health-fitness
How to Lose Weight without a Strict Diet or Heavy Exercise
Losing weight is a common goal for many individuals. Though the traditional methods of dieting and exercise help with losing weight, these may not be suitable for everyone. Fortunately, there are alternative approaches that can help one shed those extra kilos without following strict dietary restrictions or intense workout routines. It's important to recognise that weight loss is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Let’s explore some effective strategies to lose weight without relying solely on diet or exercise.
11 Tips to Slim Down without Harsh Diet or Intense Exercise
Understanding Caloric Deficit
Regardless of the weight loss approach, achieving a caloric deficit is essential for losing weight. Caloric balance refers to the relationship between the calories one consumes and the calories one burns. To reduce weight without diet or exercise, one needs to focus on creating a calorie deficit through mindful eating and making healthier choices.
Incorporating Healthy Eating Habits
An individual can stay fit without following a strict diet plan. The secret is adopting healthy eating habits, which is also crucial for weight loss. To maintain a healthy diet, one should consume nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Including a variety of colours on the regular food menu can ensure a good balance of vitamins and minerals. To prevent weight-gain, one should avoid or minimise the intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and snacks high in saturated fats.
Read more: PCOS Diet: Foods to eat & avoid for ovarian cyst conditions
Mindful Eating
It is a key to weight loss. Embrace mindful eating to cultivate a positive connection with food. By slowing down, savouring each bite, and being attuned to the body's hunger and fullness signals, one can prevent overeating and establish a healthier relationship with what one eats.
For mindful eating, one needs to avoid distractions like smartphones or television; because technology and devices can lead to mindless eating.
Always Keep Healthy Snack
During work or after exercise one can feel hungry. Sometimes it can be challenging to have access to nutritious snacks and meals. Many tend to navigate to food apps and order fast foods, which may lead to gaining extra pounds besides harming health.
Depending on personal preference, one should carry some healthy snacks, such as nuts, beans, or a protein bar. These snacks can help to avoid the consumption of higher-calorie fast foods or restaurant meals.
Read more: Dietitians Warning: Who Should Avoid Red Meat?
Do Some Physical Activities
Even if one does not have time for exercising with fitness equipment, incorporating physical activities in everyday lifestyle can help shed weight.
One can engage in activities one enjoys, such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, or playing a sport. Furthermore, one should try to stay active throughout the day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a short walk after meals.
Digital Detox: Unplugging for Stress Relief and Mental Wellbeing
In today's hectic urban life, stress has become a constant companion, affecting our mental wellbeing. Research suggests that information overload, constant digital connectivity, unlimited screen time and heavy use of tech devices can lead to issues such as sleep problems, depression, and increased stress levels. Amidst such situation, digital detox can help to refresh the mind and help find moments of tranquility.
A digital detox is a personal choice to temporarily disconnect from digital devices and social media. Taking a break from screens and unplugging from the online world can provide a much-needed escape from the overwhelming digital noise. Let's explore the ways of embracing a digital detox for a rejuvenated mind.
11 Ways to Unplug Temporarily from the Digital World
Set Screen-free Zones
Consider setting up designated screen-free zones in your home. Like the dining table or bedroom, as peaceful havens for unwinding and enjoying precious moments with your close ones. By creating these spaces, you can foster relaxation, encourage meaningful connections, and cherish quality time without the distractions of screens. Let these areas become sanctuaries of togetherness and tranquility in your home.
Read more: Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents
Prioritize Real-world Connections
You can schedule frequent face-to-face meetings and outings with your loved ones. These moments hold immense value in nurturing deep connections and decreasing our dependence on virtual interactions. Engaging in real-life interactions allows us to have authentic conversations, shared experiences, and a sense of closeness that cannot be replicated online.
Set Tech-free Hours
You can try to set aside specific hours each day for complete disconnection from digital devices. During this time, give yourself the opportunity to engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a book, exercising, or pursuing your favorite hobbies. You can create a space for personal growth, and the fulfillment that comes from offline experiences. You can embrace this valuable time to nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Summer Safety Tips for Elderly to Avoid Heat-related Illnesses
Global warming is making summers hotter and more humid. During the summer season, the oppressive heat can take a toll on anyone, particularly the senior citizens. Due to the sweltering heat of the sun, the temperature becomes unbearable, which is increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the elderly people.
Common Summer Heat-related Illnesses that Can Affect Senior Citizens
As people age, their bodies become less able to regulate their temperature. Elderly people especially face challenges in coping with the extreme temperatures, and their vulnerability to heat-related issues is a cause for concern.
Due to the heat and increased sun exposure, heat stroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion are common concerns. Seniors may also experience exacerbation of chronic conditions, skin problems, and vitamin D deficiency.
Read more: Summer Heatwave: Here’s How to Keep Children Safe
10 Tips for Senior Citizens to Stay Healthy in Summer
These summer safety tips for the elderly aim to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Stay Hydrated
Sometimes elderly people forget to drink enough water. They should be encouraged to drink lots of fluids, particularly water, throughout the day. When it's hot, our bodies lose more water through sweat, making dehydration a real risk. By drinking plenty of fluids, senior citizens can keep their bodies hydrated and maintain their overall health.
Water is the best choice because it does not have any added sugar or calories. To make it easier, a water bottle can be stored nearby. They can also use mobile apps that will remind them from time to time to take a sip. Dehydration symptoms include feeling tired, dizzy, or having dry mouth, so it is essential to stay hydrated to prevent these issues and feel better during the summer heat.
Read more: Summer 2023: Ceiling Fan Buyer's Guide with Price Range in Bangladesh
Summer Heatwave: Here’s How to Keep Children Safe
The summer heat can be excruciating, with soaring temperatures that are amplified by the impact of global warming. When the mercury rises, like the adults, children often suffer different health issues. Let’s find out how parents can keep their children safe from heat-related illness.
Heat-related Illness: Heatstroke vs Heat Exhaustion
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition caused by a malfunction in the body's temperature regulation system. Often it happens due to exposure to high temperatures or intense physical exertion in hot weather.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder heat-related illness resulting from prolonged heat exposure and insufficient fluid intake. It occurs when the body becomes dehydrated and loses electrolytes through excessive sweating. Without proper treatment, it can cause heatstroke.
Read more: Class 7 student dies of heat stroke, 5 fall sick in Khulna
Causes of Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion in Children
Immature Thermoregulatory System
Young children have a less developed ability to regulate their body temperature compared to adults. Their sweat glands may not function as efficiently, making it more challenging for them to cool down effectively in hot environments.
Increased Surface Area to Body Weight Ratio
Usually, children have larger surface areas relative to their body weight, which means they can absorb heat from the environment more quickly. This makes them more susceptible to overheating and increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Limited Self-awareness
Children may not recognise the signs of overheating or may not communicate their discomfort effectively. They might continue playing or engaging in physical activities despite feeling excessively hot. It increases their risk of getting ill from high heat.
Read more: Heat Stroke Prevention: Best foods, drinks to avoid heat exhaustion
Lack of Hydration Knowledge
Sometimes children are not aware of the importance of staying hydrated and forget to drink water regularly. Under the scorching summer sun, kids may continue playing, neglecting the necessity of fluid intake, which can increase their risk of dehydration.
Dependency on Adults
Children mostly rely on adults to provide them with water, shade, and appropriate clothing choices. If somehow a child is not adequately hydrated, does not take breaks, or does not take protective measures due to the negligence of the caregiver, he/she can be at a higher risk of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
Participation in Sports or Activities
Children engaged in intense physical activities, or playing outdoors under the sun, are more at the risk of heat exhaustion. It happens especially when proper precautions are not taken. Extended periods of exertion in hot weather without adequate rest and hydration increase the risk significantly.
Read more: Heat Stroke: Symptoms, First Aid, and Prevention
Staying in Enclosed Spaces or Vehicles
Leaving children in enclosed spaces, such as a parked car under the sun, even for a short time, can be harmful for their health. Due to summer heatwaves, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise quickly, posing a severe risk of heatstroke or even death.
Lack of Adjustment
Children who have not acclimatised gradually to hot weather conditions are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Sudden exposure to extreme heat overwhelms their bodies. Their organs may struggle to regulate the body-temperature effectively.
Certain Medical Conditions
Children with specific medical conditions, such as asthma, obesity, diabetes, or heart disease, may have a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. These conditions can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature or increase the vulnerability to dehydration.
Read more: Summer 2023: Ceiling Fan Buyer's Guide with Price Range in Bangladesh
It is essential to be careful of these causes and take necessary precautions to protect children from excessive heat exposure. To ensure they remain adequately hydrated in hot environments is essential.
Daytime nap is good for the brain, UK researchers say
Finding time for a short nap on a regular basis is excellent for the brain and helps it stay larger for longer, according to University College London researchers.
The researchers discovered that nappers' brains were 15 cubic centimetres (0.9 cubic inches) bigger, which is comparable to slowing down aging by three to six years, reports BBC.
Also read: Sleep Paralysis: Causes, Risks, Symptoms, Treatment and Ways of Prevention
However, scientists advised restricting naps to less than 30 minutes, it said. They said that getting enough sleep during the day was difficult in many professions, with work cultures sometimes frowning on the habit.
"We are suggesting that everybody could potentially experience some benefit from napping," Dr Victoria Garfield said. She described the findings as "quite novel and quite exciting."
Napping has been found to be important for growth of newborns, but it decreases in popularity as a person starts to age, and then resurfaces after retirement, with 27% of people over 65 reporting taking a midday sleep, said the report.
Aslo read: Mindfulness meditation helps sleep better at night
Dr Garfield believes napping is "something quite easy" in comparison to weight loss or exercise, which are "difficult for a lot of people."
Although the brain typically shrinks with age, further study is needed to determine whether naps might help avoid disorders such as Alzheimer's, added the report.
Overall brain health is vital for preventing dementia, and the disorder is connected to sleep disruption.
Aslo read: Common Sleep Problems in Children: Causes, Symptoms, Ways to Help
According to the study, lack of sleep damages the brain over time by producing inflammation and disrupting the connections between brain cells.
"Thus, regular napping could protect against neurodegeneration by compensating for deficient sleep," researcher Valentina Paz said.
Napping might improve your health, but it can also make you fatigued, making you want to snooze more.
So the researchers utilised innovative methods to demonstrate the benefits of sleeping. They utilized a massive natural experiment based on the DNA -- the genetic code -- that we are born with. Previous research has discovered 97 DNA sequences that either make us more prone to snooze or to push through the day, the report also said.
So the scientists simply compared genetic "nappers" and "non-nappers" from 35,000 people aged 40 to 69 who participated in the UK Biobank study.
The findings, published in the journal Sleep Health, revealed a 15 cubic centimetre difference, which corresponds to 2.6 to 6.5 years of ageing. In the research, total brain volumes were around 1,480 cubic centimetres.
"I enjoy short naps on the weekends and this study has convinced me that I shouldn't feel lazy napping, it may even be protecting my brain," Prof Tara Spires-Jones, from the University of Edinburgh and the president of the British Neuroscience Association, said.
She said the "interesting" findings showed a "small but significant increase in brain volume" and "adds to the data indicating that sleep is important for brain health".
The researchers did not explicitly analyse having a long nap in the middle of the day, but claimed the science pointed to a half-hour cut off.
10 Ways to Ensure Emotional Well-being during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your emotional well-being is as crucial as caring for your physical health. During pregnancy, everything you experience, such as ambient sounds, the air you breathe, the food you consume, and your emotional state, can impact your baby.
Being Emotionally Well through these 10 Ways during Pregnancy
It is important for all mothers-to-be to pay attention to their mental health and well-being. There are numerous strategies you can employ to effectively manage your emotional well-being throughout pregnancy. Here are 10 things you can do to ensure your wellness.
Quality Time with Yourself
Engage in activities that bring you joy and are solely for your own pleasure. Find things that make you feel calm, such as taking a soothing bath and gently massaging your belly, or enjoying the calmness of nature.
Consider keeping a journal to write down the experiences you go through, like the moment you got the good news, the first time you felt your baby kick, your emotional ups and downs, and your plans. These memories can be treasured by you and your baby throughout your lifetime.
read more: Best foods for expecting mothers
Stay Active
Exercise plays a crucial role during pregnancy for both the mother and the baby. It releases endorphins to lift your mood. It also reduces back pain and swelling, stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes better sleep, and prepares for labor. Additionally, exercise aids in postpartum recovery.
Over all, exercise leaves you feeling rejuvenated, strong, and happy. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalised guidance on safe and suitable exercises during pregnancy.
Get Adequate
Exhaustion and discomfort are quite common during pregnancy. Feeling cheerful can be challenging when you are tired and uncomfortable, which is why it's important to prioritise rest whenever possible. Rest works like magic during pregnancy to promote physical comfort, hormonal balance, and emotional well-being.
Proper relaxation allows the body to recover and conserve energy, supports optimal blood flow to the baby, reduces physical strain, and alleviates pregnancy discomforts. Nevertheless, the need for sleep or a resting period may vary from person to person.
Read more: How to Stay Physically Active during Pregnancy
Therefore, it's important for an expecting mother to listen to her body and consult with a healthcare provider for personalised guidance on finding the right balance between activity and rest. Getting sound and adequate sleep can be a game changer for your well-being during pregnancy.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Your lifestyle affects you and your baby. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is essential for both the would-be mother and the baby. A healthy lifestyle ensures that the mother receives the necessary nutrients to support the growth and development of the baby, reducing the risk of complications.
It helps manage weight gain within recommended limits and lowers the chances of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Healthy eating habits provide essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients required for the baby's healthy development.
They also promote maternal health, boost energy levels, and improve overall mood and well-being. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and mindful eating, pregnant mothers can lay a strong foundation for their own health and that of their precious little ones.
Read more: Postpartum Depression, Mood Swings: How can new moms deal with these issues?
Treat Others Kindly
Being kind to others during pregnancy is important, as it creates a positive and supportive environment for both the mother and her unborn child. Kindness promotes emotional well-being, reduces stress, and fosters healthy relationships. It shows empathy and understanding, enhancing communication and support networks.
When treated kindly, the mother feels supported and valued, leading to improved mental and physical health. Moreover, practising kindness fosters a nurturing and compassionate atmosphere from the start.
By choosing to behave kindly, a pregnant mother contributes to a harmonious and uplifting experience for everyone related to her journey of pregnancy.
Connect with Your Baby
Creating a deep connection with the baby during pregnancy is a heavenly bonding experience. As your baby grows inside you, a special bond forms between you and your little one. Mothers can connect by gently caressing their growing bump, talking to the baby, and connecting with them through their breath.
Read more: Postpartum Weight Loss: How to lose baby weight fast after pregnancy
How to get rid of cockroaches, bugs at home without using insecticide
Dealing with cockroaches and bugs can be a pain, especially when they invade your kitchen and home. While conventional insecticides are commonly used to destroy these pests, they often contain harmful, toxic chemicals that can pose risks to human health and the environment. Fortunately, there are several natural methods you can apply to get rid of cockroaches and bugs without using harsh insecticides. This article will explore some effective techniques that can help you keep your kitchen and home cockroach- and bugs-free.
How pesticide can be harmful to health
Exposure to toxic insecticides used for killing cockroaches can pose significant threats to human health. Some chemicals designed to kill pests can also have adverse effects on humans. When insecticides are applied at home or other indoor spaces, they can contaminate the air we breathe -- leading to respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and irritation of the throat and lungs.
Prolonged exposure or excessive use of these chemicals has been linked to more severe health issues, including allergic reactions, skin rashes, headaches, nausea, and even neurological disorders. Additionally, children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of insecticides due to their size and developing immune system.
Read more: 9- and 15-year-old brothers in Dhaka’s Bashundhara dead after ‘pesticide poisoning’
10 completely safe ways to get rid of cockroaches and bugs at home
Leave no dirty dishes in the sink
Leaving no dirty dishes in the sink is an important practice to prevent the presence of bugs and cockroaches in your kitchen and home. When dishes and utensils are left unwashed and pile up in the sink, they become a potential food source for pests. The leftover food particles and residues on the dishes attract insects, including cockroaches, ants, and flies.
To avoid this, make it a habit to clean your dishes promptly after use. Wash them with hot, soapy water, ensuring that all food residues are removed. If you are unable to wash them immediately, at least rinse off the leftover food before placing them in the sink.
Clear your garbage
Clearing up your garbage is crucial to preventing the presence of bugs and cockroaches in your kitchen and home. Pests are attracted to the odor and food waste in the garbage, making it a potential breeding ground for infestations.
Read more: 2 insect species classified as threatened as glaciers melt
To effectively manage your garbage, use a sealable trash bin with a tight-fitting lid to contain odors and deter pests. Dispose of your garbage regularly to avoid the buildup of food waste and odors that attract bugs and cockroaches. Double-bagging is particularly strong for wet garbage. Make sure to properly secure trash bags before placing them in the bin.
Clean the food crumbs
Cleaning up food crumbs is essential for preventing the presence of bugs and cockroaches in your kitchen and home. Crumbs and food particles left on countertops, tables, and floors serve as a tempting food source for pests. To effectively prevent infestations, make it a habit to clean up food crumbs promptly. Regularly sweep or vacuum your kitchen and dining area to remove any stray crumbs.
Use baking soda
To effectively stop the invasion, a blend of baking soda and sugar proves to be a highly efficient technique. Sugar acts as an attractive agent for cockroaches, while baking soda kills them. To effectively address the issue, it is crucial to identify the hiding spots of the pests and generously apply the mixture to the corners.
Read more: Exploring Dengue Diagnosis: The Essential Tests for Detecting the Virus
9 Best Indoor Water Plants That Require Minimal Care
Besides adding beauty and touches of nature into the living spaces, indoor plants have some surprising benefits. With their natural ability to filter out harmful toxins and release oxygen, indoor plants can contribute in purifying the indoor air. These green companions can assist to remove pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air. However, in the busy hectic urban life, many of us have little time to care for plants. Let’s take a look at the 9 best indoor water plants that requires less care for survival and growth.
9 Amazing Low-maintenance Indoor Water Plants
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is admired for its elegant white flowers and ability to purify the air effectively. It can grow in a water container.
It thrives in moderate to low light conditions and prefers to be kept evenly moist. With its lush, dark green foliage and delicate blooms, the Peace Lily adds a touch of sophistication to any room. It also removes harmful pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air, making it a beneficial addition to your indoor space.
Read more: Terrace Gardening: Tips, Tricks, and Guidelines for Beginners
Monstera
Monstera is native to tropical regions of the Americas. Known for its striking, large, and serrated foliage. The aesthetics of the flowering plant Monstera deliciosa makes it a great choice for indoor planting. Growing and flourishing it in water is possible with the right care. The plant looks stunning in a large glass jar or vase, making it a decorative addition to any space.
It's essential to use clean, chlorine-free water and change it regularly to maintain the plant's health. Bright, indirect light is ideal for this plant, and it's recommended to rotate it occasionally for even light exposure.
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo, scientifically known as Dracaena sanderiana, is an indoor flowering plant known for its unique appearance and auspicious symbolism. Despite its name, Lucky Bamboo is not actually bamboo but belongs to the Dracaena family. This plant is often associated with good fortune, prosperity, and positive energy in many cultures, particularly in feng shui practices.
Read more: Best Air Purifying Plants to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution of Home/Office
Lucky Bamboo is typically grown in water-filled containers, symbolizing the element of water and promoting harmony and balance in the surrounding environment. Its slender stalks and vibrant green leaves create an elegant and calming presence, making it a favored choice for both home and office settings. With minimal care requirements and the potential for various decorative arrangements, Lucky Bamboo has become a beloved indoor plant worldwide.
Exploring Dengue Diagnosis: The Essential Tests for Detecting the Virus
Dengue fever is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is a significant public health concern in Bangladesh from June to August. However, in some years, it lasted up to December. The symptoms of dengue can range from mild to severe and can include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, nausea, and vomiting. Let's take a look at the Dengue tests.
What is a Dengue Test?
A Dengue test refers to a diagnostic procedure performed to determine the presence of the dengue virus or antibodies against the virus in an individual's blood sample. These tests play a crucial role in identifying and confirming dengue infection. Early detection of dengue is crucial for effective management and prevention of severe complications. Several methods are available to detect dengue infection. The most commonly used diagnostic tests in Bangladesh include Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and NS1 antigen test.
PCR
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Dengue test is a molecular diagnostic test used to detect the presence of the dengue virus in a person's blood sample. This test is highly sensitive and specific, allowing for the accurate identification of the dengue virus and its serotypes.
Read more: Food, Drinks during Dengue: What to consume, what to avoid
The PCR Dengue test works by amplifying and detecting the viral genetic material, specifically the viral RNA, present in the blood sample. The test utilizes specific primers that target regions of the dengue virus genome. Through a series of temperature cycles, the PCR machine amplifies the targeted viral RNA, making it detectable.
However, the PCR dengue test is particularly useful during the early stages of infection when the virus is actively replicating in the body. It can detect the virus within seven days of symptom onset, providing a rapid diagnosis. This early detection is crucial for appropriate medical intervention, monitoring, and implementation of preventive measures.
The test is recommended when an individual presents with symptoms consistent with dengue fever, such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash. Since these symptoms can also be associated with other viral infections, the PCR Dengue test helps confirm whether dengue is the cause. However, the PCR test is more costly than the NS1 test. Hence, Bangladeshi hospitals use the NS1 antigen test.
Read more: Dengue vs. Severe Dengue: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
NS1
The NS1 Dengue test is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of the dengue virus in the blood. NS1 stands for "nonstructural protein 1," which is a protein produced by the dengue virus during infection. The test detects the presence of this protein, indicating an active dengue infection.
Zumba: Dance Your Way into Fitness
Fitness is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and there are many ways to achieve it. Dance-based workouts have become popular fitness options, which are fun and engaging ways to get into shape. Zumba dance is one such workout that has gained popularity in recent years, offering a high-energy and rhythmic exercise experience. Let's dive into the history, benefits, and risks of the Zumba dance.
What is Zumba Dance?
Zumba dance involves interval workouts. The high/low-intensity dance moves can boost cardiovascular fitness while also improving balance, coordination, and agility of the body. Additionally, beginners can benefit from the choreography as it contributes to a moderate level of strength training.
The Zumba class doesn't require any prior dancing experience. However, individuals with a natural sense of rhythm can learn dance moves and workouts more easily. Zumba classes primarily feature Latin-inspired music with a slow warm-up song that gradually increases in intensity throughout the class, followed by a cool-down song. The repetitive nature of the choreography makes it easy to pick up, even for those with limited dancing skills.
Read More: 10 Energy Healing Methods: Which One is Right for You?
Usually, a Zumba class doesn't have a competitive environment like regular dance training classes, so the participants can enjoy the workouts and relax.
History of Zumba Dance
Alberto “Beto” Perez, a fitness instructor and choreographer, created Zumba in the mid-1990s. The official Zumba website describes the genesis of this exercise phenomenon as a “happy accident.” One day Beto forgot his regular music while teaching an aerobics class. He had to improvise. So, Beto used Latin dance music (salsa and merengue) tapes that he had with him. It led to a class that mixed dance and aerobics in a fun and engaging way, without strict rep-counting. After that Beto started to integrate music and dancing into his other classes and called it "Rumbacize".
Zumba gained popularity day by day. In 2001, Beto brought it to Miami, where he connected with two other individuals. The trio created a fitness video series. The term “Zumba” was coined for its similarity to the term "rumba", which refers to the Cuban musical genre. However, the dance form was called “Sumba” for some days.
Read More: Is Gym Good for Women?
Insight Venture Partners and the Raine Group invested in 2012 for expanding Zumba into class instruction. By 2015, there were about 14 million Zumba students in 186 countries.
Benefits of Zumba Dance
Diversity and Accessibility
Zumba's versatility as a workout program, coupled with its extensive availability and wide range of class styles, makes it a suitable option for almost everyone, regardless of their fitness level and interests.
For instance, if someone loves swimming, he or she can go for Aqua Zumba classes which are offered by some swimming pools. Besides these, Zumba classes are also available in some public parks where visitors can participate.
Read More: Healthy Weight Gain Strategies: Add pounds fast safely, naturally
General Fitness
As Zumba continues to remain popular, several studies have been conducted to examine its effectiveness. A 2016 literature review concluded that Zumba is an effective workout for improving cardiovascular fitness, with some limited evidence suggesting possible benefits for muscular fitness and flexibility.
Sustainability
Consistency is key when it comes to exercise, and a program that is enjoyable is more likely to be adhered to. Therefore, it's important to find a workout that is both effective and enjoyable. According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, Zumba has good feasibility and adherence, making it a sustainable program for sedentary adults with metabolic syndrome. This suggests that Zumba can be an effective and enjoyable way to achieve long-term fitness goals.
Read More: Postpartum Weight Loss: How to lose baby weight fast after pregnancy