Eating habits of most Filipinos were the one’s blamed for the increase of obesity and risk of cardio problems among other illnesses. Kids are exposed to eating junk foods and spending more time exploring their gadgets instead of playing and engaging in sports.

Thanks to the different forms of enjoyable and health beneficial exercises that were introduced. One of which is Zumba and Aerobics. But what are the benefits of these exercises to one’s health? Let us explore a little about these form of exercises

According to Encyclopedia.com,  ”AEROBICS, meaning “with oxygen.” It refers to physical exercise to improve cardiorespiratory endurance. Aerobic movement is rhythmic and repetitive, engaging the large muscle groups in the arms and legs for at least twenty minutes in each session. The ensuing demand for a continuous supply of oxygen creates the aerobic training effect, physiological changes that enhance the ability of the lungs, heart and blood vessels to transport oxygen throughout the body. The most beneficial aerobic exercises include swimming, running, cycling, walking and aerobic dance.

An early proponent of aerobics was Kenneth H. Cooper, a medical doctor whose 1968 book of aerobics introduced the first exercise program for cardiorespiratory improvement. Aerobic movement as a formal exercise has been popular since 1960s.”

With facts from “livestrong.com,” Zumba is both a dance class and a fitness class. Aside from its heart-health benefits, Zumba provides a workout for the whole body. From head and shoulder rolls that loosen up the neck and warm up the upper body, to footwork that strengthens and stretches calves and ankles, this fitness method touches on nearly every muscle and joint. Even those who are just learning the dance steps will find themselves waking up the day after a Zumba class with a definitive post-workout feeling. Hips and abs receive particular attention in the Latin dance style, and as with many dance exercise classes, thighs and butts often end up being sore the day after class. Flexibility is not ignored in a Zumba class either, with warm-ups and cool-downs a regular part of Zumba programming.

The name “Zumba” has no particular meaning. It was chosen arbitrarily as brand name.” In mid 1990s, Beto Perez forgot his tape of aerobics music for a class he was teaching. He went to his car, listened to music-consisting of traditional salsa and merengue music and improvised a class using non–traditional aerobics music. After finding initial success in Colombia, he moved to US in 2001, where he teamed up with cofounder Alberto Perlman and a childhood friend, COO Alberto Aghion.

And with these facts we can choose what’s best for us youngsters. Take time to engager ourselves for a little less 30 minutes of our free time to do workout and busy ourselves in sports, in the way we keep our body healthy and fit.

By: Mark Anthony T. Atienza