Zumba ®, a dance exercise class that features Latin and World rhythms, is currently one the most popular group-based exercise classes in the world, with an estimated 12 million people of all shapes and sizes participating in Zumba classes on a weekly basis (Luettgen et al., 2012). For many middle-aged and older adults, exercise is not only a means to better fitness and health, but also a path to maintain or even regain independence.Įnjoyment of an activity is a key element of becoming-and staying-motivated to participate, and that is where Zumba Gold ® comes in. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000).Couple this with reduced function, decreased muscular strength and endurance, and an increased risk for falls, and it quickly becomes apparent that remaining active and preserving as much health and physical fitness as possible should be of paramount concern as people age. Older adults are among the least physically active of any age group, putting them at increased peril for developing chronic diseases and other health risks (U.S. ProSource™: Fitness Business Special Issueĭownload and print the ACE Zumba Study (1.3 MB).ProSource™: Research Special Issue 2015.