Shake yourself fit with Zumba dance classes

Zumba classes are amongst the best-known group workouts in the world. There are over 200,000 fitness classes globally, spread through 180 countries. They offer a great many workout formats, from strength and conditioning, to kids’ fitness, to, of course, their signature Latin dance variations. If you are looking for the 'best Zumba in Dubai, then give GymNation's class a go!

Each of their workouts is super high energy, made up of highly choreographed moves set to salsa and international music beats. It’s fun, intense and uplifting, and it has seen a level of success commensurate with its feel-good vibes. 

Zumba original

The namesake class ‘Zumba’ is the Zumba organisation’s best-known offering. It combines high and low intensity intervals for cardiovascular endurance and energy expenditure with balance, coordination, agility and a small amount of strength, as would be expected of any high-energy dance class.

Everything is set to Latin-inspired music and, indeed, everything is fairly music-led. The tempo and pace are set by the speed of the music. Classes begin with slower songs for a bit of a warm up, before climbing to faster, higher intensity songs and then finishing once more in the slow lane for a cool-down. 

Though it revolves around dancing, no prior experience, or even talent, is needed for you to get involved with Zumba. Choreography is repetitive and designed to be built upon, so most people will catch on to the moves as they go. Though those with a bit of rhythm or a bit of experience on the dance floor may start out on the front foot, Zumba is more about fitness and fun than looking good, so leave your inhibitions at the door, get a sweat going and enjoy yourself. The rest will come with time – and if it doesn’t, who cares.

In fact, ubiquity is one of Zumba’s biggest draws. Anyone can do it, anywhere, with no special equipment or training being needed at all. No matter how quickly you pick it up, you’ll be moving, shaking, and losing weight whilst, hopefully, having a great deal of fun. After all, as one of the biggest fitness class styles in the world, they need to appeal to everyone – no matter how bad you think you dance, there is always someone who is worse. 

Zumba’s extended range of classes

Zumba classes welcome all comers, no matter background or experience level. All choreography is directed to the lowest common denominator, so they really are open to everyone. Their popularity has soared as a result.

Because of this, they have added a few extra classes to their range, in addition to their core Zumba classes. These additional classes include:

• Aqua Zumba: Particularly good for those with lower-extremity injuries or a need for low-impact exercise, Aqua Zumba takes the Latin dance craze to the pool.

• Zumba Gold: This modified version of the standard Zumba class is geared to an older audience that wants the same fun music and flair of a traditional class but performed at a lower intensity.

• Zumba Kids: Designed for kids between 7 and 11 years old, Zumba Kids modifies and breaks down traditional Zumba moves, then adds games and activities to the class to keep kids engaged and interested as they break a sweat.

• Zumba Kids Jr.: Very similar to Zumba Kids, Zumba Kids Jr. is simply modified for the 4- to 6-year-old audience and is positioned even more as a ‘dance party’ to help keep this age group on ‘task’.

• Zumba Step: The same Latin-inspired dance choreography, but with the addition of an aerobic step to increase the intensity of the workout and add more leg-strengthening moves due to repeatedly stepping on and off the elevated surface

• Zumbini: This once-a-week, 45-minute class is designed for the littlest Zumba fans between 0 and 3 years old; the little ones and their caregivers meet to bond over music and engage in age-appropriate active play; think less ‘workout,’ and more ‘learning experience’.

Zumba also have a full range of classes aimed at strength training and hypertrophy (muscle growth), partly in response to a booming market in recent years geared towards strength athletics. These strength and conditioning based classes include:

• Strong by Zumba: A high-intensity bodyweight training workout with movements choreographed to the beat of the music; push ups, squats, burpees, and lunges are staples of this routine

• Zumba Gold-Toning: Just like Zumba Toning, but at a lower intensity level designed for a somewhat older audience.

• Zumba In the Circuit: Designed as a circuit, alternating between Zumba dance moves and strength training exercises for a full-body workout intended to improve cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength.

• Zumba Sentao: Uses a chair as a ‘dance partner’ to focus on core strength without the use of weights.

• Zumba Toning: Incorporates the use of Zumba Toning Sticks (or light weights) to add an element of strength training to familiar Zumba dance moves.

You’re in luck if you’re looking either for fitness classes in Dubai, or fitness classes in Abu Dhabi, and want to give Zumba a go. There are plenty of classes to choose from.