Aqua Zumba is classic aqua aerobics with Latin flavor added. You perform large muscle movements by reaching your arms and lifting your legs in the water, as well as circling your hips and shoulders. Instructors receive quarterly DVD releases with new routines for their students.
The typical land-based Zumba dance steps, such as cha-cha, merengue, salsa, reggaeton and mambo, need to be more exaggerated and slower in the water, so the water tempo is half the land tempo.
Aqua Zumba is designed for anyone who can follow instructions and manage being in the water. Unlike regular water aerobics, which are linear exercises from one point to another, Aqua Zumba entails different movements for the verse, chorus and bridge of each song. Working out in the water can be appealing to someone who likes Zumba, but doesn’t want to get as hot as in the land-based classes or needs a low-impact option.