If you've never tried Zumba, what are you waiting for? Not only will you dance your way to toned muscles and improved cardiovascular health, it's so much fun many participants forget it's a workout.
New to Zumba? Kandice Shelton, a Zumba instructor at Piedmont Atlanta Fitness Center, demonstrates three simple moves you can try at home or in a class.
The Biceps Bounce
- Stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart.
- Move from side to side as you alternate tapping one foot on the floor.
- Now add the arms: With or without weights, curl your arms to your chest to perform a biceps curl.
- Once you've mastered the curl, bend your knee and kick one foot back at a time, performing a hamstring curl. Alternate sides.
The Slide
"This is a great move to get your heart rate up," she says.
- With your feet wider than hip-distance apart, quickly step from side to side, gently bending your knees to guide the movement.
- Now add the arms: Raise your arms to shoulder level and lower as you continue to step laterally.
Dropping bounce
Build strength in the legs with this move.
- Bend your knees and lower into a squat position. Be sure your knees don't track over the toes, which could lead to injury.
- Remain in the squat position and pulse. Return to standing then repeat.
"You can do those three moves wherever, whether you're at home or here at Piedmont," says Shelton. "Whatever you do, just move!"
For more fitness tips and videos, click here.
Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online.