ZUMBA! ZUMBA! Ditch the Workout, Join the Party!
NEIRAD enilno edition
A new trend is on the rise, and seniors Annie Maguire and Chelsea Penfield have taken up on this new sensation, Zumba! Zumba Fitness is an aerobic fitness program created by dancer and choreographer Beto Perez. It originated in Colombia in the 1990s, and in 1999 he brought it to Miami, Florida. Now in 2009, there are over 20,000 instructors in 75 countries. Zumba is a Colombian word, meaning “fast” and fast it is, including the energetic moves and rhythm from Latin America.
”I think it's more of a fun alternative some days than working out at the gym” Maguire said. Working out a few times a week at the same gym doing the same workout can become pretty boring and repetitive, but Penfield said “I love the dancing and the exciting and happy atmosphere.” Unlike other exercise classes, Zumba is not a punishment and people leave the class feeling happier than ever. Dancing non-stop for an hour and still getting a great workout is definitely worth a try!
The instructors never stop moving, and constantly encourage those in their class, both men and women from anywhere between 17- 80 years old. It’s easy to do, and anyone take a Zumba Fitness class. “The first time I went to the class, a 50 something year old guy pretty much pulled me aside to show me how to do a move because I was doing it wrong,” Maguire said.”It was kind of embarrassing being shown up by the only guy in the class, but at least I can do it now.” Maguire attends classes at the New Canaan YMCA on Saturday mornings and Wednesday nights.
Every class is different, but the moves and music are all very similar. Different instructors focus on different movements, but no matter what; you’re getting a good workout. Zumba is great because everyone gets to add their own style to the hip swinging moves.
Penfield goes to Zumba on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Underground Fitness in Stamford, CT. She said, “My friend suggested it, and said that it was really fun and a good workout, so I thought I would give it a try.” The girls were so impressed with the workout, and even bought Zumba tank tops after their first class. With gym membership at Underground Fitness, all fitness classes are free, including Zumba.
Certified Zumba instructor Amber Allen teaches classes at Underground Fitness and other nearby gyms. She became a Zumba instructor two years ago and said, “I enjoy fitness and I thought it would be a great new way to motivate people to work out.”
There are five types of Zumba: Zumba Basic, Zumba Gold for the active older adult, Aqua Zumba which consists of challenging water-based workouts, Zumbatomic designed specifically for kids ages 4-12 and Zumba Toning which requires dancing with weights to build strength. “Zumba is a party. It is for all ages and all body types. You do not have to be a dancer or have rhythm” Allen said.
So what does it take for a person to join the party? Visit the ZumbaFitness website to find a location near you! Make sure to wear appropriate footwear, exercise clothing and bring a water bottle!
