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Zumba Dancing – Fitness for the Heart

There is a new dance craze sweeping the nation. It is called Zumba and is reshaping bodies and health for people of all ages.

This mix of Latin, salsa, samba, meringue, cumbia and hip hop dancing burst on the scene in the nineties. It began to gain popularity in the last several years as fitness clubs, dance clubs and videos are showing people how to get fit and have fun at the same time.

One benefit of exercise is an improved mood and focus. What if you could get that without feeling that you actually did some work? For those who have never danced before, the steps will come to you in time. Actually you burn more calories learning them.

In a typical Zumba workout, you can burn as many as 600 or more calories in an hour. And, that hour goes by fast when you are really into the session.

So how do you burn so much fat and get in shape? For one, combining different dance moves requires core control. That means squeezing your abs so you stand up straight and are able to move in so many different directions without injury.

There are elements of plyometric exercises like the ones athletes do in training. These short bursts increase your heart rate and also strengthen the muscles in the legs.

Zumba is a full body workout. To increase heart rate, you not only keep your legs moving but your arms raised above your head. The arms are an integral part of the moves so you are always working your cardiovascular system.

There is more than one level of dance with Zumba so it works to increase the heart health of all ages. If you can’t do the jumps at first, then move on the floor but keep your arms going and the energy high so you still burn fat and calories. To keep you motivated, many of today’s hottest tunes are set to routines. Instructors are taught how to break down the moves for you and demonstrate them slowly at first before moving up to tempo.

Zumba is not all fast, though. You may get a mix of belly dancing music and all that hip action to strengthen hip flexors and improve abdominal strength. By alternating between fast and slower sequences, you get to regulate your breathing so you can keep up without being overtired.

And, the more you participate, the better your heart rate and lung function. Now, you can show off your dance moves, get your groove on and burn calories at the same time. If Zumba is too high impact for you, there are also aquatic Zumba options, Zumba toning and Zumba for kids.

Here are the latest savings on Zumba Fitness products from a few of our favorite retailers:

Workout – One-on-One Training with Jackie

Workout: One-on-One Training with Jackie
Where to buy: www.amazon.com
Review by: AMHMom

Thinking of a new fitness regime DVD? Something you might actually stick with for a change?
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Well, I am speaking for myself here. I get all excited about a new workout DVD and do it for a while and then slack off.  Workout: One-on-One Training with Jackie is an absolute hit. It gets your heart pumping, your muscles working and most importantly, it is so much fun that you want to do it over and over again.

Jackie Warner is a popular personal trainer who guides you with her enthusiasm through this fast-paced and calorie burning workout. The routines are divided into three categories: upper body, lower body and core/abs. You have a choice to either do the three parts separately or to do the routine in one go – which means one hour of fun and sweat. The different routines/moves are easy to follow as Jackie always works with other trainers who, while Jackie instructs and gives advice or encouragement, will perform the routine for you. The routines are varied and include moves such as planks and side planks, squats and push-ups. Throughout the workout, Jackie cheers you on and encourages you to keep going.

Overall, Jackie Warner is an excellent personal trainer who makes this interval training fun for anybody wanting to get fitter and stronger. All you need in addition to the DVD is a spare hour, a mat, some light weights and a desire to do something good for yourself.

Learn more about Workout: One-on-One Training >

Product Recommendation – Exhale: Core Fusion (DVD)

Exhale: Core Fusion (DVD)
Review by: ACHMOM

Are you in need of a great workout? Do you like Pilates and are looking for overall core strength? The DVD Exhale: Core Fusion is a great way to get fit, shed weight and inches of your thighs, hips and waist and feel great. Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp, creators of the well-known Exhale mind/body spas and long-time yoga and Pilates instructors, have created this great workout DVD.

I like it that the DVD is divided into various 10minute segments, so it is up to you which ones and how many you want to do each time. The exercises are, at times, quite challenging and you will certainly feel your muscles being worked thoroughly and in depth. If done regularly, you will feel your abs tighten and you will notice your whole body being much more toned.

I find the guidance and instructions throughout the DVD are user-friendly and easy to follow. The exercises themselves don’t use any weights at all, but focus purely on body resistance. The exercises don’t take up much room in your home. So even if you live in a small apartment, you can still benefit from this DVD.

Overall, if you are looking to work on your core strength and toning of your body, this DVD by two well-known and experienced instructors would certainly be worth owning.

Click here to learn more about this title:
Exhale: Core Fusion Collection