Aerobic exercise programs incorporating exciting Latin rhythms and dance techniques have become extremely popular. One of the most renowned dance-fitness programs, Zumba has more than 10 million exercisers taking weekly classes worldwide. A similar Latin-based dance fitness class and DVD set called Latin Cardio has also been created in 2006.

Brief Background of Zumba®

Zumba was created by aerobics instructor Alberto "Beto" Perez in the mid-1990s. He forgot his aerobics music for a class, instead he spontaneously used the collection of Latin dance music he knew and allowed the dance steps to be the focus, rather than the tradition aerobic techniques. His experiment became success and his class enjoyed it. In 2001 Perez joined with two other entrepreneurs, Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion, who initiated the Zumba Fitness brand.

Zumba involves steps from salsa, meringue, hip-hop and many other forms of dance, even from exotic styles like bhangra and bollywood. These are mixed with aerobic exercise to target the leg, arm and abdominal muscle groups. The intensity of Zumba makes it an effective cardiovascular exercise, encouraging weight loss.
Interesting Fact: Beto is also a professional dancer and former choreographer for Shakira and other high profile celebrities.

Programs

Zumba Fitness offers different programs for older adults, children ages 4 to 12, toning, interval strength training and even pool-based workouts. Meanwhile, Zumba is also available in DVD and video game format.Zumba®, Zumba Fitness® and the Zumba Fitness logos are registered trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC, which holds copyright ownership on all Zumba®-related material and use of name and logo. wwww.zumba.com

Brief Background of Latin Cardio

While the term Latin Cardio can be used to describe all forms of dance-fitness based on Latin music, including Core rhythms, Bachata and even Zumba, it has been applied to a specific workout class created by Mexico-born salsa and ballroom dancer Cuic Suarez. A set of instructional DVDs was released in 2006, and Suarez teaches classes in Orlando, Florida.

He holds a Bachelor of Science and Exercise Psychology and a B.A. in Theatre and Dance from the Univesidad Autonoma de Mexico and the Colegio Nacional de Mexico respectively. Cuic has been featured on network television including CNN International, FOX NEWS, TELEVISA, and TELEMUNDO.

Interesting Fact: Cuic has also served as choreographer for Disney's live musical productions.

Cuic Suarez offers a simple explanation of the steps, and then the next DVD has an easily learned basic workout, which leads to the exciting 45-minute full body workout that involves full body, fun and fat burning Latin dance moves.

Some people choose to learn in a dance class, while others learn in a Latin dance club. Whether you dance in a salsa club or in a Latin cardio exercise class, Latin dancing gives your body a rewarding workout to the sexy and exuberant Latin beat.

Programs

The Latin Cardio curriculum is very similar to that used in Zumba. However, Latin Cardio does not have the widespread availability that Zumba offers. While a progressive three DVD set was released in 2006, it is no longer available.

Conclusion

TV shows such as "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance" have shown Latin dances and increased people's interest in learning salsa, merengue, rumba, samba and other Latin dances.

On the other side, Zumba became popular through infomercials and marketing worldwide. Zumba’s as plus fitness workout theme provided it an ‘edge’ over traditional Latin dances.