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| 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.
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| Me and Katie |
