Zumba has become one of the most common exercise programs that is available to the masses. More importantly, it has begun to catch the interest of older adults as well. If you are considering signing up for a Zumba program, here is some information that might help you before your session.
What Is Zumba?
Surprisingly, Zumba is actually not a recent invention. Having been around since the 1990s, it is a dance-based workout program that is heavily based on Latin American dance music and techniques. Its appeal is largely based on the idea that it allows participants to stay active without having to go through the conventional movements associated with workouts and exercise. In other words, it engages the community by creating interest and fun movements.
Despite not seeming like a workout routine, it actually works with interval training and resistance training techniques that do help people get fit and stay fit.
Benefits of Zumba
There are many different benefits of Zumba. The most obvious benefit is that it is, at the end of the day, a type of exercise. This helps older adults stay active and get in some physical exercise regularly. More importantly, it can be easily catered towards different physical abilities by matching the moves and effort level to the individual’s competence.
On top of the workout, Zumba also helps with increasing flexibility and improving cognitive abilities. Maintaining coordination is important to getting better at Zumba and this will help participants maintain optimal levels of brain activity.
On top of this, as a dance-based program, music is an essential part of the experience. Moving and interacting with music that appeals to individuals can improve moods and decrease anxiety in the same way that music therapy helps.
Zumba is also a social exercise where participants will have to interact with each other. This helps the exercise program to avoid becoming stagnant and will also allow participants to form meaningful friendships with one another. A large number of older adults that live alone will experience social isolation that can affect their mental health. Having accessible Zumba sessions regularly can help to alleviate these concerns and allow people to be part of a community.
Some Considerations Before You Start
Before you settle on an instructor, it is important to get a licensed Zumba instructor. This is because regular Zumba can be intense and confusing for first-timers, and it is important to have an instructor that can guide you and modify movements if necessary.
Enjoy Senior-Centric Fitness Options at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh
As we grow older, there is a myth that it is necessary to slow down and become more sedentary. However, just because it is harder to keep up with what we did in our younger days doesn’t mean that older adults have to give up on living an active and fulfilling life. This is why it is important to have accessible senior-centric activities and programs to engage older adults.
Our team at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh achieves this by offering various exclusive senior living programs to meet the unique needs of our residents. Whether it is enjoying community activities or special activities, there are many opportunities to look forward to and live each day with purpose.
For more information on our senior living options and the programs offered to our residents, contact us today!
