What Is Zumba Toning?

If you want a heart-pumping workout that's also a lot of fun, Zumba might be just the class for you. It's a Latin-inspired fitness dane class that shows you how to get your heart rate up while having fun at the same time.

However, standard Zumba classes don't necessarily build muscles while you're grooving to the music, and it's important to incorporate weights into your regular workouts. For those who'd like a little more strength-training, there's Zumba Toning. Zumba Toning keeps Zumba's essence while focusing on strength training the arms, abs and thighs.

Read more: Zumba Workout Benefits

Adding Weights to Zumba

Zumba Toning incorporates weighted toning sticks, which come in 1-pound and 2.5-pound sizes, to the Zumba workout that participants use almost like maracas. The toning sticks function like dumbbells to act as resistance weights.

People can use dumbbells up to 3 pounds for the class; however, the toning sticks are better for Zumba class because they're filled with sand and sound a bit like a maraca when you shake them. That makes them extra-fun for a dance-based class.

If using the weights or toning sticks is too much for you, talk to your instructor about doing the class without any extra weights. You will still get a workout with the risk of injuring yourself as you get used to the movements.

Zumba Gold Toning

Zumba Gold Toning is an additional weight-based program that was created for active older adults, who want to use light weights to focus on strengthening the muscles. It's a low- to moderate-intensity workout session designed to reduce the loss of muscle mass and muscle strength that often comes with aging.