Warming up before any time of workout routine is essential – and Zumba is no exception to the rule. It is advised that people who practice Zumba should warm up before getting started with their dance exercise. Zumba may be a lot of fun but the constant movements put you at risk of various injuries.  In order to prevent this risk of injury – and to ensure your body gets a prologue to prepare the intensity it is soon about to encounter, you should perform Zumba Warm ups.

Zumba Warm Up Importance

The Chiropractors Society of Australia grew very concerned on the subject of Zumba warm ups, and as a result, released a set of guideline for Zumba warm ups. Ensuring you participate in Zumba warm ups results in fewer injuries such as Lower back discomfort, hip, knee and joint pain.
Alignment: Additionally, warm ups in general can aid in the alignment of the spinal cord which reduces the risk of different injuries. Prue Illidge who is a trained chiropractor said, “I believe Zumba can be a very safe and enjoyable form of exercise; however, individuals need to be aware their hips and lower back may be out of alignment without them realizing, leading to injuries from taking up a new activity.”

Preparation: Another benefit of Zumba warm up is that it aids in elevating the heart rate. An elevated heartbeat promotes efficient blood flow; this means that the oxygen will be provided to all parts of the body properly, it also leads to a better distribution of nutrients throughout the body. Zumba warm up also prepares your body and mind for the upcoming Zumba routine, which results in better coordination and reaction time. Warming up also increases the body temperature gradually which increases flexibility!

Prevents Cardiac Disease: Warm ups prepare the heart for demanding work outs such as Zumba. This is very beneficial since blood pressure levels do not raise at a very fast rate. This means that warming up does not only protects you from back injuries but it can also protect the body against cardiac diseases caused by high blood pressure.

Zumba Warm Up Exercises

1. Stretching: Static stretching is the most effective Zumba warm up exercise even though it may cause a feeling of discomfort in the muscles initially. This exercise has many different techniques and involves stretching a particular muscle and holding the position for about 30 seconds. You can even hold the position up to 2 minutes. This exercise aids in relaxing the muscles.
2. Jumping Jacks: You may remember Jumping Jacks! Even though this exercise may seem to be childish but it is very effective in getting your body warmed up. This exercise involves standing straight with your arms straight. Then jumping up in a position where the legs are spread wide and the hands touch overhead. Then return back to normal standing position.
3. Pushups: Pushups are the oldest form of warm up exercise and are also very effective. Including one or two sets of pushups before Zumba routine can be very effective.

Conclusion

Never underestimate the importance of warming up before exercise of any kind! Remember that prevention is always better than cure! Zumba warm ups will aid in protecting your from different diseases and injuries that are caused by the dance routine. Zumba away!