Zumba Essay
Question: How Zumba related to therapy and how can it be used as a therapeutic tool?
Based on various definitions, Zumba can be defined as an aerobic fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. According to the oxford dictionary, therapy is defined as a treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder. On the other hand, therapeutic tools are tools that are used to maintain or restore one’s health. Researchers have discovered that zumba can be used as a form of therapy. Based on my research, I have gained the understanding that the related aerobic moves conducted during a zumba session are beneficial to one’s health and can be used as a effective therapeutic tool, especially for individuals with illnesses and disorders. Three ways in which I think zumba may be used as therapeutic tools are; Effective Calorie Burner, Weight Loss and as Stress Therapy.
Firstly, zumba can be used as an effective calorie burner. According to a recent zumba study led by Dr. John Porcari, a person can burn an average of 369 calories (9.5 calories per minute) after doing a 38 minute session with an average heart rate of 154 beat per minute. Of course the actual calorie burn will depend on the energy you get from the session, the instructor, the type of music, dance moves, and your actual mood. Calorie burn is also compared with other exercises studied in the past. However, it was discovered that zumba could help burn more calories than step aerobics and cardio kickboxing.
Secondly, zumba is also a good weight-control exercise. This is so because it is an interval training (going back and forth between high and low intensity workout) where you burn more calories during and even after workout more than a steady-state exercise like jogging. A big part of choosing a weight loss regiment is choosing something you are likely to do continuously. Zumba appeals to a lot of individuals because it has a dance aspect, which makes it fun for them. (There is a stigma associated with working out in a “boring old gym.”) Other than strength training that is done once or twice a week, zumba a few times a week is the perfect cardio/weight loss exercise. My suggestion to an individual who wants to achieve a goal in weight loss is that strength training and zumba along with eating correctly (healthy proteins, vegetables and fruits) is just the right track to be on. However, it is good for one to reward themselves at times with a small treat but after going home from a session and gorging on ice-cream results in no weight loss (and probably the opposite).
Last but not least, zumba can also be considered as an effective therapy for some emotional hardships and stressors (activity or other stimulus that causes stress). Here we have stress therapy as another tool used in zumba. A loss of a loved one and personal difficulties are stressful factors that some individuals face on a daily basis, and I believe that participation in a zumba session is one way that these individuals can be revived emotionally and mentally. To them, other forms of exercise may feel more like a punishment rather than an energizer and can stress the body and mind. When one is stressed, participation in a workout session can lead to little or no enjoyment with end result being early termination. However, during a zumba session these individuals can manage to smile, be with other positive people and also enjoy a great way to express themselves.
In summary, zumba can be a treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder. It also helps in weight loss and muscle tone, and is an effective way of relieving stress and strengthening the mind mentally. I strongly believe that participation in this program can be beneficial to many individuals and is also a fun exercise to be engaged in.