Friday, January 6, 2012

Fitness Comparison of Zumba & Kettleworx


If you follow trends in new exercise programs, KettleWorx and Zumba probably both ring a bell. The two regimens don't just have unusual names in common; they both offer intensive means of exercising, ideal for busy schedules. KettleWorx depends on using kettlebells, a form of weight used since the days of ancient Greece. Zumba takes its inspiration from Latin music and dance. Each workout reworks traditional elements into demanding and quick cardiovascular and weight-bearing exercise.
KettleWorx: Pros
KettleWorx requires relatively little equipment, compared with some weightlifting regimens, relying solely on kettlebells as resistance. Typically, you start by purchasing just one kettlebell, and eventually advance to a higher weight. The exercises can be customized for adults and children and for beginners as well as more experienced lifters, making them stand out from free-weight lifting, typically the province of the skilled lifter. Unlike traditional weightlifting, KettleWorx includes dynamic swinging movements, which provide cardio exercise as well as resistance training. For those with tight schedules, the standard regimen is 20 minutes of exercise, three to four times a week.
KettleWorx: Cons
If you're looking for an exercise class that's also a social activity, KettleWorx falls short. While the system's developer, Ryan Shanahan, offers personal training services to many Hollywood celebrities, the rest of his followers practice the system from DVDs. For the discipline-challenged, who require some external motivation to keep at a workout schedule, KettleWorx may prove more difficult to maintain than regular Zumba classes.
Zumba: Pros
Zumba is a good choice if you enjoy dance and fast-paced aerobic workouts. The regimen is also popular enough that you can find a local instructor at most gyms. The focus is on aerobic exercise, so you can hope to quickly lose weight and improve your cardiovascular health. In addition, the program's variation in intensity incorporates an element of resistance training for toning and strengthening.
Zumba: Cons
Particularly for beginners, Zumba's dancelike style can make it challenging to maintain proper form throughout the routine. To reap the full benefits of the exercise, you need to model your instructor's movements accurately and quickly. Whereas KettleWorx is easily adaptable to individuals of all ages and skill levels, Zumba classes can prove more challenging to newcomers or individuals with any limitations in mobility. Senior citizens may opt instead for gentler, modified or beginner's level Zumba classes.
General Considerations
When selecting a new exercise routine, your personal preferences are as important a consideration as the efficiency and quality of the regimen itself. Before picking between Zumba or KettleWorx, schedule a meeting with a qualified personal trainer so you can assess your fitness goals and receive professional feedback on your current strengths and weaknesses. Try lifting kettlebells and attend one Zumba class to see which you enjoy before you commit. Picking the exercise that's most enjoyable is the best way to ensure regular, disciplined practice.


 
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