Zumba your way to Health & Fitness

ZUMBA your way to health and fitness !!  One of my Saturday Sisters (the friends I run with) loves Zumba! Zumba – it’s a crazy name to me but it certainly became a craze back in the mid ‘90s when it was introduced by Alberto ‘Beto’ Perez. Like everything, there are those that love it, those that aren’t fussed and those that don’t really know what it is.

According to the Zumba website there are well over 15 million people in 110 countries who enjoy this way of keeping fit.

So what is Zumba?

Zumba is an aerobic workout which involves latin based dances movements. The classes usually last one hour and you certainly get a workout and start burning those calories. Zumba is a columbian word that means to move fast and have fun.

Who can do Zumba?

If you can move you can do Zumba! You don’t have to be a Salsa or Latina Dance champion all you need is some physical fitness and a fun attitude. Age is no barrier and there a Zumba classes for all age groups. The class is a combination of low and high intensity movement most people can do Zumba.

It is fun and you get a good cardio work out and your energy levels will improve.  Zumba classes are a total workout. It combines cardio, muscle conditioning, flexibility and balance. Even though you are working out, it doesn’t feel like hard work because you are enjoying yourself.  Join a class with friends you will have a ball.

What do you wear?

Comfortable clothes you can move in and comfortable gym shoes. You will also need to take a bottle of water and towel.

My experience with Zumba

A couple of years ago, I went to a lunchtime Zumba class with some work colleagues. I looked forward to trying something new. We quickly changed into our workout gear and took the short walk to the studio. It was great to get away from the desk and out of the office.

We were welcomed at the studio by the instructor and I felt better when I saw that not all attendees were fit, young latin beauties. The music started and away we went. Wiggling and strutting our stuff (trying to imagine ourselves as Jennifer Lopez) and attempting to keep up with the instructor without bumping into each other.

It was certainly a workout and I could feel my heart pumping plus it was a fun way to exercise. Everyone was happy and laughing as we tried to pick up the routines. My problem was that not all the music was latin so I found myself getting carried away singing along to the songs of my youth and forgetting about the actual dancing!

Although I felt self conscious at the beginning of the class, I soon realised that everyone was concentrating on trying to keep up and not looking at me. I let myself go, hips gyrating, feeling like a latin goddess (hmm only in my dreams) and after an hour of fun, laughter and exercise headed back to the office feeling happy and upbeat.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been to another class as it was too difficult to fit into lunchtime and I then retired and life took me down a different path.  Although being fit and healthy is still an important part of my life.

My Saturday Sister attends a free Zumba class run by our local council in the park. It runs for 6 week programs and is a great initiative to get people moving. She is always inviting me and yes, it is on my list of things to do. Unfortunately, my list keeps growing longer each week! I am determined to get there though.

So if you are looking for some exercise that doesn’t involve tread mills or the great outdoors, and you want some social interaction and just plain fun while at the same time keeping fit and healthy give Zumba a try.

Are you a Zumba Zealot? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Let’s Keep Sizzling!