Mountain Climbing and Pilates: Taking Your Health to New Heights

Breathing: Although simple - If you breath correctly, you will find it easy to relax and provide adequete oxygene to your muscles. You will notice the difference when you breathe correctly as it will enhance your overall experience.

Breathing is a major part of all pilates exercises. You simply breathe in through your nose for a count of five, and out through your mouth for a count of 5, with a shushing sound. Make the breaths into short, rhythmic bursts - in,in,in,in,in and shush,shush,shush,shush,shush. Never rush your breathing and don't go overboard to the point that you feel light headed and fall over.

Toe Lifts: This will help you with core balance. Core balance works in harmony with the alignment of your feet supporting your whole body. You will be amazed at how much strength your toes possess to balance your body. This movement strengthens the muscles on the top of your feet and increases the blood flow into your toes.

Poor circulation to your feet can lead to stiff muscles and problems that affect the rest of your body. This is a very simple exercise designed to improve circulation and enhance your awareness of balance. Start standing with your feet together inlign with your body. Hold your head straight and keep your arms rested at your sides.

Start simply by raising your right foot toes slowly up as far as they will go and then back down again. Do this a couple of times alternating feet. Then lift up the toes of both feet at the same time pressing the metatarsal bones at the base of your toes strongly and evenly into the floor.

** Remember - Do not roll your feet inward or outward while performing the exercise. And do not lean back as you lift ** You should be breathing in as you lift, and breathing out as you lower your toes. Try closing your eyes as you exhale and lower your toes. Keep your eyes closed for five repetitions and you will notice an improvement in your sense of balance.

Finger Flicks: This exercise improves the circulation in your arms and hands. The increased blood flow into the fingertips helps to flush out toxins and reduce arthritis or stiffness in the joints. It's also a good forearm workout and is excellent for relieving aching elbows.

Start standing with your feet together inlign with your body. Hold your hands down in front of you below your waist and make loose fists by rolling up your fingers with your thumb on top. In this exercise your arms should always be fully extended as they move in a circular motion into six main positions.

1. Down and in front. Hands facing inwards.

2. Raised to shoulder height and in front. Hands facing inward

3. Stretched straight up. Hands facing inward.

4. Stretched out to the sides. Hands facing upwards.

5. Lowered to 45 degrees. Hands facing down.

6. Lowered to sides. Hands facing inward. The idea is to strongly flick your fingers open continually throughout all the positions.

Do eight flicks while you stand in position

1 and four flicks as you move to position

2. Do eight flicks while standing in position 2 and four flicks as you move into position

3. Continue this pattern.

** Remember - Keep your wrists still and your arms straight

** The Hundred: This is a classic pilates exercise so named because it takes a count of 100 to complete. This exercise strengthens core abdominal muscles and expands the chest and ribcage.

This is a floor or mat exercise. It involves raising your legs to vertical and waving or pulsing your arms up and down in small motions.

1. Start by lying on the floor with knees bent as if you were doing sit-ups and have your arms resting palm down at your side.

2. Squeeze your abdominal muscles so that your head, neck, and shoulders raise off the floor. Keep your abdominals squeezed tight throughout the whole exercise. Stretch your arms forward toward your toes and start pulsing them up and down a distance of about 15cm. Stay is this position for a count of 20.

3. Slowly lift your legs to a 90 degree angle with your body. Continue the pumping for a further count of 20.

4. Slowly extend your legs straight up to the ceiling and keep pumping for 20 counts.

5. Begin to lower your legs at a 45 degree diagonal to your torso and keep pumping for 20 counts.

6. Keep your legs straight and lower them as close to the ground as possible without lifting your spine off the floor and keep pumping for 20 counts.

7. Lower your head to the floor. Release your arms, bend your knees, and place your feet back on the floor. Roll-up to Diamond: This exercise works your abdominals and improves flexibility of your spine.

This is a floor or mat exercise and involves rolling up your upper body while extending your arms.

1. Lie with your legs in the diamond position. Keep your back flat on the floor and rest your arms on the floor above your head. The diamond position is when you point your toes and bring your legs into a diamond shape with your knees out to the sides.

2. Lift your arms toward the ceiling and slowly start rolling or peeling your upper body off the floor from your head down.

3. Keep peeling and extend your legs forward while keeping your toes pointed.

4. Stretch your arms and torso forward over your legs creating a C shape with your body. Keep your abdominal muscles tight and hold your arms directly around your ears.

5. Begin to roll back down to the floor pulling your legs back into the diamond position. Your arms should start to point to the ceiling again.

6. Finish in the starting position with your spine flat on the floor, your hands resting above your head and your legs in the diamond position.

** Remember - Keep the movement fluid and constant. Work with your abdominal muscles. Don't straighten your spine while rolling. If you feel any stress or discomfort, hold on to your thighs until you are stronger.

** For more pilates exercises check out http://www.pilates-class.com

Pamper Your Body Through Pilates

With Mari Winsor's Pilates Method becoming one of the greatest maturing types of exercise methods it has picked up oodles of attention on television, Radio and even from movie stars like Daisy Fuentes.

In view of the fact that Mari Winsor's Pilates Method was initiated by Joseph Pilates, a German National, there have been a number of unique method of pilates originated such as the in style methods of Aero Pilates, Mari Winsor and even Yoga Pilates.

Even though there are a mixture of methods and variations of free Pilates exercises invented each version concentrates on the basic values established by Joseph Pilates.

The objective of this article will be to explore the main movements and methods of a Pilate’s training program. Movements Not like other fitness training programs Pilates training methods seek to improve the movements of the body.

Since Pilates incorporates many body movements with a lot of motions your core muscles that hold up the your joints become increasingly stronger. The stretching of these foundation muscles permits you to grow to be a more elastic person and therefore the combination of these two makes your body movements smoother. Body And Mind Finding the right body and mind represents another core method of the Pilates exercise technique.

Most people training with Pilates like the fact that it builds muscle and strength and you will find the same people using Pilates find a gigantic physical fitness advantage of using pilates techniques in their workout.

Different Yoga that centers more around stretching, Pilates fitness workouts look to shape key body muscles with basic yet sophisticated methods. Additionally, core breathing techniques of Pilates are used in order to enhance blood flow to the brain which in the end of a workout smooth the progress of stress relief in the body.

Posture: The every day workout like weight lifting or aerobics center on a individual muscle movements. Pilate’s workouts focus on total body movements which are focused on providing a complete workout.

This lets lots of people to get a total body training program, yet most of all it gives a established methodology that will keep the body aligned. This helps people who workout with Pilates develop a healthier posture through methods which assist with helping the core of the body. Moreover the strength attained from a Pilate’s workout regime assists to develop body shape which give the body a balanced posture.

Flexibility: The core of Pilates is based around stretching and developing flexibility in order to decrease stress in the joints and muscles.

One of the main reasons for stretching that a good number of perspective pilates members neglect to recognize is that stretching makes up a exceptionally proficient training regime for building muscles as well. Additionally stretching helps prevent injury which is a widespread reason Pilates beginners training with Pilate’s describe such a reduced incidence of injury while working out with Pilates.

Generally Pilates represents a complete body workout program which will supply benefits to the total body and mind by helping diminish stress, enhance posture, flexibility and muscle strength and in time helping with creating a life of balance.

Pilates Can Help the Disabled

Pilates is a form of about five hundred exercises that Joseph Pilates started and was inspired by calisthenics, yoga and ballet as well. These exercises worked to improve the flexibility, strength, and the balance the body has.

Pilates is not only a great physical experience that is designed to strengthen the body and the muscles of the core, it is also a spiritual experience in breathing as well. Good breathing will promote a better blood flow in the body.

Since the 1920’s when Joseph Pilates started the exercises to help injured athletes, dancers and later war veterans, Pilates has been adapted to help people of the average community.

Pilates is a non-aerobic form of exercises that will bring in strength to your concentration and focus. The movements are meant to be a lower impact form and focus you on the perfection of each movement instead of how many reps you do.

Pilates is a very low impact form of exercise and it is important that you have a pre-existing medical condition that you talk to your doctor first.

Pilates and the exercises that you learn will give you better flexibility and increase your muscle strength. You will also find that you are getting better abdominal strength, lower back strength as well as help for your hips and butt. They are considered to be your core muscles.

Another benefit of Pilates is that it balances the body and the muscle strength on both sides of the body and gives you more control of the back, arms and legs.

Another important advantage is that you will improve your stabilization of the spine, which gives greater awareness of posture and improved physical coordination and balance.

Pilates can help you to relax and put strength in the back, shoulders and neck too. Many of the doctors have come to find out that Pilates can help rehabilitate people with joint and spine injuries. The exercises need to be done correctly and this will help to prevent muscular skeletal problems later on.

Using Pilates at Home

Pilate lovers around the world are using their workouts and enjoying every second of them. They are doing them at home and anytime they want.

It used to be that a person had to travel to a higher end studio or health club to get a Pilates workout. The equipment was expensive and too big and bulky to bring home.

There are some things that have changed like the mat workouts. The at home users first found out that Pilates mat videos and different DVD’s were able to give them refreshing entire body workouts.

You are going to become more flexible when you are doing Pilates at home. There are no schedules that include Pilates mat videos and different DVD’s that were able to give them a refreshing entire body workout.

You are going to be able to stay flexible when you are doing workouts at home. There are no schedules that you have to meet and you will have a certain amount of self-disciple to be able to take time for at least three sessions a week.

Before you start a Pilate’s program at home you will need to take a couple of classes so that you can get familiar with the Pilates exercises.

You want to find good techniques of movement and breathing. They are best found to be explained and demonstrated by an instructor that is completely qualified.

You need to begin your Pilates exercises on a floor mat. They are very important for two reasons:

* They are not very expensive.

* They do not take up much space to store.

You will notice that there are a bunch of videos and DVD’s to pick from. Many of them will have different styles that will accommodate beginners as well as the more advanced students.

Some of the videos will include exercises that use small inexpensive items like roller and rings. This is going to add fun and variety in your everyday workout.

There is just no better place to exercise than at home!

The Life of Pilates

Joseph Pilates invented Pilates during WWI to improve the rehabilitation for the veterans that returned home. Joseph Pilates believed that both mental and physical health is important to everyone.

He said that some precise body motions could control and form an injured soldier. The movements were used to regain their health and give strength by stretching and stabilizing their main muscles in the body.

He made the Pilates Principles to help the whole body and get it put in proper alignment, centering, concentration, control and precision. Not only does it help the body but it helps breathing too.

The Pilates form is a physical fitness motion that Joseph Pilates developed in the early 20th century. 2005 has eleven million people using Pilate’s everyday.

There are also 14,000 instructors in the U.S. today. Pilates did believe that his method used the mind to control the muscles in the body. This program focuses on the core postural muscles that keep the body well balanced.

There are essential items that provide support for the spine and turn in supports to the whole body. Pilates educated awareness of breathing and the alignment of the spine and how to strengthen the muscles in the torso too.

Joseph Pilates was a legend in physical fitness and was born in Germany in 1880. When he was a child he was small and weak. He was fascinated with physical fitness that would make him very strong and more attractive.

He then became an accomplished skier, boxer and gymnast. In 1926 he and his wife opened their first studio in New York City. Many of their first clients were from a dancing background.

Quality Health -Free Samples and Coupons

* FREE BRAND NAME SAMPLE
* FREE PHARMACY CARD
* FREE SKIN CARE SAMPLES
* FREE LOW CALORIE RECIPES
* FREE DIABETES RECIPE BOOK

Pilates for an Aging Population

Have you ever tried to exercise free Pilates Winsor with the use of the resistance band? What kind of feeling have you earned? These are just among the questions surrounding the techniques involved on how to exercise free Pilates Winsor with resistance band.

For those who are interested to learn the basic techniques to exercise free Pilates Winsor with resistance band, then this article will provide the information for you. Everybody is admitted to exercise free Pilates Winsor with resistance band.

However, there are certain rules involved to exercise free Pilates Winsor with resistance band. For example, those who just begin to exercise free Pilates Winsor are entitled to do one set of eight to twelve repetitions of each exercise free Pilates Winsor with no weight for two to three times per week, with at least one day of the rest between workout.

The rules to exercise free Pilates Winsor that are given to the intermediate involve doing two sets of eight to twelve repetitions by using light-medium weight for two to three times a week with at least one day of rest between workouts. On the other hand, to those who are advanced exercisers, to exercise free Pilates Winsor, they must do two to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions by using medium-heavy weights for two to three times a week with at least one day of rest between workouts.

Additionally, those who will exercise free Pilates Winsor must make sure that they warm up with five to ten minutes of cardio and stretching and cooling down with a long stretch. Aside from that, to exercise free Pilates Winsor with the use of the resistance band everybody must make sure that they drink plenty of water, and the mode to exercise free Pilates Winsor is done as an addition to regular cardio exercise to create best results.

To exercise free Pilates Winsor with the use of the resistance band is to undergo much intricate movements. The remarkable movements involved to exercise free Pilates Winsor with the use of the resistance band are composed of Chest Press, Unilateral Fly, Push Ups, Rear Delt, Lat Pulls, Unilateral Lateral Raise, Overhead Press, Shoulder Rotation, Tricep Extensions, Tricep Extensions 2, Bicep Curls, Squats, Lunges, and Outer thigh.

Those major movements to exercise free Pilates Winsor with the application of the resistance band have its own distinctions and respective sets of steps. For example, the first method to exercise free Pilates Winsor with the use of the resistance band, which is known as Chest Press, is so simple.

To exercise free Pilates Winsor with this type you just need to place the resistance band under a step or ball and lie facing up holding the handles in each hand. To exercise free Pilates Winsor with this method you need to contract the chest to push arms up and repeat for two to three sets. As simple as that! So for more details just visit the official site on how to exercise free Pilates Winsor for more hints on how to exercise free Pilates Winsor.

Pilates Improves Overall Well Being

Good health is the secret of a happy life. It is not the absence of physical ailment, but also a state free of mental distress. Good health, however, does not come overnight. There are certain things that should be included in one's lifestyle to improve overall health. Individuals who want to be fit and healthy should engage in physical activities like Pilates. This fitness regimen has gained popularity because it can be done by anyone at any level of fitness.

Pilates is an exercise method that was developed by German boxer Joseph Pilates in the 1920's. It focuses on slow, controlled movements, smooth breathing, and concentration. There are over 500 exercises that were developed by Pilates. “Classical” exercises involve several principles which include concentration, flowing movement, and breathing. Other new training exercises are derived from the classical form and were designed to make exercises more accessible to different individuals.

Flexibility, strength, and improved core muscles are the primary health objectives and benefits of Pilates. The core muscles include many different muscles that balances the abdominals, spine, pelvis, and shoulders. These muscles are critical in controlling movements, transferring energy, and shifting body weight and movement in any direction. A strong core is necessary to distribute the stress of weight-bearing and support the back.

Individuals who have limited movements or those whose ailments limit them to wheelchairs and other contraptions may still engage in Pilates training. This exercise method promotes a sense of physical and mental well-being which may lead to inner physical awareness. Pilates also strengthens and lengthens the muscles without developing additional bulk. This exercise is beneficial for dancers, athletes, and other individuals who don't want more bulk. Pilates may also aid individuals who want to prevent or are rehabilitating from injuries and are essential in improving posture, circulation, and balance. In addition to its health benefits, pregnant women who engage in Pilates training may develop improved body alignment, enhanced concentration, and improve body shape after pregnancy. According to Joseph Pilates, people who engage in Pilates will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions. Pilates training are usually done slowly and carefully to promote movements that are smooth and flowing and ends with light stretching and cool down period.

Other health benefits of Pilates may include the following:

Look and feel better
Get stronger, more flexible, balance and become less prone to injury
Target and tone problem areas
Develop abs, butts, thighs, and arms
Repair sports injuries
Experience moments of relaxation

Pilates training appeals to a wide population because of the various health benefits it may bring. Becoming involved in this exercise program may change the way individuals think about their body, exercise, and overall well-being. Despite its health benefits Pilates training should not be used as a substitute for physical therapy. Lastly individuals who want to engage in this kind of training should seek the approval of doctors and other health specialists. People with chronic injuries and other health conditions may not be able to practice Pilates. Physical activities like Pilates, coupled with nutritious diet may lead to good health and improved overall well-being.

Brazil Butt Lift

Brand New
Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Zumba Steps

Are you trying to burn those extra energy but do not need to go on a crash weight-discount plan? So you need to keep your self fit however do not need to accomplish that by boring means? No longer do it's necessary to starve yourself or try out tedious exercises.

You haven't tried it all if you occur to haven't tried Zumba aerobics! Zumba steps are taught in a class that lasts an hour. The Zumba steps are uncomplicated and to a quick beat to completely different Latin rhythms. It was the brainchild of Columbian Beto Perez and has been a giant hit ever since it started in the 1990s. This type of aerobics is for folks of all ages. You could possibly always select a class based mostly in your requirements and age group, whether you need your baby to study Zumba steps or are above sixty five and want to go for Zumba classes!

What's greatest about Zumba steps is that you wouldn't have to go out to learn them. If you do not discover the time to go for a category or can not discover a place that gives Zumba lessons in your neighborhood, worry not! You presumably can all the time purchase the Zumba DVD which has a variety of Zumba steps that you could try out from the comfort of your very residence, anytime of day!

Zumba steps are guaranteed to make you shed weight and may even work higher than most other workouts, nevertheless it's essential that you just make positive you'll give you the option to undergo with it, earlier than you sign up for Zumba classes as it requires stamina and commitment if you're to get the best results!

It's not arduous to find certified, Zumba steps instructors around the country. Most of them are nicely-educated and will be certain that you get the most out of the experience. There's also a Zumba Instructo Network (ZIN) which might aid you choose an instructor who's nicely qualified to show Zumba steps.

The 5 Best Shoes For Zumba

If you are looking for the best shoes for Zumba, then you are definitely in the right place. This article was written to look at the 5 best shoes out right now to do Zumba in. Find out why these shoes are considered to be the best, as well as looking at some of the different functions that come with the shoe.

When looking for Zumba shoes, it is very important that you get sneakers that offer comfort, stability, support and flexibility. For those of you who like to look stylish at the gym, you also need to consider shoes that look good. Below we have selected 5 of the best shoes that we believe are the best for Zumba.

The 5 Best Shoes for Zumba

Nike Musique - If you want a sneaker that is perfect for Zumba, the Nike Musique should be at the top of the list. This is a low profile dance shoe that offers amazing support and flexibility. The shoe is available in different models, however you can be sure that you are getting a sneaker that is able to give you the support for dance aerobic activities. The shoe was designed specifically for these types of activities and this is seen with the Phylon midsole that provides cushioning, the non-marking rubber outsole that has good traction and the medial forefoot pivot points that make it just right to turn and twist. This is a must have sneaker.

Nike Zoom Trainer - The Zoom trainer is a very beautiful shoe, it is also one of the best for Zumba. Cushioning and support is what this shoe is all about and you cannot go wrong with it. It is very lightweight and this is courtesy of a light mesh upper, which also makes is breathable. The shoe has an adjustable midfoot strap which will give added stability and support. The sneaker also has a Nike Zoom unit in the heel, which will give even more cushioning.

Ryka Studio Flex Low  - Ryka makes shoes specifically for women and this is why we recommend the Studio Flex Low. It is the perfect sneaker for Zumba as it is low-profile, very light and flexible. It has a nice breathable upper, great EVA midsole for superior comfort, Visco-Elastomere pack to give great performance, cushioning and comfort. This shoe also has excellent traction, something that is needed when Zumbaing.

Ryka Studio D - The Studio D from Ryka is very popular, especially for Zumba. This sneaker is not the cutest out of the bunch, but the design offers excellent cushioning and support. The upper is made out of combination mesh and leather, which makes it extremely supportive. The midsole gives support as well as much needed comfort. The shoe has great torsional rigidity courtesy of the TPU shank found in the arch to heel.

Nike Quick Sister - If you are looking for some really great gym/aerobics shoes, then the Nike Quick Sister is it. This is a breathable and lightweight sneaker that is very flexible, perfect for Zumba. It has a low profile and it comes with a DurDS midsole as well as a DiamondFLX outsole. Perfect for the gym, perfect for Zumba. It also looks really good.

The shoes that we discussed above are a combination of beauty, comfort and support. If you are looking for some really nice Zumba shoes, then you need to consider one out of the 5. These sneakers are well worth the money and you will not regret this purchase at all.

For people who are interested in getting low prices and some of the best deals around on Zumba Dance shoes, then they need to visit the website for more information.

Beginning Zumba

Zumba is a cardio exercise program that combines dance and fitness moves. With a party-like atmosphere, a zumba class inspires you to keep moving and exercising with a smile. However, the fast pace and high impact moves may be too much for some people. Zumba also uses basic steps of salsa, merengue and cha-cha. For people who are not familiar with latin dance it may be intimidating. So Zumba fitness created the Zumba Gold program for beginners which is catered towards those who are deconditioned, new to exercise and dance, or just want to exercise at a moderate pace. A Zumba Gold class or beginners zumba class can be distinguished by the following characteristics.

The steps may be instructed separately before actually doing them to the song. In a regular class you would just follow the instructor and hope to learn the steps as you repeat them over time. The music selection may be more varied and geared towards the members of the class. For example in a regular zumba class attended by young people you may hear more hip-hop or reggaetone music. In a beginning zumba class with older adults you may hear a few swing and Broadway tunes. The moves will have less impact and no jumping. In regular zumba the moves may be more plyometric using jumps up and down or side to side. The music may not be quite as loud as in a regular zumba class where the music creates the high energy and so the music is amplified. The instructor may use vocal cues and a microphone rather than just visual cues. Zumba instructors are taught to use visual cues so that the emphasis of the class is on the music and not the voice of the instructor. However it is easier to guide a class of beginners using a combination of vocal and visual cues. Zumba Gold may be taught in chairs. Chair exercise is very popular with seniors and the dance and fitness moves may be modified to do in chairs.

Because of its low impact, modified moves and slower learning pace, Zumba Gold is an exercise program that anyone can do and have fun doing it. Most of all, because of the fun atmosphere it is an exercise program that most people will stick to, and that is the best exercise of all!

Zumba Shoes - Which Are the Best?

Zumba workouts are aimed at rapid weight loss by undergoing an interesting work out regime. The music and the dance moves used in Zumba fitness dance are aimed at quick weight reduction and body toning of the individual in a very short span of time. Zumba shoes for an instance act as an integral part of the essential sportswear which one needs to wear during Zumba workouts.

The right kind shoe allows the performer in making the right moves while having comfortable and strong grip on the floor. The frequent and fast paced moves in Zumba are to be handled smoothly by the individual unless the whole workout session will become a tedious exercise regime. The best Zumba shoes can be bought online too. The perfect size and comfort of the shoes is of prime importance while selecting a pair of shoes especially for Zumba workouts.

The whole twisting, turning and jumping thing involved in Zumba dance requires the individual to wear something comfortable, stretchable and durable during the workouts. Thus finding the best pair of Zumba shoes becomes an essential condition for all the Zumba dancers.

Zumba training mates can also help you in finding the best pair of Zumba shoes for you. The twisting and turning of the whole body required during any level of Zumba workout makes the individual to seek a high quality durable pair of shoes which can afford to bear all the stress compounded during workouts. The leading footwear brands providing dance shoes in the markets are appropriate for Zumba workouts too. You may choose from the varieties like the Nike Musique shoes or some other brand's dancing shoes for an instance.

You should look more about Zumba fitness DVD and Zumba dance shoes that can help you out in enjoying your life better.

Zumba Beginners Tape

Fun Exercise tape 30 minutes long that adds dance steps to working out lower body and abs.
Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

A Few Reasons to Love Zumba Music

The value of exercise can never be overemphasised. We all agree that there are many health benefits when we work out. How to exercise is however another matter and we can have a long debate on this. Typically, there are two types of exercises: Aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic exercises are more recommended because of their ability to quickly shed excess fat. When it comes to aerobics, Zumba music is always my choice.

Here are some of my reasons for using Zumba songs in aerobic sessions. The first reason I choose Zumba is the songs themselves. The Latino beat that comes with Zumba music just does it for me. Like with any other Latin songs, Zumba has this party feeling to it meaning that if you are using it in exercise, you will basically be having fun into physical fitness. Those who have an exercise routine will tell you why this is so important. Unless fun is added to the routine, it is very easy to get bored and stop. Zumba songs will help you prevent this.

Zumba has a good variety of music which means you have songs for warm up, active exercise and for cooling down. This means you will use Zumba Music from the start to the end of your exercise session without having to switch to any other type of music. Because of the smooth flow of Zumba songs, your aerobic session will tend to also be a flow rather than just jumping up and down. The effect of this is a workout that appears to combine both the physical and the massage effect to it. To put it another way, you will be dancing rather than doing some hard exercise. For ladies, this is even more appreciated because as you cut down and get in shape, you do it while maintaining cute female shape.

The other reason why I enjoy Zumba music is that it is not just workout music. You will enjoy this music even as you relax at home or drive your car. So, when you buy the music, you can use the same CD for both purposes. Zumba will also be very good to listen with your friends because the music is appreciated by both sexes. The music is also very good for releasing stress so after a long stressful day, all you need to do is turn on that CD as you drive home and you will get home ready for family time.

Zumba music when carefully selected can be very good for your sleep. Playing slow music at low volume allows you to sleep peacefully. So in case you have had challenges sleeping, try Zumba and see what difference it will make for you. The reason this is possible is because Zumba music will help normalize your heart rate. One of the reasons we are unable to sleep is the fast pace that our hearts beat making it hard for sleep to come. You probably already know that stress and pressure cause lack of sleep. And these are only some of the benefits of Zumba.

Why Are the Ryka Zumba Shoes the Perfect Choice for Your Workout?

If you have decided to enroll into a Zumba dance class, you should choose the best sneakers for this fitness program. This way you will keep up with the rest of the class and your feet will not get too tired. When looking for the best Zumba sneakers you should definitely consider the Ryka Zumba shoes, which offer the comfort, support, stability and flexibility you need.

Because it is so intense, the Zumba dance needs proper gear, which includes the right shoes. It does not matter if you want to look good at the gym, or you just want to feel good in your shoes, because the Ryka Zumba shoes can satisfy even the most demanding person. Here are the most important features that Zumba shoes should have in order to get the best out of your workout:

First, the shoes must offer the right kind of cushioning and support for your feet. This means that they must have a good sidewall and arch support, and a good cushioning for when you land. The shoes must be specifically designed for dance or aerobic activities to prevent the feet from rolling during your routines. The shoes' soles must help to spread the impact force caused by jumping and landing, so that the joints will not get injured during the workout.

It is very important to buy shoes that offer the traction you need, not more and definitely not less. You do not want to slip and fall during your routine, right? The Zumba dance includes various movements, from jumping to spinning and sliding, that is why too much or too little traction will make these movements harder and can easily hurt your legs.

The Ryka Zumba shoes are very light, flexible and let your feet breathe, without forgetting about the support and cushioning you need. These sneakers will reduce the effort you make when you dance, will reduce fatigue and knee or foot pain. They offer comfort and are capable to carry your body weight while dancing, which means they probably are the best option for most people who want to practice Zumba.

If you have decided you want a pair of Ryka Zumba shoes, all you have to do is surf the net and shop online for the ones you like. Many sites describe all the shoes they have for sale, and allow you to compare different pairs of sneakers to help you decide which one you will buy. This way, you will be able to see many shoe designs in a very short time, and you will have more time for your workout.

There are tons of shoes on the market, which is why it is so difficult to choose the right ones for Zumba. Not all the sports shoes are the same. Some of them offer support and flexibility, others offer good traction and cushioning. Ryka Zumba shoes are definitely a top option for most people, because they ensure all the features that Zumba shoes need, and they also have a very nice design.

I think that Ryka Zumba Shoes are the best sneakers for Zumba

Zumba Fitness For Beginners and How To Get Started With Zumba at Home

Zumba is probably the hottest fitness workout at the moment. Zumba has become popular all around the world due to the groovy Latin rhythms and hot dance steps. You can join a Zumba class to exercise with others but you can easily try it at home for a fun and effective workout. This way you can learn and practise the steps in your own pace and you can lose weight while having fun at the same time.

Zumba fitness is a very effective workout program that is inspired by Latin-American dancing. It combines steps from different dance styles such as merengue, salsa, mambo, cha-cha-cha and many others. You can even find Zumba classes that include flamenco, belly dancing, reggae and hip hop. The movements have been simplified, which makes it easy to follow the routines. Zumba is a great workout for the whole body; it sculptures both the upper- and lower body and it allows you to tone your waist without doing any of the classical sit-ups.

If you are tired of spending hours in the gym doing the same repetitive routines, then Zumba fitness is guaranteed to give you a kick. Zumba has become incredibly popular due to the funky music and the groovy dance steps. The music is so inspiring and motivating and it makes you feel like you are in a party instead of in the middle of a workout. One of the main reasons for its popularity is that it is an amazingly effective way to lose weight and get in shape. You simply forget about what you are doing, and your body just moves to the music, while the calories are burnt and the extra weight is shaken off.

Most importantly, Zumba is for everyone. Everybody can practise Zumba, even if you are completely new to dancing. However, as a beginner it can be a really good idea to practice at home so you can get familiar with the new type of movement. Dancing Zumba at home gives you a really good workout, and you are sure to get the party started once you let the music begin. A really good way to start is by buying a Zumba Fitness DVD for beginners that will take you through all the basic moves. Besides your Zumba DVD you should remember to wear comfortable clothes that allow your skin to breathe as you will sweat a lot. You also need good shoes that provides support and do not get stuck in the surface. And last but not least you need water within reach.

There are many Zumba Fitness DVDs to choose from, but you need to make sure that you get one that fits your level. If you are a beginner, you should get one that includes a thorough introduction, so you can get the steps right. Once you master the initial steps you will be able to move on and you will feel confident to move on with your Zumba workout. The great thing about Zumba Fitness is that you will feel a difference after only few weeks of training, and you will get fit in no time.

.

Tips Before Enrolling in a Zumba Class

Are you tired of the conventional dance workout routines and fitness boot camps? For those who are finding other options that would help them stay sexy and healthy, you can enroll in a zumba class today! There are now so many fitness centers offering zumba classes and even dance studios are catering this kind of workout at the same time. However, if you are really interested to learn zumba, here are some of the things you might want to consider before enrolling in any zumba classes near you.

1. Look for the right location. Aside from considering the place nearest to you, you should also check out the available facilities in the studio or gym as well. The floor should not be too slippery nor too rough as well so everyone can avoid getting injuries while dancing. It is also important that there is a medicine cabinet just in case an accident happened.

2. Ask the establishment if a certified zumba instructor would handle the zumba classes. If you happen to see the instructor during your visit, you can ask him about the background that he has when it comes to teaching fitness routines. It would be a plus if he used to be a personal trainer since he knows how to deal with beginners better compared to those who haven't been a personal trainer yet.

3. And since zumba is all about dancing and incorporating various moves from different dance steps, the instructor who would deal with all the zumba classes must have a good dance background as well. It is not necessary that he won an award for a dance contest. But you would learn zumba more efficiently if he had a training particularly in ballroom dancing where all kinds of dances are often taught.

4. Be realistic and enroll yourself in zumba classes according to your capabilities. If you do not have any idea about zumba or this is your first time to try a dance workout program, it is advisable that you only take the beginner's class. On the other hand, if you have already tried dancing merengue, cha-cha, salsa or any kind of Latin dances, you would no longer have a hard time coping up with the combined steps included in zumba.

5. It is also essential that you prepare yourself for the upcoming zumba classes as well before you start putting on your exercise garments. Zumba is an effective way to sweat, lose those calories, and shed that unwanted fat. But it would not be a successful dance program if you are not willing to help yourself. Drink lots of water, eat small meals every day, and avoid drinking alcohol as much as possible. This would condition your body so you would not have difficulty in breathing and can follow the moves easily without experiencing any complications.

The important thing is that you would enjoy these zumba classes and not treat it merely as a program that would help you stay fit and lose weight.

Zumba Dancing - Experience of a Zumba Workout

Zumba dancing is aerobic dancing inspired by Latin Dance. The word Zumba comes from a Colombian word meaning to move fast and have fun, and that is exactly what I did!

When I went to my first Zumba class I really didn't know what to expect. With my dance background I figured it would be similar to dance classes I've taken with maybe a fitness twist....well, was I in for a surprise!

This was possibly the most fun and exercise I've ever had in a one hour class and I looovvveeee dance classes (well I would hope so seen as I'm a dance instructor) but a Zumba workout is different! It has all the fun elements of a dance class, music, moves, sing a long, ohh yes your encouraged to sing along! But it also has all the benefits of a full on fitness class or gym session as you are working muscles from head to toe, and the best bit is, you don't even notice, as you're having such a blast. It's not until the next day when you're feeling a little 'sensitive' in certain muscles that you realise how much of a workout you just had.

I was literally, pardon the pun, dripping with sweat....attractive I know but who doesn't want to leave a class well and truly sure they've had a great work out. Zumba dancing in a word is just non stop FUN, unlike a dance class there is no break down of steps you just follow the teacher from song to song. They are mostly easy moves with some slightly more difficult ones thrown in for good measure, which you can see gives the class a great sense of achievement when mastered. In one hour we touch on soooo many dance styles, Reggaeton, Salsa, Cumbia, Hip Hop, and Merengue to name but a few and we even do a bit of Beyonce booty shaking which I thoroughly enjoy. The Zumba music is infectious too; you will be dancing to some Latin and Zumba tunes one minute and then moving to chart toppers the next.

You can easily understand why I couldn't wait to become a qualified Zumba teacher myself and I couldn't be happier I made the move.

The best way to really experience this new dance craze is to go and take a Zumba class. I found myself doing it 2 and 3 times a week as once is just not enough, trust me....its addictive. Every teacher has their own style its amazing...so each class will have its own little twist.

We had a Zumba Jam last weekend (a room full of Zumba teachers) and it was great to see how every teacher differed. It was also a great way for us teachers to take ideas away and put them into our own class.
I am very excited about 2011 and ZUMBA because I just know it's going to explode! You all need to 'Ditch the workout and join the Party' and get yourself into a Zumba class pronto......trust me you'll thank me.

We can help you choose the right Zumba class for you and look forward to doing the Mambo with you soon!

Zumba Fitness Don't Sweat It Fitness Towel

Bringing a towel to the gym is essential. Our set of two fitness-sized towels--one blue, the other green--is ideal for workouts and cool downs.
Price: $17.95

Click here to buy from Amazon

Zumba Gold For Older People - Keep Active As You Get Older

As you get older it can be difficult to stay active as we naturally lead a more sedentary lifestyle, particularly in retirement. Your muscle mass naturally reduces and your body fat increases as your metabolism starts to slow down. Too much rest is not a good thing, your body needs to stay active in order to remain in good condition. You don't have to start running marathons or pump iron for hours down the gym, even gentle exercise such as regular walking can be highly beneficial. There are lots of fun ways to stay fit and active, such as dancing. One very popular dance and fitness program is Zumba, and the great news is that it is suitable for everyone.

What Is Zumba?

Zumba is a dance fitness workout that combines Latin music with an energetic cardio workout. After originating in the mid nineties, Zumba has become a worldwide phenomenom and is now practised in more than a 100 countries. It's success is down to the fact that it is very enjoyable and provides a great fitness workout. You may think that with all that energetic dancing, Zumba is something for younger people. the great news is that the founders of Zumba have introduced a program specially tailored for more mature people.

What Is Zumba Gold?

Zumba Gold is a dance and fitness program designed by the creators of Zumba, and aimed specifically at older people. It still incorporates dance and fitness moves to a Latin dance beat, but it is all done at a lower intensity, making it ideal for older people who prefer to exercise at a gentler pace. Zumba Gold is ideal for people of any age who want to do Zumba, but find the original to energetic, high-impact and fast-paced. A lot of adults have limitations on their body as they get older, which reduce mobility and hinder movement, Zumba Gold is an ideal option for these people and can act as a great introduction to exercise and it is a lot of fun.

Why Is Zumba So Popular?

The is one obvious reason why Zumba is so popular, it is a lot of fun. People you usually hate exercise love Zumba, and when you are really enjoying an activity, you don't tend to realise just how much work you are actually doing. Zumba Gold takes into account people's advancing years and limitations, making it a safe and gentle introduction into the exciting world of Zumba fitness.

Zumba Gold may be aimed at the older generation, but it can be great for anyone who has not exercised for a long time and wants to build up their fitness safely. So if you are looking to get active and inject a little fun into your life, then why not experience the benefits of Zumba Gold?

Would you like to learn how to lose weight fast and keep it off? Maybe you are looking to lose the beer gut or lose weight after pregnancy then I can help. My online weight loss resource offers you the opportunity to sign up for free weight loss tips. Learn the secrets to rapid safe weight loss and change your relationship with food forever. Take the first steps today to losing weight and feeling great.

Zumba CD

If you are new to Zumba then I am sure you have come to realize how encompassing the music is. When I take Zumba classes I can really feel the music moving through my body and it helps me keep motivated and keep moving. I know play Zumba music while cleaning the house, running, and of course while doing Zumba. I have purchased a number of CD's and I wanted to do a review and mention my favorite two Zumba CD's

My favorite Zumba CD is Vibe Tribe, this is an official release from Zumba fitness so I had no doubt that there would be good beats. The songs are all great and have a predominantly Latin feel to them. The songs also have a bit of middle eastern and African influence which helps change up the tempo and flow of the tracks. The only thing that some people might not like about the songs is that none of the lyrics are in English.

My second favorite Zumba CD is Party Nation which is also another official release from Zumba fitness. The songs are different then Vibe Nation but have a similar feel to them. I find that the songs on both of the CD's will always keep me in a good mood and help me exercise or run for longer.

Where to get a Zumba CD

If you are looking for a Zumba CD there are songs and entire albums available to download from a variety of sources. If you keep your eyes open you will find some good bargains. I downloaded mine from Amazon.

If you would like to download or order a Zumba CD then you can visit this site that has a direct link to the Zumba music page on Amazon. You may also be interested in getting a Zumba fitness DVD so you can perfect your moves at home.

Zumba Fitness Video

Have you caught Zumba fever? Well you are not the only one, millions of people around the world are taking part in Zumba classes, listening to Zumba music and exercising to the Zumba DVDs. There are over 90 000 classes currently being offered in over 110 different countries. The reason people love this fitness program and want to find a Zumba fitness video is because it offers a great workout that is not boring! A lot of fitness programs can be boring, but Zumba incorporates catchy music and fun dance moves that will give your body a great cardiovascular workout.

What to wear to Zumba class

If you are going to take a Zumba fitness class then it is a good idea to be prepared. I recommend getting the video first and learning the basic step, then going to the class. When you are there wear breathable and comfortable clothing. Your shoes are also important, running shoes are not the best to wear because they have a lot of grip, you should wear shoes that will allow you to twist and turn.

What is the Best Zumba Fitness Video?

There are a number of videos to choose from, but if you are going to learn this unique dance and fitness combination you should ensure that you choose and official Zumba fitness video. The latest collection offers four DVDs, these Zumba fitness videos include a number of great workouts including basic steps, intermediate, advanced, express and a live workout as well. You will also get the toning stick which will help you further tone your muscles while dancing.

If you would like more information on Zumba and where you can get the best price on the DVD's you can visit this page that finds the best price for the Zumba fitness DVD They also have a page with Zumba Music that you can purchase and download.

ZUMBA: BUNS, THIGHS & ABS

Fun Exercise tape 30 minutes long that adds dance steps to working out lower body and abs.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Zumba Fitness - Dance To A Healthier and Fitter You

Zumba fitness dance workout has been revolutionizing the way people feel about themselves. Discovered by accident about 20 ears ago, Alberto "Beto" Perez has formed Zumba workout when he improvised aerobics workout using a background Latin music. Nearly 10 years after its discovery, Beto joined two business partners, Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion, and formed the Zumba Fitness LLC in Hollywood.

Zumba fitness has not only been changing fitness workouts in America but also the entire world. There are thousands of Zumba fitness instructors in more than 60,000 Zumba locations worldwide and this number continues to grow each day as more and more people are joining the craze.

The Zumba dance workout craze doesn't only cater to mature adults like you and me but also to senior citizens and even to young children. In the Autumn of 2010, a hot new video game is going to be released by Pipeworks Software and Majesco Entertainment so that people using Wii, PlayStation Move, and Kinect can join the fun and exciting workout while playing the video game.

It has also been released in various DVD versions to help people with busy schedules keep in shape while working out at home. Zumba fitness is one of the best leading dance workout routines in the world and has also been featured in countless magazines, online websites, and international television programs including CNN, The Today Show, Reader's Digest, The London Times, Fox News, Weight Watchers, Cosmopolitan, Reuters, and a whole lot more.

It is, no doubt, taking the world by storm! Aside from losing weight, people get to enjoy themselves in releasing tension and stress through the dance workout routines. For an hourly three times a week workout, Zumba enthusiasts not only get to keep a healthier body but also achieve their best self esteem by learning how to dance.

With the unique combination of dance styles like Cumbia, Salsa, Merengue, Mambo, Flamenco, Chachacha, Reggaeton, Samba, Belly Dancing, Bhagra, Hip Hop, Tango, and Pop, you'll surely have fun learning even the dance moves seen on "Dancing with the Stars." Dance and aerobics has been incorporated in Zumba fitness for an energetic and lively workout.

There are different categories classified according to age and to your preference as well so that you can choose the best Zumba workout for yourself. There's the original Zumba, Zumba Gold for senior adults, Zumba Toning for maximum calorie burning and strength training, Aqua Zumba for water aerobics dance workout, and the newest Zumbatomic for kids aged 4 to 12. All of these categories are led by licensed and trained instructors hailed from the headquarters of Zumba Fitness LLC and they can be found in the different Zumba locations worldwide.

If you're looking for a workout that will certainly enhance your body image, your dance style, and self esteem, Zumba fitness dance workout is the way to go. Please note that this is not only for those who can dance but also for those who couldn't. There are a lot of rave reviews from clients who didn't have the courage to dance before but now they can strut their stuff and work their way on the dance floor.

It is one thing to wish that you can dance but it's the courage to take your self to the next level that counts. With Zumba fitness, you never have to settle for what you have now because of the thousands of Zumba locations worldwide, you can certainly find one near you. So what're you waiting for? Dance your way to a healthier and sexier you. You'll be grateful that you did.

Best Shoes for In-Home Zumba

If you're looking for information or are making a decision about purchasing the best shoes for in-home Zumba, then grab a chair, because you're gonna want to read this article!

In this article we' re going to look at 3 of the most frequently asked questions about the best shoes for in-home Zumba.

We're going to take a look at regular gym shoes or running shoes and help you determine if you can use these for your workouts. Then, we are going to take a look at cross trainer's or athletic shoes and why these are a popular choice.

And then we are going to take a look at what are the most popular and best shoes for any Zumba workout whether at home or in a public class.

"Can I use regular gym shoes or running shoes for my Zumba workout?"

The short answer, is no. Typically, these types of shoes are too heavy and have a great deal of grip on the sole. The treads will cause you to trip on your carpet or on the workout floor. For your in-home Zumba workout, you want a shoe that is lightweight, flexible and provides a sufficient amount of shock absorption. When selecting the proper Zumba shoes a lightweight shoe is always the correct choice.

"Should I buy cross trainer's or athletic shoes?"

A cross trainer can be a good dance workout shoe because it does provide a great deal of vertical and lateral support. However, make sure that the shoe is not heavy and has some flexibility to it. Take the shoe or sneaker in your hand and try to bend it in half. If it has some give, then this is the type of shoe you want to wear in your aerobic dance workout.

"What is the best or perfect shoe for Zumba?"

There really is no perfect or best shoe for Zumba. It all really comes down to what type of feet you have and how much comfort you need. For example, some people have extra wide feet. These individuals will need a shoe that can accommodate this extra width and still provide the proper amount of arch support.

Dance aerobic shoes need to provide extra cushioning, support and shock absorption to truly be the best shoe. Many of the top name brand manufacturers produce high-quality shoes or sneakers to do Zumba in. Ryka and Nike shoes seem to be the most popular with Zumba instructors and class participants.

Keep These Two Pointers in Mind When Purchasing Dance Workout Shoes

The Nike shoes tend to be a little bit narrow. If you're looking to purchase this shoe you may want to consider buying it a half size bigger than your normal street shoe size. Ryka typically runs a little wider and closer to your actual shoe size.

Here's 4 Tips to Get Your Shoes for Zumba To Last a Bit Longer

Tip # 1 -- Never, ever wear you shoes outside of the dance workout class or your home (if you do your Zumba workout at home, of course.) This way they will last longer.

Tip # 2 -- If you do attend a Zumba dance class, carry your shoes in a bag and once in class, change into them.

Tip # 3 -- If you can afford it buy an extra pair of Zumba shoes. Alternate wearing them, so that they'll last much longer than usual.

Tip # 4 -- Purchase some heavy socks and always wear them when you are working out. The Socks will help absorb some of the shock and will keep you shoes dry from sweat.

"Can I use regular gym shoes or running shoes for my Zumba workout," "should I buy cross trainer's or athletic shoes" and "what is the best or perfect shoe for Zumba." With these three most frequently asked questions answered, you'll now be able to avoid making mistakes that many women and men make when searching for the best shoes for in-home Zumba.

"Would You like to Find out What Kind of Shoes or Sneakers the Top Zumba Instructors Wear Today?"
Then visit: Best Shoes for Zumba and discover the best brands and styles that provide the finest quality at the lowest possible cost.

Zumba Fitness Wii

Zumba Fitness Wii

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

ZUMBA: The New Craze of Dance-Fitness

Jenni Trent Hughes' last article talked about how she has been lustfully wooed into the throng of regular exercise by something known as Zumba, a vibrant form of dance-fitness inspired by vivacious Latin steps and energised fitness sequences that are not only good for staying healthy and shaping up, they are actually enjoyable too!

I know what you're thinking: Exercise = Laborious Torture. You are most certainly not alone in that mind frame. I don't know many people who don't associate a good work out with looking atrocious, feeling on the brink of some form of organ failure and a sharp desire for the whole experience to end immediately-if-not-sooner so they can crawl out of the room and eat something amounting to more calories than have actually been burned. Zumba, however, is here to change this sombre stereotype. As of May 2010, the Zumba® programme is being taught at over 60,000 locations in 105 countries, has sold millions of DVDs and has changed the lives of Zumba® fanatics worldwide with an astonishing 7.5 million participants taking Zumba classes every week - demonstrating how popular this new form of dance-fitness has become!

ZUMBA: LATEST GET-FIT DANCE CRAZE

The newest aerobic craze to hit the UK is called Zumba – Colombian slang for ‘to buzz’ or ‘to move fast like a bee’.

The classes began in Miami eight years ago as an alternative to the same old exercise routines. Now the mix of aerobics with salsa, mambo and meringue has spread overseas.

‘It’s a cardio-based workout which also helps tone and sculpt the body,’ explains Yorkshire-based instructor Nicola Swindle. ‘It’s a great way to lose weight, increase strength and co-ordination, and to foster self-esteem and pure happiness. That is why so many people love it and get addicted to it.’

It all started simply enough in Colombia in the Nineties when aerobics teacher Beto Perez forgot his usual music and had to improvise around the music he had in his car – traditional Latin salsa and merengue. The class was a huge success and Perez realised he was onto something, merging aerobics with dance to a lilting Latin beat.

He moved to the US and the Zumba bid for world domination began. There are now more than 20,000 instructors teaching Zumba in 35 countries.

 A standard one-hour class uses four basic rhythms based on simplified versions of salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton (mixed up with a bit of mambo, flamenco, rumba and calypso).

Nicola agrees that the workout exercises your endorphins as well as your muscles. ‘I focused on the fitness benefits of the class to begin with, explaining how it’s exercise in disguise,’ she says. ‘But now I’m beginning to think it’s Prozac in disguise as well.

Zumba zooms to the top of the exercise world

It's not a dance club. This is a regular morning exercise class at the YMCA in Alpharetta, Georgia. It's called Zumba.

Part dance, part aerobics, Zumba is an hourlong routine that works almost every muscle in the body.

"It is dance fitness," explained Stephanie Maxim, one of two class instructors. "We teach them moves that you can see on 'Dancing with the Stars': salsa, mambo, cha-cha, and we put it into a group fitness format."

"It's not like a workout," explained Diane Walterstiel, 55, of Alpharetta. "Before I come, I'm tense, but when I leave, I could kiss the world."

Nearly a year after being introduced at the YMCA in suburban Atlanta, Zumba is the most popular exercise offering at the facility.

Alberto Perlman, co-founder and CEO of Zumba Fitness in Hollywood, Florida, wasn't surprised when the concept took off not just in the United States but around the world.

"We turned exercise into a party," Perlman declared. "Zumba broke some of the rules of fitness. We used music in the original form instead of using step counts."

Perlman, whose background is in marketing, teamed up with Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto "Beto" Perez in Miami in 2001.

"One day, Beto forgot his aerobics tapes, so he played his salsa and meringue songs during class in their original form," Perlman said. "People went crazy. They didn't feel like they were in a class with a drill sergeant."

Perlman said Perez decided to call the exercise Zumba, after the Colombian slang word meaning to buzz like a bee or move fast.

Zumba is now a brand name. Since 2003, Perlman's group has trained 20,000 instructors around the world and sold more than 3 million DVDs on the Internet and through infomercials, he said.

Heather Bleakman teamed up with Maxim to teach the Georgia YMCA session. She called the class a form of therapy.

"We see women change," she said. "We see their faces light up."

Bleakman stood at the front of the room and offered a high-impact version of Zumba for those who could keep up while Maxim focused on a slower low-impact routine.axim warned participants at the beginning of class to modify the exercise to fit their needs. She added that wearing proper footwear is one of the best ways to guard against injury.

"In Zumba, we do a lot of pivoting, so you've got to have a shoe that has more of a flat base so you can move, or you'll feel the torque in the knee," Maxim cautioned.

Lilieth Burke, 48, of Alpharetta started attending Zumba classes a year ago and kept coming back because she appreciated "the simple composition of dance moves."

Unlike other exercise workouts she's tried, "Zumba is not a punishment," she said.

Burke summed up the benefits: "I feel fit, I sleep better, I feel better, I feel younger, and I feel I can live another 48 years.

Freebies from Quality Health

 Here you go !!



* FREE BRAND NAME SAMPLE

* FREE PHARMACY CARD

* FREE SKIN CARE SAMPLES

* FREE LOW CALORIE RECIPES

* FREE DIABETES RECIPE BOOK

Zumba's infectious rhythms make a party out of exercise

The Latin lyrics and the upbeat tempo start bringing smiles to the classmates. Their hips start to shimmy. Their feet move in rhythm. If their arms moving up and down held drinks, it would feel like a nightclub. But this is the regular 7 p.m. class of Zumba, a fitness program designed to a soundtrack of Latin dance music. Zumba's motto: "Ditch the workout. Join the party."

Zumba began accidentally during the 1990s in Colombia. Beto Perez, a fitness instructor there, forgot his regular music one day and brought in his own salsa and merengue music instead. When Perez came to the United States, his serendipity spawned a multimillion-dollar market with sponsorships, home videos and instructors certified in Europe and Asia as well as the Americas.

That's how studio owner Linda Porras figured it could work locally. Starting three years ago, she became a certified instructor, hired other instructors to teach classes and formed the group Zumba Dallas. Now Porras says business has grown to more than 30 classes in five facilities, including recreation centers.

"It's kind of like a party as opposed to a workout, which, I think, is why it's so successful," Porras said. "We say, 'Three guidelines: Have fun, have fun and have fun.' "

Enid Rodriguez came to the Forest Lane studio in northwest Dallas determined to end her obesity. She admitted that in her first class, she couldn't stop laughing at the hip swiveling of a Zumba routine.

"Some of the moves, it's like, 'You really want me to do that here?' " said Rodriguez, 32, of Dallas.

Since that class in January 2008, she has lost 70 pounds. While she credits healthier eating habits as well, Zumba gave her more energy and self-confidence. The studio now displays her before and after photos prominently, encouraging people of all sizes.

"That's what's different about here," she said. "It's a mixture of all kinds of bodies, and they don't care. They don't judge you. You're just there to work out and have fun."

Shari Krage, an elementary school teacher, did not need a weight-loss program as much as a stress reliever. After first thinking Zumba was an African tribal dance, she took a class and became hooked. Now a self-described fanatic, she sometimes takes classes twice a day and brings her friends.

"Four of the girls that I teach with that are now also going every day are 25 years my junior," said Krage, 49, of Plano. "They're not exactly keeping up with me, but they're going."

Porras' direct-mail efforts led Pat Ritzman to try a class last year. Ritzman, who said she is in her 70s, now regularly dances to the Zumba beat. She said the relaxed nature of the class appealed to her. If she misses a dance step, who cares.

"You're not trying out for American Idol or anything like that," she said. "I'll never be the greatest Zumba dancer. I don't care. I'm just having fun."

Zumba Program

When you see a Zumba class in action, you can’t wait to give it a try. When you do, you feel your body surge with energy. This Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, dance-fitness party exhilarates your senses and works all your major groups in a high-energy cardio blast that leaves you invigorated, refreshed and full of life.

Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms like salsa, merengue, cumbia and samba set to sexy Latin and international beats. Before you know it, your abs, arms and thighs are toned up and your energy level is soaring! There’s no other fitness class like the Zumba Fitness-Party™. It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating.

It builds a community in your fitness facility that stays consistent and strong. You will return to Zumba classes again and again, bond with other participants and become addicted to the Zumba experience.

Zumba Craze Attracts Older Adults

Older adults are dancing their way to better health.

Chances are you’ve heard about Zumba—the new fitness dance program that has become increasingly popular across the globe. Currently 6 million people take Zumba classes each week in one of 50,000 locations in 75 countries. But what you may not know is that Zumba isn’t just for the young and fit. It’s a great way for older adults to get in shape too.

In fact, the creators of Zumba recently introduced Zumba Gold, a new version of the Latin-inspired workout, tailored to the needs of elders. Just like Zumba, it incorporates dance/fitness routines to Latin and international rhythms but is performed at a lower intensity. Trained Zumba fitness instructors at more than 2,000 locations nationwide, including fitness clubs, community centers, YMCAs, rehabilitation centers, and retirement communities, offer the program.

“Zumba Gold is specifically targeted to the baby boomer generation and beyond,” explains Diane Felkenes, a 51-year-old Zumba instructor who lost about 135 pounds doing the program. She also teaches Zumba Gold at a cardiac rehabilitation center. “Zumba Gold was born out of the fact that there were a lot of people who wanted to do Zumba but couldn’t keep up with the fast-moving pace or handle the impact of the regular version. I, myself, find Zumba Gold excellent, as I have some physical limitations as a result of very bad knees. With this version, it’s a little gentler on the body, but you still get the full effect of the Latin flavor and the benefit of the moving and the dancing.”

Felkenes says participants in the Zumba programs generally experience a high level of success because it doesn’t feel like exercise. In the cardiac rehab center where she teaches classes, patients were originally not following through with their workout regimens. Most importantly, their doctors wanted them just to get up and move, but many patients were falling into the cycle of sitting on the couch and getting more out of shape. Felkenes says Zumba changed all that.

“People smile and laugh while they’re doing Zumba because it’s fun,” she says. “They start coming back week after week when they may have previously hated exercising. It’s not magic; it’s just something people like to do.”

In addition, older adults are often very enthusiastic about the music and learning the dance moves. “The baby boomers are the original party animals, having coined some of the most popular dances including the twist and the jitterbug, so it’s no surprise they are attracted to the program,” says Alberto Perlman, CEO of Zumba Fitness. “Zumba Gold also provides a much-needed social network and support system, especially for those who may have lost spouses and family members.”

But there’s more to Zumba than socializing and having fun. After all, though it may not feel like it, it is exercise. “From a medical point of view, it’s great,” says Rowan Paul, MD, staff physician at Kosmix RightHealth. “Studies now show that dance-based exercise is good for your heart, your flexibility, and your balance—especially in the elderly.”??Paul adds that a study in Japan, looking at women aged 72 to 87, found that those who participated in a dance exercise routine had improved balance, among other medical improvements. “It’s so important to prevent the elderly from falling because this can result in serious fractures,” continues Paul. “Mortality rates after a broken hip are high, so achieving better balance and preventing falls is a huge accomplishment.” ??But the improvements in daily living often end up being the biggest reward of all, says Felkenes. “All of the sudden they’re [older adults] able to participate in activities of daily living again, like picking up a grandchild. I’ve also done classes at the rehab center where we start off staying seated the entire time and just moving the arms and legs. But often, by the third week, people are standing up and able to do the class on foot.

For them, that alone is a huge accomplishment.”

Get Moving!?Whether your clients are fit enough to participate in regular Zumba or are taking the modified Zumba Gold class, it’s important that they’re being safe. The Zumba Gold program already takes into consideration some of the areas that may be of concern. For instance, says Paul, crossing legs when dancing can be dangerous for older adults because it may lead to a fall, so the dance moves in a modified version wouldn’t incorporate crossing the legs. “There might also be less hopping around or vigorous twisting and turning. It’s a little bit easier for older adults to take part in [these modified versions] safely, but there is still a fun atmosphere in the class,” he says.??Paul adds that those who are overweight may want to consider Aqua Zumba, which is a water-based workout integrating the Zumba formula and philosophy. “The nice thing about water workouts is that they’re much lower impact on the joints, which could be one of the barriers to exercise in the overweight or obese or in older adults in general,” he explains.

So how do you get your clients involved? Finding a Zumba Gold instructor or class is easy, says Felkenes. Just go to the website www.zumba.com and click on the “Find A Class” or “Find An Instructor” tabs to search your area. “We have instructors teaching in rehab centers, like myself, but also in assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, senior living communities, and more,” she says. “Many times the instructor will teach the class outside of a traditional space, so it can even be an option for a homebound individual. I’ve definitely noticed with the older adult population that the instructor has to sometimes go to the student, but that’s not usually a problem, as most Zumba instructors are willing to travel. Just look for the instructors that have a Zumba Gold icon by their name if you want an instructor who is certified in the Gold program.”

Those who aren’t able to find a local class that works for them can also use the DVDs, suggests Felkenes. “They are really fantastic, and there are a lot of senior centers who use the DVDs with their residents,” she says. “However, it’s always safer to have a certified instructor there, so I’d recommend a class first. You also get more of a social aspect and more motivation when you have a Zumba instructor teaching.”

Felkenes encourages caretakers to get out and experience a class for themselves prior to signing up their clients. “It’ll be easy to see why it’s so popular,” she says. “Even if you just hang out in the back of a class, you’ll be able to see what it’s all about. You can’t read about Zumba or hear somebody talk about it and understand what it is; it really must be experienced to be understood. So I invite everyone interested in Zumba to try it for themselves. Just be ready to hang on for the ride!”

Side Effects for High Blood Pressure

By: Dr. Rulin Xiu

Doctors recommend people taking high blood pressure medications to lower their blood pressure. They also warn them about their side effects. However, people should also know that high blood pressure medication can cause serious damage to their body and health in the long run.

Jay Allen in California have had blood pressure over 140/90 since the mid 1970's.In the past few months his blood pressure started to soar to the 155/100+ range. In reaction, his physician has been prescribing more and more drugs to control it. Jay said: "I was also beginning to feel like a walking zombie from the obvious side effects." About a month ago, Jay collapsed in the gym while working out from the effects of one of the drugs.

At the age 81, Richard A. has been taking blood pressure medication for about 20 years. Lately he was told by his doctor that his kidney is failing him. . He then checked the print on his prescription and it read "kidney damage" as a side effect.

High blood pressure drug side effects include dermatitis, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle and joint pain, nausea, rash, impotence, anemia, insomnia, headache, vertigo, arrhythmia, liver and kidney damage, depression, swelling, vomiting, and many others.

The impact of the drug side effects are not only on the well-being of your life, but also on your body and health. When used over a long period of time, hypertension medication may lead to vision loss, heart damage, liver and kidney failure, loss of brain functions, and a lot more.

Some people may not notice any side effects at the beginning. However, after a while, people start to notice the increased negative impact to their body, health and well-being. The side effects can be silent for many years until the serious damage to your body has already been done. This is because the hypertension medicine causes imbalance in your body and its damaging effects accumulate and become more noticeable with time.

People taking diuretics should be aware that diuretics can drain their body's supply of potassium. This can lead to side effects, such as cramping and fatigue. They need to take potassium supplement to replenish their body with this mineral.

Hypertensive medication does not cure high blood pressure. It is a bandage that only temporarily keeps it at the safe level. If one stops taking medication, one's blood pressure will go up the very next day. In order to keep it in the healthy range, one needs to take it everyday for the rest of one's life. Quite often, after a while, the chosen medication stops working. Doctors have to prescribe different or more medications which may cause even more damage to one's body, health and well-being.

The best way to get high blood pressure under control is through life style changes, such as do meditation, breathing practice, or exercises. Effective natural remedies are also available to help people support their healthy blood pressure without side effect. Some of these natural remedies can work well with medications. In the cases of Jay and Richard, both of them started to search for better solutions and found that they can get their blood pressure under healthy range naturally and easily with only good side effects.

You can get a free report "10 Ways to Support Healthy Blood Pressure Naturally", at  http://www.highbloodpresser . To find out how Jay and Richard support their healthy blood pressure naturally and easily, check out  http://www.myhealthybloodpressure.com


Bio:

Dr. Rulin Xiu is a world-leading expert, creator and author on natural anti-aging and healing remedies. She researches, studies, invents, and develops unique herbal formulas. She combines the magic of nature with traditional wisdom, scientific research and modern technology in the formulation of the most effective natural remedies to help people live healthier, longer, and happier lives. Since 1996 she has developed, licensed out, and manufactured patented proprietary formulas. Some of these formulations are now among the best-selling in the natural products industry. She is also passionate about educating people using natural remedies for health, beauty, longevity, and mental, emotional and physical well-being.

http://www.article-submission-express.com Article Submission by Article Submission Express

How To Get A Sleepaway Summer Camp

By: Lonnie Lorenz

Thinking of http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/overnight.htm Sleepaway Summer Camps this summer? If so you probably have many many questions. These might include: How to find a camp?, How much will it cost? What are the activities?. This blog is designed to give you a few helpful hints.

So your first choice is to decide if you want you want your child to return home each night. Most parent do, yet there are reasons that an overnight summer camp can provide additional learning opportunities.

So you have decided a sleep-away camp is going to be the camp for this summer, But now what? These camps come in two forms coed or single gender. Both have a valid benefit to your child. A boys or a girls camp reduces stress by eliminating the other gender... most important for young teens. Coed camps are more like life, and good one promote kids making friends rather than societies pressures.

Now it's time to look at programs and camps philosophy. Talk to the directors and be sure that you and they are a good match. Programs include sports camps, academic camps general camp, and much much more. You can even find Lego camps for those kids who love to build.

Activities - If you're just looking for a general camp that offers fun activities for kids while teaching them to be more self-reliant and more sociable, you should make it a point to know what activities to expect in your average camp. This way you will be able to gauge if your child is really ready to go to camp. The following are the most common camp activities:

Sports - So your child loves baseball, football, skating, gymnastics or what ever, there is a camp that will help him or her get better at that sport. These camps are generally a week or two and spend most of the camp time on that specific sport. The goal is to improve that skill.

Arts & Crafts - Photography, film making, wood- and metalworking, and crafts like crocheting and cross-stitching are all activities that are emphasized in programs that are specific to the Arts. If that is an area your child finds exciting an Arts camp is for you.

Education - Summer is not a time for school but many camps provide learning opportunities. Some provide a college like structure while many others meld fun along with learning.

Adventure - Camp activities are not complete without making a foray into the "wild". As such, camps also include adventure activities such as hiking and camping outdoors.


Bio:
http://www.article-submission-express.com Article Submission by Article Submission Express

Tales From A Zumba Newbie

I have been through my fair share of fitness classes.  There was the step class I took in which I was so out of balance I stepped in opposite time to everyone else, there was the water aerobics class in which I nearly drowned, and let’s not even talk about my experiences with hot yoga.  But from the first moment I arrived at the Mallard Creek Recreation Center for my first Zumba class—something changed.  Standing outside waiting for the class to begin I felt none of the self-conscious first day jitters that often accompany many of us new to group fitness classes.  The women attending Zumba seemed to be there not just for the fact that Zumba can burn on average 600 calories in a single hour, but because Zumba meant something to them.  I had always seen Zumba as just another fitness class, but really it’s much more than that.  Zumba is invigorating, and inspiring in a way.  Besides burning 600 calories in an hour, it’s simply put—fun.

Zumba is basically a dance work out.  Using elements from salsa, merengue, hip hop and other dance styles a routine is created to high energy songs.  The moves are repetitive so for the uncoordinated like me, it’s easy to get into the groove of the song without feeling lost the entire routine.  The instructor for the class, Dawn was full of energy and encouragement.  She greeted us all with a hug, like we were long last friends, and by the end of the class I felt like we were.

One thing I never expected from Zumba, was how fun it would be.  During the course of the work-out I found myself SMILING!  Something I’ve never done during a fitness class before.  I looked around at the other women in attendance and saw that they were smiling too.  The positive energy in the class was contagious, and even though we were introduced to a new song with new moves everyone just had fun with it.

Zumba has the ability to change your mood.  The class was Monday evening, and even though Mondays tend to have a notoriously bad rap, by the end of the class everyone looked considerably calmer and happier than they were before starting the class. Zumba certainly changed my mind on group fitness classes. I think too often we let our fears stop us from doing something that would be beneficial to our bodies, especially when it comes to getting fit.  Zumba is a great experience for anyone, and I highly recommend a Zumba class for anyone interested in getting fit—or having fun!

Be the first to like this post.

Zumbatime Fitness Advanced Workout

Shed pounds and have a blast in the process with the Zumba Advanced Workout DVD. Loaded with red-hot dance steps, pulsating Latin rhythms, and easy-to-follow routines, this invigorating dance-fitness "party" will have you movin', groovin', and shakin' the weight off to the sexy, exotic rhythms of salsa, cumbia, samba, merengue, and more. Each routine features interval training sessions that combine fast and slow rhythms with resistance training, helping sculpt and tone your body while burning fat. As a result, Zumba fanatics can enjoy multiple long-term health benefits while having fun in the moment. Working out can be a lot of things, but it's never been known to be an exhilarating experience ? until now.

This particular DVD is for more experienced users who want to put their initial Zumba training to good use.

Zumbatime Fitness DVD Set

Shed pounds and have a blast in the process with the Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD set. Loaded with red-hot dance steps, pulsating Latin rhythms, and easy-to-follow routines, this invigorating dance-fitness "party" will have you movin', groovin', and shakin' the weight off to the sexy, exotic rhythms of salsa, cumbia, samba, merengue, and more. Each routine features interval training sessions that combine fast and slow rhythms with resistance training, helping sculpt and tone your body while burning fat. As a result, Zumba fanatics can enjoy multiple long-term health benefits while having fun in the moment. Working out can be a lot of things, but it's never been known to be an exhilarating experience--until now. The set--which comes with four DVDs and six total workouts--will work your body from head to toe, starting with the basics and then moving to your favorite targets, such as your core, thighs, and abs. The set also comes with maraca-like toning sticks to add some muscle to your body sculpting routines. The DVDs include the following workouts: Zumba Fitness Basics Workout, Zumba Fitness 20-Minute Express Workout, Zumba Fitness Sculpt & Tone Workout, Zumba Fitness Cardio Party Workout, Zumba Fitness Live! Workout, and Zumba Fitness Flat Abs Workout.

Wii,wii,Wii Zumba

The essence or key to Zumba is truly the music and the single most important element of the class. An excellent Zumba class is one in which you "feel the music". The dance steps and exercise moves are just a plus, but it would not be Zumba without the sizzling, toe tapping, hip swiveling music that makes you just want to get up and move! The music makes it Zumba.

A "Zumba Basic" class is normally one hour long and usually is based on Latin rhythms. Remember that every instructor is different and may have a different mix of Zumba music. Many instructors these days add a lot of "hip hop" into their class as that is what many students request.

There are many of us who are a little over weight and would love to shed the pounds for good. Losing weight not only makes you look and feel better, but it also reduces the chance of developing many diseases. Fortunately, in Pittsburgh weight loss programs is easy with the great variety of activities available.

Most of us realize that in order to get fit and lose weight we need to do some regular exercise. However, sometimes it can be hard to motivate yourself to get started on a health and fitness program. If this sounds like you, then you should try to find a friend to join you when exercising. When you have someone else to exercise with you, it is a lot more fun and a lot more motivating. You are also less likely to skip exercise sessions so that you do not let down your friend.

In Pittsburgh there are tons of gyms and health centers with all manner of facilities. These are great places to get started on a weight loss mission. The staff is able to come up with exercise programs for you that will maximize your weight loss safely.

Some people are not thrilled by the idea of going to a gym. These people should think about the types of activities they do like doing and get involved in those. A fantastic Pittsburgh weight loss programs method is taking dance classes. Dancing is one of the best workouts you can get. It increases your aerobic fitness as well as burning lots of fat and toning the body without bulking it up. Dancing is also social and gives you the chance to meet other people.

You can find several Pittsburgh weight loss dance classes and some of the popular styles include salsa, zumba, hip hop, African, contemporary, jazz and ballroom. It is often the case when you are taking dance classes that you have so much fun you forget you are doing exercise.

Taking martial arts classes is another effective way that you can lose weight. There are several types of martial arts such as Karate, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Jujitsu, Aikido and Kung Fu. This is much more than just a sport, combining discipline, grace, flexibility and strength.

Some people hate being cooped up inside and love to get out into the open. If you are an outdoorsy person, then make use of the many parks and outdoor areas to get moving. You don't necessarily have to run miles around a loop. You could get together a baseball or softball team or even plan weekend football or soccer games with your friends.