Zumba® is the new kid on the aerobics class block. Jazzercise is the grande dame. Which partner should you choose?
Both are group aerobic classes with a dance emphasis. Though they have many similarities, there are some key differences.
This article will examine what you can expect from the basic class of both programs, starting with a quick list of what they have in common followed by their five main differences. My goal is to provide factual information based on my personal experience and each program’s website.
Why should you listen to me?
I’ve done Jazzercise on and off since 1997 in a variety of locations with several instructors. My experience with Zumba® is more limited, having done a few months of classes at the local YMCA with two different instructors. I’ve also done other aerobics classes at fitness clubs, at church with local aerobics instructors and I can’t forget the hours spent with friends in the fitness center of their apartment complex, sweating to Kathy Smith’s late 1980s workout tapes. (I opted out of the leg warmers and leotards.) So, I have a fair amount of overall experience to draw from to evaluate the classes.
What are the similarities between Jazzercise and Zumba®?
Zumba® and Jazzercise have a few things in common, including the following:
- Both are group exercise classes led by instructors trained specifically for their program.
- They are both approximately an hour long.
- Both classes incorporate dance moves and popular music.
- Both classes can provide a good cardio workout.
- Both classes welcome newcomers, regardless of fitness level or dance ability.
- You can modify the moves in each class based on your ability and fitness level.
- No special clothes are required for either class, just comfortable workout clothes. Of course, each program has gear for their hardcore fans: Jazzertogs and Zumbawear®, respectively.
- The personality and style of the instructor affects the class. Don’t let a bad experience with one instructor in either program turn you off from the class. Try another class with a different instructor.
- Both programs offer additional classes that build upon the basic classes. For example, Jazzercise Body Sculpting and Zumba® Toning emphasize strength training. (For class descriptions, see these Jazzercise or Zumba® pages.)
What are the differences between Jazzercise and Zumba®?
The instructors cue their classes differently. Jazzercise instructors give a lot of verbal cues, explaining new moves when needed. They cue ahead of time so you know what is coming up next. Zumba® instructors rely on visual cues and give very few spoken instructions.
The style and variety of music are different. Jazzercise uses a wide variety of music including: Top 40 pop radio hits, country, Latin, jazz, etc. In an hour of Jazzercise, you could hear Lady Gaga, Michael Buble, Miley Cyrus and Bruce Springsteen, just to name a few. Zumba® uses predominately Latin music with some hip-hop and rap blended in.
The type of workout you get is different. Though the basic class of both Jazzercise and Zumba® provide a cardio workout, Jazzercise also provides strength training and stretching in the basic class. Hand weights are available in most classes and some larger facilities offer exercise bands to use during class. Jazzercise incorporates elements of Pilates, kick-boxing and yoga. All the major muscle groups (legs, arms, abs and glutes) get specific attention in each Jazzercise class. Zumba® classes, according to the website, “...feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat.” Based on my experience, the interval training was not obvious and we did not do resistance training. In a few classes I attended core isolation was mentioned during a song or two, but it was not a consistent part of each class.
What you learn in class is different. The Perceived Exertion chart displayed in all Jazzercise classes is used to teach you to pay attention to your heart rate as you workout. They also use the names of the different muscles you are working. Injury prevention is stressed through instruction about proper body alignment during various moves, especially during the strength training. Because of the nature of the class, information about muscle groups and so on is not shared in Zubma® classes.
The style of dance moves are different. Due to their origins, Jazzercise and Zumba® utilize different styles of dance, with some overlap. Judi Sheppard Missett, who founded Jazzercise in 1969, was a traditional jazz dance teacher, so Jazzercise is based on those classic jazz dance moves. (The “Learn the Moves” page at Jazzercise.com has videos to preview moves used in class.) Zumba® creator “Beto” Perez birthed Zumba® out of necessity during an aerobics class he taught. He forgot his music and had to ad-lib the class using his personal mix tapes (It was the mid-90s) of salsa and merengue music. Instead of worrying about repetitions and beat counts, Beto lead his students in a more free flowing class. The Latin-inspired moves and music are still the key component of Zumba® classes. Basic I instructors are taught the four basic Zumba® moves of merengue, salsa, cumbia and reggaeton.) Basic 2 instructors add four more steps of belly dance, flamenco, tango and samba. So, depending on the level of your instructor, you’ll see various combinations of these moves.
Should you choose Zumba® or Jazzercise?
Before you choose which class to do, think about your fitness goals. If all other factors are equal (location, cost, accessibility, etc.) use your fitness goals to determine which class is best for you.
If your goal is simply to move more and get your cardio on, either class will work. If you’re wanting to address the main components of fitness (cardio, strength, and flexibility), then do three to four Jazzercise classes per week.
The bottom line is to choose one of them and start moving. Either class will benefit you if done consistently, but neither one will do you any good if you stay home – unless you're dancin' with yourself for 60 minutes at 70% of your maximum heart rate.
Lexie Smith - Lexie is a A University of Texas graduate who taught middle school English and, until 2009, homeschooled her children. She lives in ...
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