Zumba Toning is a weight-based program designed for older adults who aim at strengthening their muscles. This Zumba workout program is designed with a goal to alleviate the risk of loss of muscular strength and muscle mass which is a concerning issue in older adults.
Besides being the best workout plan for older adults, Zumba Toning is perfect for those exercisers who want to put extra emphasis on toning and sculpting their muscles.
This article aims at providing a basic understanding of Zumba Toning, its Dos, DONTs, and the benefits.
What Is A Zumba Toning Workout?
Zumba Toning Workout is a new Zumba format that involves strength training exercises within the dancing format to help you tone your muscles in the least possible time while not getting bored at all.
The addition of toning sticks makes it easier for the exercisers to burn the additional calories. Being a combination of Zumba, Cardiovascular exercise, and strength training, this workout routine is recommended for people who are looking to strengthen their muscles and shed off the extra calories without getting bored of the routine.
Zumba Toning works on circuit training that involves both cardio and strength workouts. Quite similar to the Zumba Circuit workout, this Zumba format requires you to practice cardio for a few minutes followed by a few minutes of strength training and the cycle continues. The Zumba Toning session lasts from 30 minutes to one hour based on the age of the exerciser and their fitness level.
Here it is important to understand that, a Zumba Toning workout must not be followed without a certified instructor. Join classes with a certified Zumba Toning instructor or, don’t do it at all.
How Does Zumba Toning Work?
This Zumba session typically requires a pair of lightweights, known as Zumba Toning Sticks. These Zumba Toning Sticks come in 1lb and 2.5lb weights. You are suggested to start off with the lightest weight and increase as you get used to it.
The Zumba Toning sticks contain sand that enables the exercisers to shake the weight without being harsh on the body as the common dumbbells. These sticks are made soft and easy to hold so that you can transition between the exercises fast and smoothly.
Zumba Toning can also be practiced without weight sticks but this will be decided by your instructor based on your fitness level and age. If your Zumba instructor feels like you are not ready to add weight exercises into the session, you can participate in the weight-free Zumba Toning sessions.
Although these Zumba sticks are light-weighted, you are still required to pay a close check on your range of motion. To practice this Zumba format, make sure you are having a controlled environment mediated by a certified instructor to avoid any risk of injury.
DOs And DON’Ts Of Zumba Toning
Being a combination of cardio, strength, and dance, this exercise format is not suited to everyone. If you are suffering from any medical condition or you are having a medical history, you are suggested to pursue this exercise format after consulting with your health provider.
You can also consult a certified Zumba instructor to figure out whether or not this session is a good fit for you.
If you are a beginner at workouts, you are suggested not to plunge directly into this Zumba session, instead begin with the regular Zumba. Also, make sure you are taking not more than 3 classes every week in the beginning.
- Participate in the sessions only if your doctor has given you a green flag.
- Stay hydrated, and drink a lot of water before starting off the session.
- Shoes with high treads are a big NO!
- Wear lightweight attire so that it would be easier for you to move around quickly. Also, your attire must be comfortable.
- Don’t begin Zumba Toning with heavily weighted toning sticks. Stay gentle with your body at the beginning.
What Are The Benefits Of Zumba Toning?
From strengthening your muscles to building your muscle mass and toning up your body, this workout format has several benefits for you. Here are some of the notable benefits you can reap following this Zumba format.
- The Zumba Toning Sticks used for this workout format help enhance the sense of rhythm and coordination.
- It tones up your body while putting extra emphasis on the arms, core, and lower body.
- This Zumba format helps you tone up your muscles and asserts special attention to defining your body muscles.
- It adds resistance to the workout making it a little difficult for your body so that you can achieve maximum results in minimum time.
- Zumba Toning also helps in improving your bone density, body coordination, balance, agility, and joint mobility.
You may also want to read: Zumba Fitness: Basics And Tips For Beginners
The Takeaway
As the name suggests, this Zumba format focuses on toning your body and muscle. However, this exercise format is not suitable for everyone. Before incorporating this workout into your daily workout routine, make sure you have consulted a health expert or a certified Zumba instructor.