Zumba Is an Aerobics Fitness Course - Essay Example

Zumba Fitness Alyssa Martinez 8316 PE Pearbloosom Private School 26/04 Body fitness can be practiced in different forms from use of drugs to mental and physical exercises. However, since most medications have side effects, individuals prefer physical ways to keep their body. Zumba fitness has taken advantage of the market gap to provide physical fitness in the larger population. Capitalism has dominated modern economies leading to individuals spending most of the time at work. Spending much time at work has led to poor meals and fatigue that later contribute to health complications. Zumba, through the use of music, has provided a relaxation spot for its members where they can maintain their mental and physical fitness. It has been accepted in most societies due to its flexible programs that can suit the most workers. Zumba fitness has been rated among the Worlds top ten fitness programs based on the number of participants and product uniqueness. Introduction Zumba is a dance and aerobics fitness course that was started in the 1990s by Alberto Perez (Perez, 2009). He is from Columbia and started the Zumba program due to his passion for dance and music. The Zumba fitness brand consists of various products launched since 2003. They include Zumba Stape, Zumba Toning, Zumba Sentao, Zumba Kids, Zumba Toning among others. The products cater for various people in the society despite their ages. Since Alberto is a choreographer and a dancer, the fitness program incorporates music in its sessions (Perez, 2009). Zumba uses music genres such as Salsa, Samba, Martial arts, Soca and Hip hop. The different rhythms from the music can be used to change the used approaches. Moreover, the use of different genres ensures that its customers can join the program irrespective of their music preferences. Origin Zumba fitness programs became popular in Columbia and there was a need to cause awareness into other countries (Perez, 2009). With the help of entrepreneurs, the program became international where it has been practiced in more than 180 countries globally. Perez had business ties with the United States; he was able to market his dance into the country. According to recent research, more than 10 million people take weekly classes. Zumbas success has been caused by its use of music and use of infomercials to cause awareness. Most gym classes can adopt the fitness program because there are no licensing fees leading to its popularity. Zumba products can be sold in the form of videos, and videogames. Growth and acceptance in the society The fitness program has grown over the past five years due to its results. Individuals who have practiced Zumba keep fit and healthy. Zumba Fitness (the organization) has marketed the dance through different strategies. In early 2000, it led to the development of a website where one can access more knowledge about the dance. An individual can also watch videos from the website on the different elements of the dance. The website has also facilitated the purchase of video games and DVDs where one can order online and receive the product through mail (Perez, 2009). Infomercials where potential customers are issued with phone numbers have also contributed to the programs growth. Target Zumba fitness targets the whole population despite age, geographical locations and the body health (Kuczynski, 2012). Based on age, it offers packages that suit both children and adults. Children to keep fit by practicing various dances presented in the games can use Zumba video games. The older population has been targeted through incorporation of gyms where instructors can teach various dance moves while ensuring body fitness. In cases where individuals do not have time to visit gyms, they can purchase the Zumba DVDs and practice on their own at home. The Zumba fitness game can serve a number of individuals where they can compete online and share ideas on how to keep their bodies fit (Kuczynski, 2012). Classes The Zumba Academy licenses instructors to carry out sessions in gyms for one hour. There are eight different classes based on exertion and age. The classes include training sessions with different rhythms (fast and slow). The Zumba packages are suits different needs depending on the age levels. For example, Zumba Gold mainly targets the old population where it takes into account the different music genres and special needs that consist of the old age. The classes can be held in several locations. Different classes will target specific body parts during the training sessions. For example, classes held in swimming pools will target the hand and leg muscles. Instructors can direct the participants actions while they are halfway submerged in the pools. The exercises are used to keep the upper body fit. Zumba fitness ensures improvements in the strength and coordination of the body structure. It focuses on the distribution of body weight and how it affects the locomotion. Its mission statement posted on the website states, ‘Shake shake and shrink- the most fun and effective workout ever says it all (Kuczynski, 2012). Zumba fitness has taken body health to another level where it has introduced fun and interaction during training sessions. The program has targeted most of the American population due to the increasing cases of obesity that have led to health complications. It has gained popularity in other countries because of the customer friendly prices. Having originated from Columbia, a country that is not well up economically, Perez has ensured that it serves all its clients despite money matters. Zumba fitness DVDs Entry of other fitness organizations has led to increased competition in the body fitness field where everybody wants to keep fit amid the unbalanced food diets. However, Zumbas success has continued despite the entry of other fitness programs. Its success can be based on its unique products and adoption of new strategies. It has several DVDs that portray various workouts depending on the time taken. Zumba has introduced the ‘Learn it elements that can be used by beginners to learn dance steps before beginning the workout processes (Kuczynski, 2012). The ‘Step by Step DVD’ breaks down the dance moves to a level where kids can understand. The ‘Rush DVD has two instructors and lasts for 20minutes (Kuczynski, 2012). It consists of fast moves that are used to keep the heart fit. It is perfect for individuals who do not have enough time due to work or home activities. Use of video blogs and social networks as a competition strategy has had a large impact in the market. It has used video websites such as YouTube to market its dance moves. Beginners can also learn moves by accessing Zumbas YouTube channel. Workout parties are video-recorded and posted on the website where they can be accessed from any location provided there is internet connectivity. Criticism Critics have questioned the safety of the Zumba dance moves claiming that they could be dangerous and against doctors prescriptions (Navarro, 2008). Some individuals either fractured limbs or dislocated joints during the training sessions. However, Zumbas management has ensured safety during training sessions by their instructors. The music genres used in classes and in DVDs may not suit the customers preference. Conclusion Zumba fitness has led to healthy living where it has been recommended by doctors in some countries. With recent advancements in technology, the organization has developed Smartphone applications such as the Zumba Dance App (Navarro, 2008). Since its establishment in 1990, it has changed the perception of body fitness. References Kuczynski, A. (2012, February 20). Just Dance. Harpers BAZAAR. Retrieved April 26, 2014, from http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/health-wellness-articles/benefits-of-zumba-class-0313 Navarro, M. (2008, July 10). Fashion & Style. Samba Lines at the Gym. Retrieved April 26, 2014, from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/fashion/10fitness.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 Perez, B., & Robinson, M. (2009). Zumba: ditch the workout, join the party! : the zumba weight loss program. New York: Wellness Central. Read More