by Jean Dreger
What is it? Zumba is a Latin inspired dance-fitness that incorporates Latin and other international music and dance movements to create a fun and exciting fitness system. In a class you will learn Cumbia, Meringue, Salsa, Reggaeton, Tango, Samba, Belly Dance, and many more styles.
Who can do it? Might not seem realistic, but Zumba is for everyone. All moves can be modified for an individual. One class in Eau Claire has students ranging from 20-70 years old! Each participant builds at their own pace and physical level. Zumba can also be done while sitting in a chair and mocking the movements for participants who have more physical issues.
What’s so great about it? Zumba is not hard to learn. Each class gets easier as you go, and, as always, each person works at their own pace. Classes are uniquely designed to accommodate beginners and advanced level students at the same time.
Zumba is a great way to have fun while getting fit. Jean Dreger, a local Zumba certified instructor, says that because her classes are designed to be more like you’re at a local dance club, more people stick with it. “It’s just plain more fun than some other forms of exercise,” she explains.
What are the physical benefits? Participants can burn between 500-800 calories per class, the core gets strengthened (almost inherent in learning Latin dance moves), and the moves use muscle memory and are great for toning. All in all, you get a well rounded fitness system.
Can’t I just get fit at home? Dreger recommends attending group classes because they are designed to be changed and not get boring like home workouts, where the DVD never changes. Also, it tends to be more fun to workout with your friends and other people pursuing a fun fitness path. Dreger says she has participants who come to classes together, as a bunch of friends, and encourage each other during and between classes. “Going with a friend makes it more enjoyable, and it tends to motivate people to not miss class,” Dreger adds.
Who can teach Zumba? Zumba instructors have to complete official certification to teach the classes. All certified instructors will have a certificate and be listed on the official Zumba website www.zumba.com.
Zumba classes are currently going on in most cities across America and in many other countries as well. Find a class near you by checking local papers or the Zumba website, or you can email Dreger for more information: Jean Dreger Level 2 Trained Zumba Instructor, jtweety@centurytel.net.