Picture this: a Columbian fitness instructor arrives at his aerobics class, only to realize that he left all of his workout music at home. To improvise, he grabs the CD’s in his car that are filled with the rousing Latin music that he loves. He modifies his class to fit the music – and Zumba is born. When this same fitness instructor moved his Zumba fad into Miami in 1999, it began to take the United States by storm as well. Today, Zumba (a Columbian slang word meaning “fast”) has become one of the most popular fitness crazes, as workout buffs are clamoring for the new aerobic routines that are fun as well as effective. The moves are done to the upbeat Latin music, and include steps from a number of Latin dances like the salsa, merengue and samba.

Why Choose Zumba?

There are a couple of different reasons to try out this high-powered workout. First, most people who have taken a Zumba class will tell you that the workout is just plain fun. You will undoubtedly leave your class feeling more upbeat than when you started. Second, Zumba is a highly effective way to burn calories and get fit. In fact, during an hour-long class you can burn as many as 450 calories. When you compare that number to other cardio workout choices that you have available, you will see why so many fitness buffs are flocking to the Zumba classes.

If you are interested in trying out this dance/fitness craze for yourself, contact your local gym or fitness center to see if there are any Zumba classes available. Another possible source would be your local dance studio, where Zumba classes have become very popular as well. By the end of last year, there were more than 2000 Zumba instructors worldwide, with plans for additional expansion this year. This means that you stand a good chance of finding an instructor who is certified to teach Zumba classes in your area. If not? Check out a Zumba DVD for a DIY workout that will give you all of the benefits of a class in the privacy of your own home gym environment. You can even find the DVD’s in Spanish, to accommodate the large Hispanic community in the U.S.

For a fun and effective workout, Zumba can deliver what it promises. Maximum calories will be burned with a double dose of fun thrown in. You might find that you are enjoying your workout so much, you don’t even notice when the sweat begins to glisten. Get out those dancing shoes – it’s time to get fit.

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