Ditch the workout: when, where, how to join the Zumba® party

ZUMBA® CLASSES

Celebrity fitness trainer, “Beto” Perez, stumbled upon the Zumba® concept in his native Cali, Colombia in the mid-‘90s. He showed up to teach his aerobics class and realized he had forgotten his aerobics music. So he grabbed the tapes he happened to have in his backpack – the traditional Latin salsa and merengue music he listened to all his life – and improvised. The Zumba Fitness-Partyâ„¢ was born. The class soon became the most popular class at his fitness facility. Today there are several “flavors” of Zumba® fitness classes – enough for every kind of party-goer.

Zumba® Basic – An introduction to the basic moves and rhythms of a Zumba fitness regimen. The steps are easy to follow. The music MAKES you move, but you don’t have to be a dancer to get terrific exercise.
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Zumba Gold® – Designed for active older adults or for the true beginner who needs to start from scratch in his/her quest for fitness. The music is still infectious; the moves are a little less exuberant.
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Zumba Toning™ – blends body-sculpting techniques and specific Zumba moves into one calorie-burning, strength-training class. Instructors may use weighted, maraca-like Zumba Toning Sticks to enhance rhythm and build strength.
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Aqua Zumbaâ„¢ – is a “pool party” workout for all ages. The moves are safe, effective and challenging and are integrated into a water-based workout that incorporates the Zumba formula and philosophy into traditional aqua fitness disciplines. Look for location and time soon.
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Zumbatomic® – fuses the Zumba program’s exciting formula with a psychology and physiology that energizes kids (ages 4-12). With the Zumbatomic program, kids have a blast, get focused and get fit.
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Zumba in the Circuit® The exciting dance rhythms of a Zumba class combined with strength conditioning equipment provides a complete, fun and effective workout. Zumba in the Circuit is perfect for non-dancers, new exercisers or those who have previously hesitated to participate in group exercise classes.
Tips for your first Zumba® fitness class:

• BRING A WATER BOTTLE. Drink lots of water before, during and after class. It’s important to stay hydrated.

• PACE YOURSELF. Listen to your body. Do not go “all out” at the beginning. If you feel tired, breathe …. Slow down. Don’t use your arms, walk the steps. Your body needs to build endurance. You don’t have to do it all at once.

• YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A DANCER. to take Zumba® classes. You will have your own space to move in and work out the steps and you won’t be judged on dancing ability. If you don’t get the steps right away, just modify them; make them your own. It’s a party, remember?

• WHAT TO WEAR: Dress comfortably in clothes that allow you to move . Wear shoes designed for aerobic classes or dance sneakers. Running shoes are not good for Zumba. You need a shoe that allows lateral movement.

And more than anything else …

• HAVE FUN!!!