Fitness kickboxing and Zumba are similar workout programs in that both are group fitness options set to music. From the outside looking in, an observer might not be able to tell the difference between the two without a sign or schedule to label it. However, the differences between the two classes can make one better than the other for a given individual.
Similarities
Both Zumba and fitness kickboxing are conceptual descendants of aerobics. They both involve moving to music under the instruction of a group leader. Both are full-body workouts that focus primarily on cardio, but include a muscle toning resistance workout. According to health resource website Nutristrategy.com, both of these high-impact aerobics options will burn about 500 calories per hour for a 155-lb. person.
Origins
The moves in a Zumba workout derive from Latin dance like salsa and rhumba. They focus on core muscles and smooth movement, and have a definite flair of sexiness and rhythm. By contrast, the moves in fitness kickboxing come from martial arts like Muay Thai and karate. It's more of a full-body workout and includes a more aggressive attitude.
Props
You can do either workout without any props whatsoever, and both Zumba and Tae Bo offer an array of workout clothing branded with their logos. However, fitness kickboxing often includes working out on punching bags, which may or may not require you to wear boxing or mixed martial arts gloves. This can make fitness kickboxing more expensive to start.
Impact
Although you might expect a kickboxing workout to be higher impact than a dance workout, this is not the case. For both programs, the stress in the routine comes from repetitive motion and bouncing on the floor -- which can be hard on your ankles, knees and hips.
Competitive Kickboxing
The information above is for fitness kickboxing, a group fitness option available in most American health clubs. Competitive kickboxing is a combat sport that includes incredibly vigorous workouts and a certainty of being punched in the face. Although it's a perfectly viable fitness option, it's not something you should consider if you're just looking for a group fitness workout.
Similarities
Both Zumba and fitness kickboxing are conceptual descendants of aerobics. They both involve moving to music under the instruction of a group leader. Both are full-body workouts that focus primarily on cardio, but include a muscle toning resistance workout. According to health resource website Nutristrategy.com, both of these high-impact aerobics options will burn about 500 calories per hour for a 155-lb. person.
Origins
The moves in a Zumba workout derive from Latin dance like salsa and rhumba. They focus on core muscles and smooth movement, and have a definite flair of sexiness and rhythm. By contrast, the moves in fitness kickboxing come from martial arts like Muay Thai and karate. It's more of a full-body workout and includes a more aggressive attitude.
Props
You can do either workout without any props whatsoever, and both Zumba and Tae Bo offer an array of workout clothing branded with their logos. However, fitness kickboxing often includes working out on punching bags, which may or may not require you to wear boxing or mixed martial arts gloves. This can make fitness kickboxing more expensive to start.
Impact
Although you might expect a kickboxing workout to be higher impact than a dance workout, this is not the case. For both programs, the stress in the routine comes from repetitive motion and bouncing on the floor -- which can be hard on your ankles, knees and hips.
Competitive Kickboxing
The information above is for fitness kickboxing, a group fitness option available in most American health clubs. Competitive kickboxing is a combat sport that includes incredibly vigorous workouts and a certainty of being punched in the face. Although it's a perfectly viable fitness option, it's not something you should consider if you're just looking for a group fitness workout.
Posted in: Kickboxing