If you’re looking for a fun way to get in shape and stay healthy, look no further than Zumba. Zumba is a dance fitness program that combines various styles of dance and music into an energetic, full-body workout. As a fitness enthusiast and certified Zumba instructor for over 10 years, I can attest to the numerous benefits that Zumba has to offer.
Zumba was first introduced in 2001 by Alberto “Beto” Perez, a Colombian dancer and choreographer. Beto was inspired to create Zumba when he forgot his traditional workout music and instead used his personal collection of salsa and merengue music for his class. The students loved it, and a new form of exercise was born.
Fast forward to 2006, when Zumba released its first DVD set. As soon as I saw it on Amazon, I ordered it and fell in love with it immediately. Coming from a background in bellydance and fitness, I found that Zumba was the perfect combination for me. It combined my love of dance with a full-body workout that left me feeling energized and motivated.
In 2007, I attended a Zumba teacher training in Montreal with Beto himself. After completing the training, I started teaching Zumba classes and was amazed at how much people loved it. The music variety and the fitness disguised into a dance party were the perfect combination to get people moving and having fun. Over the years, Zumba has expanded its musical repertoire to include a wide variety of styles, from Latino music like salsa and cumbia, to funk, afro-cuban, Brazilian, flamenco, hip hop, jazz, and more.
One of the things I love about Zumba is that it brings people of all ages and fitness levels together. I’ve taught Zumba to seniors, in high schools, in elementary schools, for fundraisers, and for university students. It’s a great way to get a full-body workout while having fun and socializing with others who share a love of music and movement.
Dance is not only good for your body, but also for your brain. It increases coordination, balance, and agility, while also providing a great way to destress and boost your mood. Many of my students have told me how much better they feel after a Zumba class, and how it has helped them overcome anxiety and depression.
If you’re new to Zumba, don’t be intimidated! The purpose of Zumba is simply to move your body and have fun. There is no right or wrong way to do it, and no dance show to perform. The advice I give to participants is to start from the ground up. Try to do the steps first, then add the hips, the arms, and then the hands. Add your own special flare to it and make it your own.
In addition to traditional Zumba classes, I also offer a variety of dance classes, including bellydance. Bellydance is a great way to understand how your hips and torso can move, and I explain 5 basic movements in this article.
If you’re in the Vancouver Island area, check out my calendar of current Zumba classes and dance classes. And for those who want to take their Zumba workouts to the next level, check out my Zumba bundle.
In conclusion, Zumba is a fun and effective way to get in shape and stay healthy. It’s a workout that doesn’t feel like work, and it’s a great way to connect with others who share a love of music and movement. So why not give it a try and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?
