Zumba classes are the latest craze in group exercise and for a good reason! If you’ve ever taken a Zumba class, you know that it’s easy to forget that you are exercising because you are having so much fun! This high energy exercise class features dance influences from latin, reggae, bollywood, country music and hip hop genres and every song emphasizes a different rhythm and fun dance steps.
The Zumba program was created in 2001 by Columbian native and fitness instructor, Alberto “Beto” Perez. His concept of creating a workout that uses dance-inspired rhythms is a new twist on aerobic dance or “Dancercise” class without the leg warmers or the disco music. Zumba is a modern, exciting and fresh program, plus it’s very addictive because it’s fun and easy to follow.
The fact that Zumba classes provide “accessible fitness, without the strain, without the sacrifice, just the pure joy of a party”, is what I love most about their concept. Whereas other trends in fitness pulverize and intimidate, noteworthy are the current “Boot Camp” class craze and PX90 home workouts, Zumba has taken a much more inclusive, fun approach to fitness. With its heart-pumping, foot-stomping, high energy approach, Zumba is all about entertaining you and making sure you have a fun workout!
If we want to get more people to adhere to an exercise program, this is the kind of inclusive approach we need to see more of in the fitness industry. The fitness industry has been notorious for its’ hard-body, six-pack abs, ass-kicking message, and well that may motivate some, I suspect that the average coach-potato reacts to such messages feeling demoralized and insecure at the thought of trying to attain such perfection! Zumba even offers a” Zumba Gold” program for seniors and the deconditioned market, as well as chair classes for the disabled. Conversely, I don’t think I have ever seen a “Senior’s Boot Camp” class!
I have been a Zumba instructor for about one year now and it’s been a wild ride. The energy from the group in my Zumba classes is equal to no other class I teach. One striking difference from my regular classes is that everybody is always smiling in my Zumba class! I have to admit that planning for Zumba takes a lot of work and practice as an instructor, but it pays off immensely when I watch my participants get the steps, smile and have a great time!
If you want to try a class, the Zumba website, www.zumba.com, lists classes in your home town. If trying a class in the privacy of your own living room is more your style, you can purchase DVD’s on the website and master the steps at home. There are also Zumba video games for Wii, Xbox and PS3. So, there is no excuse not to get moving and “join the party”! Hope to see you at Zumba class!
