The Zumba Nation

Remember when Tae Bo with Billy Blanks was the big fitness craze across the country? People all over the world was in their living room kicking and punching, sweating like somebody poured a bucket of water on them. Well, those that are my age and older probably remember the high intensity of the cardio kickboxing combination workouts. Now that's a thing of the past and the Tae Bo VHS tapes are probably in the garage or in the attic collecting dust. The next big thing is rapidly sweeping across the country, and even other parts of the world. It's called ZUMBA. What is this Zumba some of you may ask? Well, Zumba is a fitness dance program that is heavily influenced by Latin moves and music that allows you to have fun while burning many calories and toning up the body. The fitness program was created by celebrity fitness trainer "Beto" Perez in Colombia (the country in South America, not the city in Tennessee)in the mid 1990's and was brought to the United States in 2001. So as you can see it took a long time for it to catch on in Tennessee. Which I'm not surprised at all. Some people think it originated in Ohio. Not True! They were one of the first states to use the program in the gyms. You can read more about the history on zumba.com or just google it.

Within the past couple of years the Zumba craze has been spreading like a wildfire. As of May 2010 the Zumba program is being taught at over 60,000 locations in 105 countries, has sold millions of DVDs. Typically you see mostly women in zumba classes. Because of movements of the body, I think most men feel uncomfortable joining in. Hey, I feel like if you're comfortable with yourself and it's going to make you healthier than go for it! Who cares what other people think, right?!

Some of you might say, "Zumba is too intense for me."" I might not be able to keep up." No worries! There are many locations that provide classes for all levels of physical activity experience. Here is the listing of classes available from the official Zumba website, www.zumba.com:

Zumba® Basic Steps Level 1 – This Instructor Training teaches instructors the foundation and formula to teach basic Zumba® classes.
Zumba® Basic Steps Level 2 – This Instructor Training teaches instructors four more rhythms to incorporate into their basic Zumba® classes. It also gives instructors the opportunity to network, share choreography and enhance their professional status and skills.
Zumba Gold® – This Instructor Training is designed for instructors who wish to teach the active older adult population or the true beginner (deconditioned participant). It addresses the anatomical, physiological and psychological needs specific to these populations.
Zumba Toning™ – This Instructor Training teaches instructors how to blend body-sculpting techniques and specific Zumba moves into one calorie-burning, strength-training class. Instructors use weighted, maraca-like Zumba Toning Sticks to enhance rhythm and build strength.

The Zumba Academy has cultivated a new league of high-caliber Zumba instructors, many of whom have chosen to further their Zumba careers through the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN™), Zumba Fitness' exclusive career development system comprised of the most elite Zumba instructors from around the world. All newly licensed Zumba instructors are eligible to join ZIN and become ZIN members.
Aqua Zumba™ – This Instructor Training is the "pool party" workout for all ages. Instructors learn how to teach safe, effective and challenging water-based workouts that integrate the Zumba formula and philosophy into traditional aqua fitness disciplines.
Zumbatomic® – This Instructor Training teaches instructors how to fuse the Zumba program's exciting formula with the psychology and physiology relevant to teaching kids (ages 4-12). Instructors learn how to modify Zumba moves to get optimal results, and receive tips on discipline and class management. With the Zumbatomic program, kids have a blast, get focused and get fit.

You can also go to the website and find a local Zumba class in your neck of the woods. So give it a try. If you want to workout but are scared to lift weights or you're tired of doing the same old boring workout routine, then this will definitely be something that will take your workout to the next level. How long will the Zumba craze last? Who knows. But, if you're looking for something new then jump on the bandwagon.

Go to Search For Classes to find a local Zumba class at your gym, recreation center and/or church.