Who should take Zumba Gold classes? Everyone from the ages of 10-100 should, as long as they are interested in learning the dance steps of the salsa, merengue, cha cha, mambo, cumbia, calypso, belly dance and rock & roll. The importance of staying active throughout our lives is not in question. The question is, how will we stay active?
Changes Take Place
As we age, change takes place in our bodies. Changes can occur in blood pressure, blood sugar, bone density, muscle mass, body fat and strength. What we do to offset the changes is up to us. Doctors and nutritionists advise us to stay active, eat healthy, and think positively. An easy way to follow their advice is by taking Zumba dance classes which help us in all three areas.
Not only is aerobic dance great for our bodies, it's great for our minds. While dancing to the exciting beats of Latin music, the brain's pharmacy begins to release its natural 'fixes' of serotonin and dopamine to make us feel good. In other words, dancing is a natural high! In our modern day lives fitness should register high on our daily to-do list to combat stress and inactivity.
Zumba Gold Program
The Zumba Gold program improves balance, flexibility and cardiovascular strength with its unique program. Zumba Gold was designed to teach the basic dance steps to anyone, even those requiring chairs or wheel chairs. Zumba Gold provides an appropriate workout for the sedentary population. Feeling the music is the first and most important step to learning Zumba. Feeling the music happens when one suddenly forgets she's dancing in a class and the music is the reason to move with joy.
Physiological Benefits of Zumba Gold
- improved cognitive function (from learning new steps and moves)
- improved motor control and performance (practice, practice, practice)
- improved range of motion, overall strength and flexibility
- improved bone density
- increased caloric expenditure
- improved ability to perform pain-free activities of daily life
Psychological Benefits of Zumba Gold
- enhanced self esteem
- enhanced general feeling of well being
- empowered & enhanced quality of life
- enhanced relaxation
- reduced depression, stress, anxiety
- increased opportunities for social interaction
- increased opportunities to dance, party, & have fun!
Difference Between Zumba Basic and Zumba Gold
- how long the class lasts
- how long the warm-up lasts
- how long the cool-down lasts
- speed and intensity of the dance moves
If You're Interested in Zumba
- Go online to see where you can attend classes or go to get certified to teach Zumba classes.
- See how zumba makes you feel great.
- Read a related article by June Smith.
To rediscover joy in movement, put on some aerobic dance shoes, get a bottle of water and find a Zumba class today. It just might be the easiest and most joyful way to stay healthy for life.
Sources
Zumba Fitness, c2008
Andrew Weil, M.D.: Healthy Aging: Alfred A. Knopf, N.Y. 2005.
American College of Sports Medicine and American Heart Ass.: Updated Guidelines for Physical Activity for Healthy Adults and Older Adults, 2007.
Vicki F. Chavis - Growing up in Asia, Europe and North America left Vicki with a love of cuisine, history, language, fashion and travel. Today she writes on ...
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