Zumba is an evolving exercise which has been gaining a lot of fame over the years, since its initiation, over 12 million people have been practicing Zumba. However, how does Zumba measure up against the traditional exercises of Running? Hence, we will be discussing the benefits derived from each exercise to determine which form of Cardio is more effective! Let the faceoff begin!  

Zumba

Zumba is an exciting dance exercise which is especially appealing to those people who are tired of traditional and monotonous exercises such as cycling and walking. A 1 hour Zumba session does not only provide physical benefits, it also provides mental and social benefits. Zumba dancing involves different dance types and a lot of movement.

Zumba is a great calorie burning exercise, one hour of Zumba can burn up to 400 calories! This means that while you are having the time of your life, you are also losing weight. Zumba is a great cardio exercise and the demanding dance steps get your heart rate elevated instantly, this dancing exercise also improves your stamina which allows you to work out for a longer time. Zumba engages muscles of the entire body, so if you are looking for an exercise that would tone your body, Zumba is your thing! Zumba has been categorized as a form of interval training; this means that during the exercise there will be changes in the level of intensity. You will probably be drenched in sweat at the end of class. The rigorous movements, changes in intensity of the workout and sweating usually promote a healthy heart.
Zumba is not only associated with physical benefits, it has been linked with mental benefits as well. How? Well dancing and constant movement usually lead to releasing of the “feel-good” hormones. This means when you are done with your Zumba class, you will be happy and energetic! Apart from these benefits, a Zumba class is a great way to meet new people.

Running

Running is a more traditional exercise that has been part of our work out routine for a very long time now. Like Zumba, running is also an excellent cardio exercise and calorie burner. One hour of running at a steady pace can burn approximately 560 calories, the amount of calories you burn change with speed and terrain that you are running on. Running has been rated as the second most effective exercise for burning calories. One hour of running would get your heart rate elevated and overtime your stamina would also improve.

Running improves overall health! How? Running boosts the immune system which protects the body from diseases. Running also raises the level of good cholesterol in the body and decreases the risk of blood clots. Doctors often recommend running since it can help prevent diseases. Running reduces the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.

Running can be very beneficial for the mental health as well. This is because, like Zumba, running requires a lot of movement which leads to the secretion of “feel-good” hormones. So if you are suffering from depression or if you are in a bad mood, get those running shoes on and start running!

The Final Verdict

We have a wide variety of exercise to choose from, but when we are comparing Zumba and running, there are many different things that we have to consider. If you are looking for an exercise that is exciting and not monotonous, then chose Zumba. However, if you are focusing on weight loss and burning calories then Running is definitely a better option. Not only are both of these exercises beneficial for cardiac health, they also eliminate or reduce depression. So it all comes down to your preference; traditional and effective weight loss exercise or exciting and unique dancing exercise.