Must Know!

Sometimes, we all feel like getting to the “good stuff” right away. But one thing’s for sure, the “good stuff” includes the very important warm-ups and cooldowns in your routines. Warm-ups get bodies and minds psyched for Zumba class; cooldowns bring us back down to earth. Without either, it just wouldn’t be the same (or safe or healthy). And warm-ups and cooldowns can be just as engaging and fun as the rest of the class!

Warm-ups are essential because they:

• Do exactly what the term says they do: They “warm up” the body for future activity.
• Prepare the participant physically and mentally for the class. They facilitate the transition from rest to exercise.
• Increase the core body temperature.
• Increase blood flowing to the muscles.
• Warm up the muscles and soft tissues.
• Lubricate the joints to help joint range of motion and function.
• Stretch and prepare certain major supporting muscles in the calf, the lower back muscles and hamstrings.
• Begin a gradual cardio increase to enable you to enter into higher intensity cardiovascular activity.

• Warm-ups include two types of movements:
• Rhythmic: Dynamic moving patterns, beginning with large muscle groups, then progressing to the smaller muscle groups. Be sure to include moves for the entire body, especially the legs (upper and lower), back, chest, shoulders, arms and core. Prepare the joints, as well as the hips, knees and ankles.
• Joint Prep: Moves that are applied resistance, using your own body to create a muscular tension. This helps to prepare the joints and surrounding connective tissue