CARLOS Chavez, Asphalt Green Zumba Instructor
What are the benefits of Zumba?
Zumba is a cardio workout that started in 2001. It has changed over the years and now combines cardio with entertainment. It’s a place where people can come together to forget their stress, enjoy a great workout, and just have fun.
What was your journey to becoming a Zumba instructor?
I began dancing in Peru, where I received traditional training. After moving to the USA in 2007 where I continued to pursue dancing, I became a certified Zumba instructor in 2010. Following my certification, I started teaching Zumba after successfully auditioning.
How did it lead to Asphalt Green?
In 2017 or 2018, a fellow Zumba instructor, who also taught at Asphalt Green, introduced me to the organization. I started teaching a few classes at the Upper East Side location and, over time, had the opportunity to take on more classes at the Battery Park City location.
How would you describe your personal approach to teaching Zumba?
It’s been a journey since I started teaching Zumba because I used to do my own thing and then I started learning more from teaching. In my classes, I try to interact more with people and smile at them. Sometimes, one glance at somebody can change their attitude and engagement in the class. I want them to make noise and feel the freedom to go crazy. We all have fun.
What do you hope participants walk away with after your Zumba class?
My hope is that when they come to my classes, they are happy and relaxed and can release their tension and stress.
Why do you love Zumba and why do you think people should try it?
I love Zumba because of my passion for dance, which I’ve had for as long as I can remember. Being an instructor allows me to combine that passion with meaningful interaction.
How has Zumba evolved in the time that you’ve been a dancer?
Zumba has evolved so much over the years. It used to be about choreography and dance, with easy-to-follow steps that made people feel comfortable. Today, Zumba is all about entertainment, fun, and connecting with different styles. From bachata, salsa, merengue, and cumbia to Soca, hip-hop, dancehall, and even African music. The steps are often repetitive in 3 layered combos in the songs, making it easier for everyone to join in and enjoy.
Why would you encourage people who don’t have experience in dance to try Zumba?
You don’t need any dance experience or even a sense of rhythm to do Zumba. We start with basic movements. Each song follows a repeating pattern allowing you to get comfortable with the steps before we add more energy. It’s really for anyone. You don’t have to be a dancer to enjoy and benefit from Zumba!
