Good morning! Welcome to the Wednesday edition of Humber Views. Today we will be exploring the workout experience of Zumba. The fitness craze that is fun, flirty, and fierce!
🎧 Listen to the podcast above to check out my Zumba experience.
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Dance meets fitness: Is it a Party?
COVID-Crazy (pronounced KRAY-ZAY) is the term that I affectionately use to describe my mood from time to time during this pandemic. It’s a cross between laughter (for this madness), anger (for this situation), and tears (just because).
The combination of homeschool, Zoom meetings, and lockdown measures has had me in search of something more.
Trizanne Lemon, 40, was also feeling low and frustrated. She was laid off from her job and looking for something to do. Surfing the internet, she landed on the Groupon website, and a Zumba ad.
The class made promises of fun, and at a discounted rate, how could you lose?
"I love to dance, and I love music," said Lemon. “It was something different, and I wanted to see what it would be like.”
She signed up and started classes the following week.
I had to check it out for myself and went to Groupon.
The video was bright, with people wearing a full range of colours like fluorescent pink, green, and yellow. It was a cross between participants wearing baggy t-shirts to cut-off tops. There were shimmying shoulders, shaking hips, smiles, and laughter.
Ditch the workout and join the party!
I don't know about you, but I have never found any joy when working out.
Who are these people? Who really “loves” working out?
My journey into Zumba-land began.
Zumba Fitness is a Latin-inspired workout created by Colombian-born dancer, choreographer, and fitness instructor Alberto "Beto” Perez in 2001. The music incorporates the Latin sounds of reggaeton, salsa, bachata, merengue, and cha-cha and draws from hip hop and world music. Zumba is available in 185 countries, and it is the leading fitness program, according to a Zumba Inc. study.
Here are five things that you need to know before you walk into a Zumba class:
Dress comfortably. If leopard print is your thing - do you!
This is a fitness class. No dance experience is required.
Just Dance! Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Be prepared to have fun.
Drop it like its hot and tap into your inner diva.
“My first class had a lot of laughter,” said Lemon. “I didn’t know the steps. [But] If I can lose weight and laugh, why not.”
This workout promises to burn up to 1,000 calories in a one-hour class. The additional benefits are weight loss, increasing coordination, and strength. Studies have also shown that Zumba contributes to positive feelings and lifts your mood. The most beneficial aspect of Zumba is social connection.
Participants usually find a sense of community
For Lemon, one of Zumba's highlights is the relationships and connections that she has formed with her instructors. They even went to her birthday party.
“Once you find your person, it’s weird how that happens, but you start this friendship based on Zumba,” said Lemon
Participants have characterized Zumba as freeing.
"For that hour of class, I get to escape reality. That's what keeps me going," said Lemon.
The profile of a Zumba-er
The Professional: Beware of this fitness diva with head-to-toe dance gear, including leg warmers. Her thrusting hips and waving arms may be hazardous. Take two steps back.
The Competition: This person has their eyes on you through the mirror. Keep a steady gaze because if you’re not careful, it may turn into a dance battle.
The Carefree: This person is jamming and having a great time. You wish that you could be more like that person.
The Beginner: This person is not sure what they are doing and shrugs their shoulders anytime your eyes connect. Be sure to give them a wave because you missed that move too.
🎧 Listen to the podcast above this article to check out my Zumba experience.
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Related Reading
Learn about all of the health benefits of dancing your way into fitness and the different types of classes. Healthline.
About the author
Natashia Wynter is passionate about storytelling and enjoys creating content that connects, inspires, and informs. She is a third-year student at Humber College. You can email her at natashia.wynter@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @NatashiaWynter.
Zumba: The anatomy of a workout