I attended my first ever Zumba class last night as I was curious about this fitness craze that’s sweeping the globe. Billed as a dynamic fun dance fitness class suitable for all levels, it certainly had the class sweating. Combining easy to follow Latino dance moves with funky tunes, it reminded me of a high energy Macarena. Now the Macarena is like Marmite, you either like it or not. I felt the same way about Zumba.
As an aerobics instructor myself, I could see that each song was well put together and worked out different body parts in turn. In fact, if you want to get rid of bingo wings (flabby arms), this could be the class for you as there was a lot of manic arm waving involved. My personal favourite involved the more traditional cha cha cha. Is it a dance class, or is it fitness? The format was the same as an aerobics class, down to the fact that each song was pre-choreographed. Kinda like a Les Mills class (BodyAttack, BodyCombat, BodyBalance etc), regular attendees get to know each track so know the steps. I’m wondering if it’s popularity is because it’s more like hanging out at a club than in a gym. Classes can take place outside of a gym so are found in community halls and other ‘social’ spaces.
I qualified as a BodyBalance instructor many moons ago, however never pursued it careerwise partly due to the fact I prefer ‘freestyle’ aerobics (instructor’s own moves) as opposed to whole classes choreographed by an ‘elite choreography team’ at Les Mills HQ (incidentally in New Zealand). So Zumba is pre-choreographed, however Nikki the very enthusiastic instructor assured me that there was freedom for instructors to work in their own moves. My BodyBalance course notes came with a suggested script of chat for each track.’Nuff said.
Zumba is a good workout which was can be enjoyed at any fitness level due to the simple moves. Fitter and co-ordinated folk can add in their own embellishments and fancy moves if they like, as it does feel looser in choreography than Les Mills classes. I liked the music and the environment… just not sure about Macarena line dancing. What do YOU think of Zumba?
I tried Zumba with The Zen Crew at Out of the Blue on Dalmeny Street, contact zumba.zencrew@hotmail.com for more info.
