ZUMBA AND THE MILLENNIALS
MERVIN H. ARTILLERO
Zumba is an exercise fitness program created by Colombian dancer and cyclist/ choreographer Alberto “Beto” “Power Pedal” Perez during the 1990s. Zumba involves dance and aerobic movements performed to energetic music.
The choreography incorporates hiphop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue and mambo. Squats and lunges are also included. Zumba Fitness, the owner of the Zumba program, does not charge licensing fees to gyms or fitness centers. Approximately 15 million people take weekly Zumba classes in over 200,000 locations across 180 countries.
In article written by fitness expert Jeff Fromm, he said that Millennials are commonly referred to as stimulation junkies. As a result of being raised in the digital age, Millennials have been surrounded by technological advancements that have made multitasking a part of daily life. Even in a traditional gym setting, you will find Millennials running on the treadmill, while listening to music, while watching TV, while scrolling through their Twitter feed. Doing just one thing at a time is not enough for Generation Y. Work out regimens that encourage Millennials to switch exercises every few minutes or incorporate high-level cardio like zumba are becoming increasingly more popular.
The last statement regarding the rising popularity of Zumba among Millennials cannot be denied as more and more youth find themselves actively engaged in the activity. In the Philippines, Zumba has found its niche among the younger generation.
Based from the Inquirer issue, Zumba is probably the most popular dance workout to date. You’d find group sessions morning and afternoon at the CCP complex, Quezon Memorial Circle, or anywhere else in the NCR (or even the whole Country).
In the present society, the youth have far-reaching influence to shift trends and lifestyles, such as its influence on the success of Zumba which integrates social meetings with fitness platform. Zumba has become so popular with the Millennials because this generation loves public attention and innovative designs. Although it is important to note that Millennials are also attracted to Zumba because of its many health ben ef i t s.
According to local fitness guru Connie Fortich, Millennilas love Zumba due to the following reasons: 1. Weight Loss: The number of calories you burn in one session can make you stop asking why you should join a Zumba class. 2. Toned Physique: You move so much during a session. So much that you sweat buckets, and that’s what makes you can burn so much calories. 3. Meet new Friends:There are, what you call, Zumba addicts. They are one reason why joining a Zumba class is fun. Some even go as far as taking out-of-town trips or having lunch or dinner together with the whole group. You gain a whole family, or another circle of friends. 4. Always be in a good mood: We all know that exercise releases the happy hormones called Endorphins. While you exercise, your brain and nervous system release these mood-boosting hormones that can either free you from stress, or fill you with so much happy energy that even a stressful day at work might not be enough to spoil your cheery disposition.5. Better Coordination: Zumba is the way to go if you lack coordination. The steps are usually easy to follow and are taught repeatedly that you wouldn’t have a hard time keeping up. If you have to left feet, fret no more. Zumba will be your guiding force. Zumba does wonders to your body especially if you do it regularly. This energetic, fun, and calorieburning workout, is your best bet if you’re not the type who would lift weights over and over again. — oOo— The author is T-III at Dapdap High School