Kickboxing v/s Zumba: Which helps you burn more calories?
What's the story
Kickboxing and Zumba are two popular workout choices, both promising an energetic way to burn calories. While both are fun and engaging, they differ in terms of intensity, style, and calorie-burning potential. Here's a look at how these two workouts stack up against each other in terms of calorie burn, helping you make an informed choice based on your fitness goals and preferences.
#1
Intensity levels in workouts
Kickboxing is famous for its high-intensity moves that combine aerobic and anaerobic exercises. The quick punches and kicks raise your heart rate quickly, which can help you burn more calories in a shorter time. Zumba, on the other hand, is a dance-based cardio workout with Latin-inspired music. While it is also high-energy, it may not be as intense as kickboxing in terms of calorie burn per minute.
#2
Duration of workouts matters
The duration of your workout also plays a key role in how many calories you burn. A typical kickboxing session lasts for about 45 minutes to an hour, giving you ample time to burn calories with a combination of punches, kicks, and footwork drills. Zumba classes usually last for an hour, giving participants a chance to enjoy the dance moves while burning calories steadily over the session.
#3
Impact on muscle engagement
Kickboxing also engages multiple muscle groups at once, building strength along with endurance. The resistance from your own body weight while performing kicks and punches tones muscles over time. Zumba mainly focuses on cardiovascular fitness but also works on core muscles through dance moves that require hip movements and arm coordination.
Tip 1
Cost considerations for classes
When deciding between kickboxing and Zumba, cost is an important factor to consider. Kickboxing classes can be more expensive than Zumba ones, owing to the equipment and space required for training. However, if you're looking for a higher calorie burn in a shorter period, kickboxing may be worth the extra cost. Zumba classes are usually cheaper and offer a fun way to stay fit without breaking the bank.