4 Zumba Moves to Warm Your Body up for Dancing or a Workout
Working out and dancing are quite similar. These activities offer a lot of fitness benefits. However, one gravitates toward the improvement of your athletic aspect as a pro cheerleader while the other is more about the artistic side.
The good thing is, these related activities can be used as warmups for each other. You can go for a light workout to warm up before a dance practice and dance for a while to warm up before exercising.
In this article, we’ll discuss basic Zumba moves that you can do to prepare your body for a workout session. And if you’d want to, you can also use them to soften your muscles prior to dance practice.
1. Salsa
Salsa is a series of Zumba moves that involves all the muscles from the bottom of your neck to your feet. You can start by stepping one foot forward one at a time while keeping your hands on your waist. When you start to feel warmed up, add a little more movement by doing alternate arm bends and side steps.
2. Merengue
Merengue is another series of Zumba moves that focuses on hip and arm movement. Start with light marching in place. Raise your arms at shoulder level with your elbows bent and your hands close to your chest. As you march, extend your arms to your sides, bring them back in front of your chest. Bring them up and then down back. And extend again. Repeat for 1-2 minutes.
3. Cha Cha
This Cha Cha version isn’t the Cuban variety. Instead, it’s based on Middle Eastern dance movements that emphasize arm and heavy foot movement. To start, stand in place with your feet together. Put your arms and hands forward.
Then, move your arms as if you’re drawing an infinity sign in the air. Your fingers should point the direction of your arm’s movement. Kick it up a notch by marching with one knee bent and the other remaining straight.
4. Reggaeton
Reggaeton Zumba is about full-body explosive movements. Start with your hands on your waist while standing upright with your feet together. Jump and spread your legs out as if you’re doing jumping jacks minus the overhead clapping. Now hands off your waist with your hands in front and your elbows bent. Move your shoulders from side to side before going back to your starting position.
Remember that Zumba moves are considered to be full-body workouts. It’s important that you don’t overdo one routine as your warmup to avoid being exhausted before your formal dance practice or workout session. Repeating one Zumba routine for 2 to 5 minutes is enough to get your blood pumping and your muscles ready.
Need more tips for fitness and dancing? Read these!
- The Best Fitness Activities To Do This Fall Season
- Do These Foam Rolling Moves to Relieve Muscle Soreness from Your Lower Body
- The Best Clothing To Wear for Dance Classes and Practices
- Short-Term vs. Long-Term Dance Goals (And How to Achieve Them)
- 6 Things Judges Expect From You During A Dance Audition
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