What could be a more enjoyable way to burn calories than dancing? It’s fun and social, plus you’ll break a sweat. Zumba® dancing doesn’t feel like exercise at all; it’s just moving to the beat and having fun! While many people take Zumba fitness classes at local fitness centers, there’s another way to try Zumba, and you don’t even have to leave your home. Just get the Zumba Dance app!
How it works
Zumba Dance costs $4.99 and is available for iOS and Android devices. This app is also available and most popular with iPads and tablets. Zumba Dance welcomes all levels of dancers and can accommodate any level of intensity. You can choose the length of your session by choosing one song to dance to, or a full class. The look and feel mimics a video game, and it keeps you interested with its fun colors and music!
Before you begin, take some time to set up the room you’re exercising in and create enough space to comfortably move and groove. You will need to set up the device (easiest with an iPad or tablet) on a stable surface with a bit of a tilt so you can see the screen and the camera can see you. That’s right—you will be on camera!
To get started with the Zumba Dance app, create an account and provide the necessary details, like your name, height, weight, and age. Once you have created an account, you will choose your desired length of exercise. If you want to try a full class, your can pick a short, long, or custom playlist class. If you have never tried Zumba before, don’t worry—there’s a tutorial section where you can easily learn the steps.
The workout begins with the instructor dancing on your screen. You’ll also see your moves, mimicking the instructor’s moves, displayed at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. Your moves are rated, and you are awarded stars for each move and for the overall workout. A five-star performance indicates an excellent job.
Zumba Dance saves all your sessions and keeps track of how many calories you burn per session. You can also share your progress with friends on social media or within the application.
Pros: Because of this app, you can take Zumba anywhere—to your friend’s house, while you’re traveling, or in the comfort of your own home. It’s a great way to learn new moves and have fun while working out. Many Zumba Dance users say it’s a fun way to mix up your exercise routine and spark a new hobby.
Cons: The cost of Zumba Dance is worth the limited sessions that initially come with the application; however, it isn’t long before you may be looking for a new routine, which is an extra charge. Also, this app really works best on an iPad or tablet, since a large screen is helpful for seeing the steps clearly. The app is more challenging to use and watch on a phone’s smaller screen.
Overall consensus: Aside from the limited amount of sessions to choose from, this app is a fun way to start exercising. If you enjoy kicking up your feet and dancing to the beat, Zumba Dance is a great app to try.
If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to the Wellness Coaching program, reach out to your Wellness Coach for more help finding helpful fitness apps and resources.
