Ginny & Deb on the road with Zumba Toning

Zumba Toning Adds Light Weights to the Zumba Fun

I am so excited to tell you all about Zumba Toning! When Deb and I headed for the Zumba Toning workshop this past weekend in VT, we knew that it involved adding light handweights (1.5-3 lbs) to a modified Zumba fitness workout. We couldn't believe that it could be as much fun as the original Zumba workout.

Zumba Toning was developed by the creator of Zumba, Beto Perez, and Linda Shelton, one of the founding members of AFAA (Aerobic Fitness Association of America) and internationally recognized fitness consultant, trainer, lecturer and health writer with 39 years of teaching experience in the exercise field.

So, Friday night we went to our first Zumba Toning Master Class, taught by Zumba Education Specialist, Kelly Boulard. Wow! What a great workout! (It didn't help that I had done John's kickboxing "5-minute challenge" class at KI Fitness the day before -- my quads were feelin' it to say the least! Yowza!)

Zumba Toning takes Zumba to the next level. It focuses on muscle work using the Zumba toning sticks (1.5 lbs) or regular hand weights (1-3lbs) as part of the dance-fitness. This gives you a great cardio workout, as well as burns a lot of calories! The Zumba Toning music is different in that rhythms are combined within the same song. These are rhythms that you have become familiar with in regular Zumba class - such as Cumbia, Salsa and Reggeaton.

You will notice that the beat of the music is slower than in regular Zumba. It is important to pay attention to how fast you do movements when using the weights so that your shoulder and elbow joints are kept safe from injury.

Zumba Toning is the next generation of dance-fitness and you will love it!

Now to answer some questions:

Q1: Will there be a separate Zumba Toning class on the schedule sometime soon?

A: For right now, Deb and I will preview one or two Zumba Toning song within our regular Zumba classes starting next week and get your feedback. Then we'll go from there.

Q2: Isn't this similar to your KI Sculpt class?

A: No, not at all! The weights used in Zumba Toning ONLY go from 1 lb to
3 lbs and NEVER any heavier! After that it is just unsafe to be dancing AND using weights. The main muscle you are working in Zumba Toning is your heart muscle -- adding the weights increases your cardiovascular conditioning by providing muscle resistance. KI Sculpt begins at 3lbs and goes up from there and the results you get are defined, "cut" or striated appearance of muscular development. So take both classes and enjoy the benefits each has to offer!

Q3: What if I don't like weights, can I still take the class?

Yes, Zumba Toning can be done without handweights. In fact, if a person has a history of joint problems, tendonitis, bursitis or other orthopedic limitations, weighted workouts are not recommended unless they have been given a doctor's approval. Also, if someone is just beginning this as an exercise program, they should become familiar with the Zumba rhythms and muscle moves before adding the weights to their workout.

If you have any other questions, feel free to email me or ask me in class!

I am placing an order for Zumba Toning sticks today, and it will take about two weeks to get them in. Did I mention they make a shakey sound like maracas? Ok, that is just for fun, but it IS fun! In the mean time we will use regular hand weights because I am too excited to wait!

See you in class!

Ginny