The Hottest Dance Fitness Craze Hits Chicago
Zumba has become one of the most popular group fitness classes in recent years. This Latin-inspired dance workout is making its way across gyms and studios in the Chicago area as people discover how fun it can be to get in shape.
What is Zumba?
Zumba is a dance fitness program that incorporates Latin and international music and dance movements like salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, and more. An instructor leads a class through various routines featuring fast and slow rhythms to elevate the heart rate and get you moving and grooving.
Dances like salsa and merengue are known for their energetic and sexy moves, making Zumba feel more like a dance party than a workout. But don't be fooled - Zumba provides a serious cardio workout that can burn upwards of 600 calories per hour while sculpting the abs, legs, arms and glutes.
The Benefits of Zumba
Zumba offers many excellent health and fitness benefits for people of all ages and abilities. Some of the top benefits of Zumba include:
- Boosted heart health from cardio and aerobic activity
- Increased endurance and muscular strength
- Enhanced coordination from the dance moves
- Improved mood from releasing happy endorphins
- Rapid calorie burn to support weight loss
- Low impact modifications to suit any fitness level
- Fun and engaging total body workout
Finding Zumba Classes in Chicago
Chicago offers many exciting Zumba classes at gyms, community centers, dance studios, and more throughout the city and suburbs. When searching for Zumba near you, look for the following types of locations:
- Health clubs like LA Fitness, XSport Fitness or Lifetime Fitness.
- Dance studios that offer adult group classes.
- Recreation centers through the Chicago Park District.
- Community centers, schools, churches and more.
You can check the schedules on the website of fitness facilities near you or call to inquire about Zumba class times. Classes tend to run about an hour long and many locations offer multiple classes daily or weekly to choose from.
What to Expect in a Zumba Class
When you arrive for your first ever Zumba class, wear comfortable athletic clothes that you can move in freely. Bring a small towel, a bottle of water and be prepared to dance up a sweat! Here's a basic rundown of what a standard Zumba class entails:
- Warm up and stretch - Get ready to move your body!
- Review basic steps - Learn salsa, cumbia, reggaeton moves.
- Let the music play! - Follow along with fast and slow rhythms.
- Cool down and stretch - Bring your heart rate back down.
A great Zumba instructor will break down steps, build choreography gradually and modify for all fitness levels. You should feel challenged but not overwhelmed. Let the music motivate you to move a little bigger and have fun!
Top Zumba Studios in Chicago
From small boutique studios to giant fitness chains, Chicago offers no shortage of excellent Zumba classes. Here are some of the top rated Zumba studios in Chicago and the suburbs for an energizing and joyful workout:
River North Athletic Club
This athletic club in downtown Chicago offers one of the city's most popular Zumba classes. Licensed Zumba instructors lead hype classes set to thrilling Latin beats. Classes available most days in early morning, lunch hour or evening.
The Studio in Highland Park
North Shore suburbanites flock to The Studio for dance, yoga and, of course, Zumba classes. Licensed instructors keep the energy high in this spacious studio with classes offered Tuesday through Sunday.
Lakeshore Sport and Fitness
This Lincoln Park health club offers an ideal setting to break a sweat Zumba-style. With classes nearly every morning in their 8,500 square foot studio, you'll have ample chances to perfect those Latin hip motions.
Zumba Apparel and Gear
Half the fun of Zumba lies in wearing fabulous, flattering fitness apparel to show off your best moves. Shop for these Zumba gear must-haves before hitting the studio:
Zumba Shoes
The right athletic shoes provide essential support for the constant lateral motion involved in Zumba. Shoes should have grippy rubber soles and lateral reinforcement to prevent rolled ankles. Top brands include Nike, Ryka, Zumba and more.
Dance Leggings
Leggings allow cool comfort and flexibility to shake, shimmy and sweat. Look for moisture wicking performance fabrics with stretch and style from Nike, Lululemon, Fabletics and Danskin.
Sports Bras
High impact bounce requires an ultra supportive sports bra. Opt for compression style with moisture wicking lining, racerback straps and pretty back details from Victoria's Secret, Athleta and SYROKAN.
Load up on stylish sneakers, leggings, sports bras and tanks so you're ready to salsa, merengue and cumbia the pounds away in a Zumba class near you!
FAQs
What should I wear to my first Zumba class?
For your first Zumba class, wear comfortable workout clothes that you can move freely in. Choose athletic shoes with lateral support for dance moves, moisture wicking leggings or pants and a comfortable sports bra or tank. Bring a small towel and water bottle too.
Do I need dance experience to take Zumba?
No dance experience needed! Zumba instructors are trained to teach all levels from beginners on up. The focus is on having fun and getting a great workout, not dance perfection.
What is the difference between Zumba classes?
Some classes emphasize toning while others bring the “party” with extra high energy moves. Look for beginner classes to learn the basics or Circuit/HIIT sessions for added cardio intensity between dance combinations.
How many calories can I burn in a Zumba class?
Expect to torch around 400-600 calories per hour of dancing in a typical Zumba class. The more effort you put in, the more calories you'll burn through fat blasting interval training.
Which studios offer the best Zumba classes downtown?
Top rated Zumba studios downtown include River North Athletic Club, East Bank Club, Lakeshore Sport and Fitness and the YMCA. Check their schedules for convenient class times in the Loop area.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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