Zumba Fitness® was the brain child of Colombian native Alberto “Beto” Perez a celebrity fitness trainer and choreographer for International pop superstars. From it’s origins in the mid 1990’s Zumba has grown into the world wide phenomenon it is today.

Zumba combines Latin rhythms with cardiovascular exercise to create an aerobic routine that is fun and easy to follow. The name Zumba is derived from a Colombian word meaning to move fast and have fun. It is a fitness program inspired by Latin dance. It’s a mixture of body sculpting movements with easy-to-follow dance steps. Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines, including cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, mambo, rumba, belly dancing, flamenco and calypso. Zumba shoes should have soles that offer mild traction, in that they do not grip the floor when you dance.

All ages, fitness levels and dance abilities can participate in and benefit from Zumba Fitness classes.According to the Zumba website, approximately 5 million people a week participate in Zumba classes all over the world. Currently 6 million people take Zumba classes each week in one of 50,000 locations in 75 countries. Zumba routines turn boring exercise classes into a party (without the chips and dip!) Zumba Dance grew so popular that by 2005 the company instituted an instructor training program, the Zumba Academy. Zumba has become a very popular way to exercise. There’s a ton of reasons why Zumba is so popular , most because it’s easy and fun.

For my part I enjoy teaching Zumba in Leicester and look forward to expanding to teach more classes. The greatest part about Zumba is that you don’t have to know how to dance. Zumba utilizes the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning and total body toning. There is even a video game ‘Zumba Fitness’ developed by Pipeworks Software and published by Majesco Entertainment based on the Zumba program.

The best way to practice Zumba though is to attend one of our Zumba classes in Leicester and around the Leicester area. Like any new discipline a good start and proper instruction will pay dividends and prevent you making mistakes that could impede your progress. Zumba workout classes are held regularly around Leicestershire just contact Vicky Kerry here for more information.