Benefits of Zumba Gold

Shamrock Shake at the Dover Foundation YMCA
Zumba Instructors

I have said it before and I will say it again: Zumba is for everyone! Zumba offers a vast array of classes:

·         Zumba Fitness (aerobic dance workout), 

·          Zumba Toning (use toning sticks),

·         Aqua Zumba (water-based workout),

·          Zumbatomics (exclusively for kids 4-12),

·          Zumba Sentao (chair-based choreography),

·          Zumba Gold (older adults).

 Today, I would like to share the benefits of exercise, particularly Zumba gold, for the elderly. I will use my experience as a certified personal trainer as well as online resources and interviews to inform and educate you about physical exercise and the benefits to your body.  

First, I want to look at some of the health problems associated with aging as well as physical changes to our bodies:

·         Arthritis – inflammation of the joints

·         Heart disease –stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure

·         Osteoporosis—decreased bone density

·         Depression

Regular exercise shows there are many positive effects on the body. I have stated that arthritis is inflammation of the joints but other symptoms that are also associated with arthritis are pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion. According to an article in Livestrong.com written by Chris Sherwood, the Arthritis Foundation suggests that, “one of the most noticeable effects of exercise in the elderly population is an increase in mobility and independence. Exercise increases mobility by decreasing body weight, increasing strength around the joints, reducing joint stiffness and even helping to reduce painful inflammation.” Another benefit of exercise is an increase in range of motion.  According to Kathy Martin a Registered Nurse at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Hospital,” exercise in the elderly is beneficial because it helps control their weight, helps lower BP (blood pressure) and helps them increase their range of motion and keeps their joints limber.”

Coronary heart disease is the number cause of death in the United States. According to the Aerobics and Fitness Association there are 3 major cardiovascular disorders: heart attack, stroke, and hypertension. Exercise can strengthen your heart, lower your blood pressure, increase your energy levels, and reduce body fat. According to livestrong.com, Zumba Gold “falls under the category of endurance training, which keeps the heart healthy and the circulatory system strong.”

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone density. Some causes of osteoporosis are deficiencies in estrogen, vitamin D, Calcium, and some forms of birth control (depo –provera) are known to cause osteoporosis. Exercising helps osteoporosis in many ways:

·         Decrease bone loss

·         Increase muscles, which help support bones

·         Improves balance – less falls

Depression is often associated with the elderly and can be in any range from mild to moderate. Joy Prouty is a Zumba Education Specialist (ZES), and co-developer of the Zumba Gold program. Prouty states that “the benefits of the Zumba Gold fitness program are multifaceted.” According to Prouty “there’s a huge cognitive benefit for participating elders to connecting and socializing with their peers. As people and situations with loved ones and friends may have changed, coming together to workout can be a positive benefit for them.” Exercise releases endorphins that will make you feel good. Engaging in group fitness will help you take your mind off your worries and give you a sense of belonging as you bond with your fitness group.

 Zumba Gold is an aerobic workout which strengthens the heart, helps you maintain or lose weight and can increase your range of motion. This exercise program is designed specifically for the active older adult. We offer exercise modifications to help with injuries that you might have so that you don’t cause further injury or damage. The music that you will find in a Zumba Gold class is a blend of salsa, merengue, cumbia, tango and others. If you have never been to any Zumba class then I encourage you to find an instructor in your area and find the Zumba class that is right for you. The only warning that I have is that Zumba is very addicting!

                                                                     Work Cited

Cespedes, Andrea. "What is Zumba Gold." Livestrong 26 Apr. 2011: n.p.livestrong.com. Web. 13 Mar. 2013.

Getz, Lindsey. "Zumba Gold Program Attracts Elders." Aging Well n.d.: n.p.Agingwellmag.com. Web. 13 Mar. 2013.

Gylys, Barbara A., and Mary Ellen Wedding . Medical Terminology Systems. 6th. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company, 2009. Print.

Martin, RN, Kathy S. Personal interview. 18 Mar. 2013.

Prouty, Joy. Zumba.com. n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2013.

Sherwood, Chris. "The Effects of Exercise in the Elderly." Livestrong June 2011: n.p.Livestrong.com. Web. 13 Mar. 2013.

Yoke, Mary. Personal Fitness Training Theory & Practice. 1st. Sherman Oaks, CA: Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, 2007. Print.

Me and Katie