Sunday, January 8, 2012

Things to Know About Zumba Boxing Class

Zumba is a Latin music based dance-fitness program that is taught in a fun, party atmosphere. Cardioboxing or kickboxing is a combination of martial arts, boxing and aerobics. Zumba does not officially offer a class called, "Zumba Boxing," but instructors and enthusiasts enjoy this choreography hybrid.
Zumba Licensing
Zumba currently offers six official class titles: Zumba, Zumba Gold, Aqua Zumba, Zumbatomic, Zumba Toning and Zumba in Circuit. Zumba does not allow classes to be listed in other ways, therefore, any class entitled, "Zumba Boxing," would be a direct violation of Zumba's legal requirements regarding trademarks. If you are looking for a Zumba class that integrates boxing into the choreography, discuss it with your instructor. And if you see the name, "Zumba Boxing," as the class' official title, it may be a red flag that your instructor is not a lawfully licensed Zumba instructor.
Zumba Class Structure
Once you are licensed to instruct Zumba classes, you are welcomed, and even encouraged, to structure your choreography any way you like. Zumba requires that at least 70 percent of your music has a Latin rhythm. Zumba also strongly recommends that classes begin with a warm-up and end with a cool-down and stretch. Anything in between is up to the instructor and variety is strongly encouraged. During instructor training, leaders encourage new instructors to draw on their own experiences in other classes taught. Incorporate boxing moves into your routines to keep your choreography fresh and different.
Basic Moves
Zumba's four basic rhythms include salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and cumbia. Kickboxing uses all of boxing's basic moves including punches like jabs and uppercuts plus martial arts kicks like the roundhouse or side-kick. You can also incorporate moves that boxers typically use to train such as jumping rope, jogging in place and speed-bag punches. A simple combination would be to march for an count of eight, then jab two times and add one jumping jack. Repeat the combination with a march, then jab with the alternate arm and one jumping jack to return to your starting position.
Precautions
The American Council on Exercise warns that performing boxing moves with weights puts your joints in danger. Zumba Toning classes do utilize weights, but a licensed instructor will guide you to use them safely. The council also advises you to be careful not to lock your joints or overextend your kicks.

 
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