Is is possible to strengthen muscles with Zumba?

Verity1111

I just bought Zumba CORE for the Wii and I'm crazy excited. I was just curious though, can Zumba really work your core? I didn't buy it for that really, just to exercise and lose the pounds, but I started thinking and I wanted to know everyone's experiences and opinions. So, did Zumba help you or do you think it would help you strengthen muscles while you lose weight at the same time? Not just legs either, I mean abdominal muscles and arms too.

BeautyFromPain

Not too sure.. but you know that your heart is a muscle, as well?

Morgaine_on_the_move

Yes, definitely, especially obliques and quads. But you get what you put into it! I've done a lot of standing ab work and squats in my zumba classes.

b_hauck

i don't know about the wii version, but i know a lot of the moves we do at the zumba class i go to are killer on abs

hkry3250

I've seen several Zumba classes at my gym, and as far as I can tell, it's basically just cardio. Kind of like going out dancing on a Friday night. Now, I know Jillian Michaels 30 DS, and several of her other dvds, will strengthen muscles. Unless you're actually increasing the workload on the muscles they're not going to get stronger.

DREADfullySweet

Hi, I'm actually a Zumba instructor! But before I was, my muscles and the way they used to hurt say YES YOU CAN. I used to be SOOOO sore in my midsection when I first started doing Zumba. As long as you are using correct form (engaging core muscles or "pulling the belly button toward the spine") you will constantly use your core. Also, once you get the hang of routines, give the movements "your all" and you will certainly get a good beginners full body strengthening work out. .. and once your muscles stop hurting when you Zumba... that's when you start to do Sentao or Toning

jenbusick

One of the male trainers at our gym started coming to zumba. We asked him why. He said, "One of the instructors dared me to try it, and it turned out to actually be a really good ab workout." So there's at least one trainer's opinion for you.

I've also noticed that my abs are much more toned. I've been doing zumba -- classes, not videos -- for a year.

lyttlewon

We use weights in my Zumba class.

michellelhartwig

bumping to read for more info later!

avir8

Yeah that's a NO. Why not lift weights. Zumba is cardio, so it might help with endurance but you might get better results with barbie dumbbells.

kayduro

Sorry, I must have done something wrong. Going back to re-read picture posting instructions.

Never mind. (Said in my best Emily Litella voice)

zoukeira

Dance/Zumba can definitely work your core and your legs - take a look at some of the professional latin dancers out there and they look super toned. But it won't do anything for your arms.

slkehl

I've seen several Zumba classes at my gym, and as far as I can tell, it's basically just cardio. Kind of like going out dancing on a Friday night.

I don't know about you, but whenever I go clubbing, I'm sore the next day! Abs, butt...not sure if it's dancing in general or me trying to pull off crazy new dance moves

Toshiana123

I'm a Zumba Instructor as well, and it definitely helps abs, arms, buttocks, legs, etc. I started incorporating weights in my class last month...works out great for extra toning.

meshashesha2012

depends on what your starting point is strength wise. for someone who's been a sitting doing nothing and never exercised, they might get strength increase at first but after while they'd have to move on tpo something more challenging

Verity1111

Not too sure.. but you know that your heart is a muscle, as well?

Lol too true! I love to dance :]

jenbusick

Dance/Zumba can definitely work your core and your legs - take a look at some of the professional latin dancers out there and they look super toned. But it won't do anything for your arms.

Heh. You should be in MY zumba class. My arms and shoulders get SO SORE! Yeah, we work arms. I think it depends on your instructor. Heck, we have one routine that includes 36 burpees. It's a workout.

Beezil

It definitely works the hell out of my core! lol I'm always sore the next day, and yeah I have Zumba 2 for the Wii. I guess for arms it just depends on how much you actually use them. Zumba is a fantastic workout and so much fun!

Verity1111

@ chiquita1984 I am praying I last more than 5 minutes without needing to stop lol! I seriously posted a picture on my fb before of me covered in sweat after 15 minutes of Zumba from a video. It is a lot more difficult than it looks.

@ b_hauck Well, this is supposedly meant to work your core, so we'll see! It looks so much fun and I am so excited to try it. lol

@ hkry3250 I have Jillian Michaels 30DS as well. I was curious about certain moves mostly. I mean, for example, a belly dancer, would they be working their abs with the way they flex them 24/7? Just curious and maybe it is a weird question, but I always wondered. lol.

@ DREADfullySweet Sounds like a plan! Is it fun to be an instructor because it seems like it, but I am a bit self conscious. I think if I was in better shape again I would love to do something like that.

@ jenbusick Thank you for the information and experience. I really appreciate when it is something first hand you know? I wish I had abs to tone. Haha. I will some day. P.S. What is a burpee and excuse you? lol. The Zumba at my gym is so blegh if that is what I seen the other day. It was not even a work out or anything like the videos I tried.

@ lyttlewon Woah One step at a time for me LOL I'm a weakling, but no seriously I need to ease in because my body is always so tired. Especially for someone 22 years old and none of my doctor's know why yet.

@ avir I can barely lift any weights, but what I can I do lift them. I also can't leave my house most days and I don't. I am lucky to leave one or two days per week because I have two kids and I'm a full-time student. I have to go online to do most of my work and then go to class Thursdays and for exams. I was only asking out of curiosity originally. If it helps it is a plus and if not it is still cardio, which I need. It seems like there is a lot of varying opinion on this topic from people.

@kayduro I'm so confused now. lmso

@zoukeria LOL So if I add weights I have an all over work out? lmso. I should try that.

@slkehl You remind me SO much of my friend Brittnee when we were teens. I'm sorry, I know that is random, but I have seen you before and I keep thinking the same thing every time. It must be both of us pulling off crazy dance moves because after 3 or 4 hrs of dancing my body is achey and my muscles are throbbing half the time. Lol

@Toshiana123 Seems we have a few of you! I keep reading people say something about weights, so maybe once I get used to it, in a week or two, I will add some weights to it. Thank you :]

@meshashesha20 So it would work for me sadly. lmso. What you said makes sense to me. :]

Thank you for the opinions everyone! I really appreciate it. I've read a lot of helpful information.

Verity1111

It definitely works the hell out of my core! lol I'm always sore the next day, and yeah I have Zumba 2 for the Wii. I guess for arms it just depends on how much you actually use them. Zumba is a fantastic workout and so much fun!

Thank you! I just bought Zumba CORE and I never used Zumba or Zumba 2 yet. I tried a video of Zumba twice and I loved it. I just needed a bit more interaction, so I figured the game would work perfectly for me.

meshashesha2012

@meshashesha20 So it would work for me sadly. lmso. What you said makes sense to me. :]

why be sad? we all have to start somewhere, right? better to do something that doing nothing :happy:

do your zumba and then when it isnt challenging anymore then look for another class. when that happen and you want to stick with dance type stuff try capoeira. it's definitely a good muscle strengthener !

Julicat6

I think it really depends on the instructor. My Zumba instructor really add moves for strengthening and defining into her routines. Her version for "When Doves Cry" has been renamed by myself and friends "When Abs Cry" She is really fit with strong biceps and really great abs, I have seen pics of her before she got into Zumba and started teaching. WOW. I have only been doing Zumba for a few months but already I see a difference from when I was just doing the elliptical and Curves, so does my DH:blushing: Try it and see if it works for you. Also you can check out Zumba.com for class schedule in your area. I hated the class at the Y, but love the ones I am going to now, so if one class doesn't look fun, try someone else.

mogletdeluxe

Zumba certainly laid the ground for me to shape up. I attend a very high-impact class 6 times a week, and it certainly zapped my body fat to a degree that made my newly-formed muscles pop through!

For me, it particularly built my calves, thighs and shoulders - dancing on my toes for the former, strong repetitive arm movements on the latter. I also have what I call flabs - very defined abs, but hiding a little behind my leftover bellypooch.

I also lift weights to support my cardio regime, but don't write off cardio. It's a great workout, and zumba does indeed shape you up.

jenbusick

@ jenbusick Thank you for the information and experience. I really appreciate when it is something first hand you know? I wish I had abs to tone. Haha. I will some day. P.S. What is a burpee and excuse you? lol. The Zumba at my gym is so blegh if that is what I seen the other day. It was not even a work out or anything like the videos I tried.

This is a burpee:

From Wikipedia:

The burpee (identical to what is in US English termed a "squat thrust") is a full body exercise used in strength training and as aerobic exercise. It is performed in four steps, and was originally known as a "four-count Burpee":

Begin in a standing position.

Drop into a squat position with your hands on the ground. (count 1)

Extend your feet back in one quick motion to assume the front plank position. (count 2)

Return to the squat position in one quick motion. (count 3)

Return to standing position. (count 4)

Do 36 of those (3 sets of 12) <i>in rhythm</i> and really, no other workout is necessary. Go home, take two ibuprofen, try to explain to your spouse why you love Zumba so much...

jenbusick

Also, yeah, I've been in some Zumba classes that were not much of a workout at all. If you get a chance, look for a different gym/instructor. A lot depends on the instructor. You need one who's serious about fitness, not just dancing around.

FullOfWin

petechiae

Bump! Thinking about buying this game.

Verity1111

@ jenbusick Thank you for the information and experience. I really appreciate when it is something first hand you know? I wish I had abs to tone. Haha. I will some day. P.S. What is a burpee and excuse you? lol. The Zumba at my gym is so blegh if that is what I seen the other day. It was not even a work out or anything like the videos I tried.

This is a burpee:

From Wikipedia:

The burpee (identical to what is in US English termed a "squat thrust") is a full body exercise used in strength training and as aerobic exercise. It is performed in four steps, and was originally known as a "four-count Burpee":

Begin in a standing position.

Drop into a squat position with your hands on the ground. (count 1)

Extend your feet back in one quick motion to assume the front plank position. (count 2)

Return to the squat position in one quick motion. (count 3)

Return to standing position. (count 4)

Do 36 of those (3 sets of 12) <i>in rhythm</i> and really, no other workout is necessary. Go home, take two ibuprofen, try to explain to your spouse why you love Zumba so much...

:[ I remember those.. I can not even do one of those. I tried with the 30day shred or Killer Buns & Thighs. I felt so pathetic lol Thank you! :]

Verity1111

@ meshashesha20 It may take 10 years at this rate! LOL Not literally, but I danced to 4 songs and I literally stood there dripping sweat (I know sorry TMI LOL) while I put on Netflix for my kids while I went to cool down. I seriously was dripping for a few minutes nonstop and it is freezing cold outside. lmso Plus side? I still got 5 stars on bellydancing WOO haha I loved that one. I think for my first time and not dancing much in my life I did pretty well.

@ Julicat6 Thank you! I love the game and it was hard for me. I was in socks though, so sliding around once in a while didnt help, plus you have to learn as you go because it does not start slow.

@ mogletdeluxe Yes, the dancing on my toes. I actually could not help but be on my heels at the end lol I am just not ready for that long of it yet. I danced on my toes for 90% and the last round of that part of belly dancing I had to drop or my feet would have fallen off instead. lmso. Thank you. I was wondering then how often do you lift weights. Would I be able to start with cans? lol Just wondering and thank you!

@ jenbusick It was not even dancing to say the least. They moved side to side and shook there hands, then they shook their whole body like in belly dancing routines and that was basically all I seen in the 5 minutes I watched them, over and over they did those steps.

@ petechiae I love it! It was lots of fun and a quick workout that does feel like it burns a lot. You can set goals for one or more days for calories burned, time or other things as well as it will tell you the % score you earned, what "badges" and how many calories. There are multiple intensities and the option to take little practice parts for each move to learn them and their name is there so you learn what the moves are called too. This is my favorite workout game from what I've tried. I also love Michael Jackson The Experience about the same, but it is for Xbox and although we have one we don't have a large enough living room for it.

Verity1111

UPDATE: I just played this game for nearly 90 minutes and it was so much fun I can't even explain it! :]

Cait_Sidhe

Other than building endurance, I really don't think so.

I lift weights as my main exercise and I sometimes do Zumba once a week or so for the calorie burn because I find it more tolerable than other cardio, but it is not stength training.