Zumba is a fun, high-intensity cardiovascular workout involving a mixture of traditional Latin dance, such as salsa and mambo, as well as martial arts, belly dancing and water aerobics.
Zumba has exploded in popularity over the last few years in the UK, so what is this craze and why has it become so universally popular?
Officially arriving on the fitness scene in the US in 1999, Zumba actually first originated in the 80’s in Columbia. After turning up at an aerobics class in Columbia without his traditional music, instructor Alberto Perez founded Zumba by accident, by substituting his traditional aerobics music for Latin music. The class was an instant success and from this the trademark Zumba ® was born to Perez, Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion in 2001.
By 2007, Zumba had spread to 6 continents and established credibility with fitness icons across America. In fact the Latin inspired workout is reportedly performed by over 12 million people in 125 countries around the world.
The word Zumba actually means ‘fast moving’ and when fused with the word ‘rumba’ simply means fast moving party. A party that typically burns an impressive 500-1000 calories an hour.
