Lala party!

To get energy, give energy. This very simple, fun Zumba for seniors would be a great way to start your day or warm up before you head to the gym. Maybe even a boost for those times when you are feeling a little sluggish and looking for a way to get your motor revved up.

Intro to Zumba

If you’re new to Zumba, I suggest starting by trying one or two numbers at a time so you can get the hang of the moves before diving into a full 30-minute or hour long class. Many classes, especially the advanced ones, don’t come with a whole lot of instruction. But, if you’re feeling game, you can always go for the long class right away, too. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.

A Zumba workout is nothing more than a series of Latin inspired dance steps strung together to form a routine. Put a bunch of routines together and you have a very fun, very effective workout. Some of the moves you’ll see used frequently in Zumba include salsa, merengue, reggaeton and cumbia.

Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes that will allow you to move freely and have a bottle of water handy. Zumba is all about flavor, so feel free to add some fun accessories like bracelets, a headband or a hat. Even if you’re just working out in your living room, it can be fun to dress the part.

Most importantly, have fun! If you screw up the steps, don’t worry about it. Just keep moving. With time and practice, you’ll master the routines and be able to add your own personal touch to them. Oy!

Benefits of a Quick Zumba Workout

A short bout of movement, even for a few minutes, is better than no movement at all. They say sitting is the new smoking, and especially for our age group, if we don’t keep moving we might get stuck!

The Harvard Health Letter explains that most Americans could avoid weight gain by burning just 100 extra calories a day. That means a brisk walk around the neighborhood after dinner, consistently taking the stairs instead of the elevator, working in your garden for half an hour, or popping on a few quick workout videos like this one instead of plopping down on the couch when you have a few minutes of downtime.

You can use this quick Zumba for seniors video to get your motor running for the day ahead. Or, if you fall victim to the afternoon slump around 2 or 3 p.m., just turn this on and shake off the lethargic feelings. You could also do it back to back with some of my other cardio workouts to make a 10, 20 or even 30 minute workout session.

Plus, once you get going, I bet you’ll feel an increased sense of motivation to continue! Exercise has that effect.

Zumba for Your Brain Health

You know about the physical benefits of exercise like Zumba, but did you know you’re also doing a world of good for your brain every time you get moving?

When your blood gets pumping, it pushes oxygen to the brain, which helps improve attention and concentration. If you’ve ever done a quick workout and suddenly felt more alert and awake, you’ve seen firsthand the effects of giving your brain an oxygen influx.

Exercise has many more proven impacts on the brain, as well. Research suggests that the parts of the brain that control thinking and memory are bigger in people who exercise regularly than those who don’t. Regular exercise increases the production of brain chemicals that promote cell repair, warding off cell damage that happens as we age.

If you’ve never tried Zumba before, your brain will love the new challenge. The ever-changing moves and routines stimulate your focus, and trying something new forms new neural pathways that help keep our brain strong and sharp over time. Some experts even believe that exercise contributes to better multi-tasking and planning skills.

This Zumba for seniors routine is easy with its repeats, yet fun to do with its Latin flavor. Give it a go and see if you don’t end up feeling a bit more peppy. AND if you want more Zumba numbers, leave me a comment below. I would love to bring you more… salsa, cha cha, bachata anyone? 

Enjoy!

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