Exercise Rivals: Zumba Versus Swimming

There are countless exercises you can do to spice up your routine. One of the newest trends in exercising is Zumba. But how does Zumba compare to a good old fashioned swimming workout?
Let’s take a look!
 

What Is Zumba?

Zumba is a very recent workout trend that was started in Columbia and promises all the drama, action and exuberance of youth. Weighing in at 500 calories an hour, it’s a pretty formidable opponent. They combine Latin, hip hop, salsa and belly dancing among other dance styles.
The choreography depends on each individual instructor but the basic idea is to get a full cardio workout and keep the whole body moving so that lots of fat is burnt.
The average person can burn anywhere from 500-800 calories in an hour.
 

Swimming

Swimming is another full body workout, but it is much easier on your body. It’s much less high intensity than Zumba, so you will most likely not burn as many calories in an hour. However, you can still burn an significant amount of calories, depending on how intense your swimming workout is.
You can burn anywhere from 100 to 600 calories in an hour.
But an average person of about 150 lbs, swimming for an hour at a moderate pace will burn about 270 calories.
 

Aqua Zumba

For an extra metabolism boost, try combining the two! You can alternate days between Zumba and Swimming. There is also a Aqua Zumba, which combines two in one.

The Aqua Zumba program gives new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. Splashing, stretching, twisting, even shouting, laughing, hooting and hollering are often heard during an Aqua Zumba class. Aqua Zumba classes blend together a safe, challenging, water-based workout that’s cardio-conditioning, body-toning and most of all, FUN.
When it comes down to it, no exercise is bad exercise. It all comes down to personal preference, and of course your health conditions. If you have joint problems, swimming is probably the safer route, as it’s much easier on your body.
But you can always mix things up by taking an Aqua Zumba route as well!
But whether you’re heading to the pool to swim laps, participate in an Aqua Zumba route, or even attend a regular Zumba class, don’t forget to grab your Underwater Audio Waterproof iPod filled with your favorite songs to keep you motivated throughout your workout!
 

Tell Us!

Which do you prefer in terms of exercise: Swimming or Zumba?
Have you tried Aqua Zumba? Tell us in the comment section below!