Written by Carlos Guiñan, Managing Partner for RhythmX

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Q: Can a person really burn up to 1000 calories on a single Zumba Class?

A: YES!, but check this out!

When Vanessa asked me to write an article about how students can achieve burning the maximum number of calories they possibly can in a Zumba class, I asked myself "Where do I start this editorial?" There are so many variables that can affect the performance and achievements of a student who is taking a Zumba Class that a fixed formula will not work for everybody.

I know that you have heard a lot of people and commercials saying that they have the most effective work out or diet formula for ANYBODY to lose weight, however, I bet you most people do not pay enough attention to the very tiny disclaimer or underline statement that clearly says "Results may vary from person to person" (or similar). 

Indeed, results vary from person to person; furthermore, every person's life style, body composition, age group, family history for pre-existing medical conditions, diet, mental stage and even the intensity and ways we perform our physical activities are some of the variables that will define the extent of the results that each individual will achieve from a Zumba class.

We, at RhythmX, take the basic knowledge of "burning calories" from just a simple indicator of weight loss to a strategy that measures progress for a healthier life style; after all, looking great and sexy (physically speaking) should be the reflection of practicing a healthy life style and not the result of extreme, harmful and/or risky techniques, diets, medical procedures, or medicine use, that will ultimately affect people's health.

Burning calories in Zumba is a fact! Students are making their bodies use calories as a source of energy to keep up with the physical activity just by moving along with the crowd in every single routine being performed during a Zumba class. Vanessa simplifies it by saying "the more you come, the better you get"; students seem to respond well to that statement; I say it differently: "the harder you perform each move, the safer you are when performing each routine, the more frequently you do the same song, the better you will get and the more number of calories you will end up consuming in each Zumba class".

Even though we at RhythmX believe that there is not a fixed formula that will bring the same results to everybody, we truly believe that there are important tips that WILL enhance your physical performance as well as increase your chances of burning more calories per class:

• Stretch your muscles before and after each class: taking a few minutes to condition your muscles before a Zumba class will prevent injuries.

•  Try to never miss the warm-up and cool-down songs: the body needs a ramp-up and a ramp-down period of about 3-4 minutes each to get ready for the upcoming routines and recover after the most intense routines are completed. Believe it or not, burning calories is a process that is based on conditioning to perform well and safely through each of the high intensity routines.

•  Follow the instructors tips and instructions: experienced and well qualified instructors come up with routines that contain safe body moves and take the time to explain them when they are difficult to achieve or the complexity of the moves require additional coordination. Remember, "safety over performance"; never compromise your posture for incremental performance. Learning the moves and steps the right way and safely is part of training when going to a Zumba Class. RhythmX Instructors are happy to stay after class to break down a step you really want to learn.

• Listen to your body: the human body works with the brain with something that fitness specialists and doctors have defined as muscle memory. Muscle memory is a combination of two main factors: 1) what we have learned and taught our muscles through the time we have been alive and 2) the knowledge that the muscles already have built in, in regards to what is safe when we are performing a move. While we should always push ourselves to perform harder and better, we should also make sure that "the push" is never unsafe or harmful to our bodies.

• Wear the right shoes and exercise clothing (visit our section of FAQ on http://zumbaorlando.net/zumba-orlando-about-us/zumba-orlando-faqs for more detailed information). Wearing the appropriate attire will help you feel more comfortable and avoid muscle injury as well as many types of discomforts, such as: excessive pressure on the back and/or chest, pain on the hips and joints, knees, ankles, feet, etc.

• Drink fluids (preferable water) during a Zumba Class: keeping the body hydrated helps to 1) recover fast from work-outs, 2) heal minor injuries, 3) keep the internal body temperature regulated and 4) use the fat stored in the body as a source of energy to burn calories. Replenish your electrolytes during and after class with a low carb and low calorie drink.

• Do not give up on your efforts to continue with your Zumba classes: Zumba has been conceived as a recreational AND exercise practice; while your body exercises and burns calories, the brain rests and releases endorphins as a response to a mental stage stimulated by the music and fun derived from the stress release experienced throughout a Zumba class. Dance and Fitness activities in general bring a dual benefit to those who experience them: a healthier mental and physical stage. Remember how hard it was to get started, if you love it don’t stop, make it a lifestyle change and make it a permanent scheduled hour dedicated to you and to your health.

In summary, while burning 1000 calories in a Zumba class is likely to happen, burning more calories throughout time and every time you continue attending Zumba classes is an un-doubtable fact. However, remember that burning more calories is a combination of committing to your fitness goal, following the safety tips and understanding that conditioning is a process that takes time but brings results when performed the right way.

As always, thank you for trusting RhythmX as your Dance and Fitness Provider.

Carlos Guiñan

Managing Partner

RhythmX LLC

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