For children, there are a large number of types of fitness, adapted specifically for age characteristics. One of the most fun and exciting options is considered to be zumba.
What it is?
Zumba Kids or children's zumba is a kind of fitness, which is a successful combination of dancing to incendiary melodies and aerobics. Dance is close to all children, both boys and girls love to do it, everyone also loves moving and cheerful music. And the aerobic part of the load consists in dosed dance exercises for certain muscle groups.
Trainings are carried out in a playful way, which makes a zumba for children a real adventure, in which a kid can be a cool dancer, a fairy-tale character, or even the most exotic animal.
From the side, the zumba looks like a noisy and bright dance party, the main guests and participants of which are children. Today this area of fitness has become so popular that almost every fitness center considers it its duty to open groups for children., in which an experienced instructor will help the child with health benefits and have fun while passing free time.
This type of dance fitness originates from Colombia, where it originated only 9 years ago. The founder of the method is dance teacher Alberto Perez, he combined the best movements of different dance schools to create a completely new program.
How is it useful?
The atmosphere in the zumba group is always very relaxed, friendly and simple, which favorably distinguishes these classes from the classic sports sections, where iron discipline reigns, and the coach must be addressed strictly by name and patronymic. In such an environment, children get the opportunity to completely relax, and this is the best cure for stress, stress in kindergarten and school, worries, as well as the best prevention of psychosomatic diseases so widespread in our time, which do not spare either children or adults.
During the lesson, the child performs several tasks at the same time, which trains his attention, he switches from one task to another, and it’s a wonderful exercise for the mind. At the same time, groups are a team, and there is still a certain discipline there, and therefore classes form a team spirit in the kid and the ability to bring the work started to the end.
Children at 4 years old, as well as children at 7 years old, are very energetic. It is vital for them to find a gateway through which they can release their excess energy. And zumba is just such a gateway.
Training helps to develop creative thinking and imagination, fantasy and artistry, the child gradually develops good coordination of movements, he maintains better balance, is more clearly aware of himself in space and is better oriented even in unfamiliar places. Large and fine motor skills are trained. The child acquires communication skills, communicating in a circle of his own kind, self-esteem increases.
At the same time, there is no fatigue, heavy muscle load in the Zumba, and therefore children are happy to go to the next workout. Latin American rhythms contribute to the development of rhythm and musical ear.
The great advantage of zumba lies in the fact that everyone can do it, even those who have no idea about dancing.
You can master simple movements at home using video tutorials, of which there are a lot on the Internet. But home dances are solo, they do not imply a large team and that special mood that has a powerful psychotherapeutic effect.
How are the lessons going?
A workout always consists of four basic blocks, which replace each other strictly sequentially.
First of all, there is a light warm-up with stretching elements - stretching. It is important that the muscles of the young Zumba dancer are warmed up and ready for the basic exercises.
In the second stage, the coach shows new movements, plays with them with funny stories, asks children to show how cranes, snakes, cats and so on move in a dance. When the movement is mastered, the guys dance to the music. At the final stage, the child is again offered exercises from the stretching program and relaxing elements of breathing exercises.
How old should you start?
It all depends on the requirements of a particular coach-instructor. Some recruit groups of children from the age of three, others from the age of four. There are groups for schoolchildren and teenagers. Groups are trying to collect according to the age, so that there is not too much age difference between the dancers.
Are there any contraindications?
Despite the ease of movement and the absence of heavy cardio loads, there are contraindications to practicing zumba. Therefore, be sure to show the child to the pediatrician and get a certificate stating that the baby is approved for training.
What ailments and conditions are contraindications for dancing to the rhythm of zumba:
- congenital and acquired heart defects;
- vascular ailments, in which the child has impaired blood circulation;
- recovery period after operations and injuries - the duration of the period is determined by the attending physician;
- increased intracranial pressure;
- high blood pressure or, conversely, hypotension in a child;
- the presence of diseases of the joints, which limit their flexibility and mobility, increase the risk of serious injury;
- mental illness, in which the child cannot adequately perceive the instructions of the coach and the surrounding peers;
- disorders of the central nervous system, in which the child cannot maintain balance.
In all other cases, zumba is useful, enjoyable and positive.
Time restrictions on classes are imposed in case of malaise, fever, pain of any location. But in case of nasal congestion or coughing without fever, zumba is very useful, since intensive breathing helps to better provide the body with oxygen and increases immunity to fight respiratory ailment.
It should not be assumed that overweight and obesity in a child are contraindications. If a baby with excess weight does not have the problems described above, then Zumba will help him not only lose weight, but also increase his self-esteem.
How the Zumba lessons for children go, see below.
