Can I Use Ankle Weights to Make Zumba Intense?

Zumba Fitness is the largest dance workout and has taken the world by storm! This Latin inspired workout has people moving their booties across the world! Since it also blends aerobics with the dancing, Zumba acts as an effective cardiovascular workout.

Some lovers of Zumba may want to take their Zumba classes to the next level once they have excelled in their respective classes. Other people who practice Zumba may want to take it to the next level and see more results and focus on particular parts of their body. Hence, the Zumba community is adding ankle weights in their Zumba to intensify the class and burn even more calories.

Let’s see how far ankle weights can take you:

Advantages of Ankle Weights

Including ankle weights will intensify your Zumba Fitness and will make the workout more thorough. There will be an increased physical exertion to work various muscles in your body, particularly your glutes, quadriceps and hamstrings. As it is, Zumba burns lots of calories, adding ankle weights will give it an edge by toning your muscles and enhancing the already present cardio benefits of Zumba.

Disadvantages of Ankle Weights

Not only are you adding to the work for your muscles, you are also applying too much more pressure on your joints. This increased pressure can result in complications for your hips, knees and ankles given that Zumba does involve quick vigorous dance moves and jumping. Evidence also seems to suggest that ankle weights during cardio workouts like Zumba are likely to result in torn ligaments in ankles, thighs and hips. Sprains are also a frequent complaint.

Other Forms of Resistance Training

The official Zumba program workout offers 3 different options from 2011 onwards in resistance training. It is already featured securely into the program.

1. The first option is Zumba® Toning classeswhich incorporate Toning Sticks which are maraca-style inspired weights for a flaming hot intense cardiovascular exercises joint with body sculpting.

2. The second option is Zumba® in the Circuit classes incorporates intense, 30 minute classes which incorporate varying Latin dances with circuit-training (a sequence of strength exercises) intervals in a 30-minute class.

3. The third option is Aqua Zumba® classes which incorporates water! This class feature aerobics in the pool! This is the best place to use ankle weights!