By Dr. Diana Yu
Zumba is movement to music, giving you a workout that feels like a fun party, leading to fitness.
It’s the current rage and you can join in the fun too! Go to www.Zumba.com – to find instructors, classes in your area. There are 279 classes each week in the Thurston County area to choose from: 93 in Olympia, 83 in Lacey, 85 in Tumwater, and 18 in Yelm.
In a Zumba fitness party, you get to feel the music. Dancers learn (or not) a variety of dance steps: salsa, cumbia, meringue, reggaeton, tango, samba, bellydancing, or hip hop. Even if you can’t follow the steps, the point is to stay in motion so I call that the “whatever – just so you are moving” step.
All shapes and sizes, all ages and abilities are welcome. You do not even have to stand because folks can enjoy the beat and movement even when seated. Safety and avoiding injury are emphasized so participants are asked to make sure they dance at their own level. Most instructors give you options for levels 1 to 3. Instructors are there to show you the steps and you can make it as easy or as hard as you want.
There is a small cost for Zumba classes– as low as $5.00 per session for drop-in Zumba, included in basic membership packets at the Valley Athletic Club and YMCA. Some parks and recreation departments have a series of 8 classes available for a set price. No special equipment needed – just regular workout or comfy clothes, and shoes. At times, zumbadoras (zumba zombies, zumba galz) as we lovingly call ourselves, get together and zumba in parking lots, parks and anywhere we can play or hear familiar music. There is no cost for this type of fun. We have also been known to Zumba dance in local parades!
Finding the right instructor for you is important – do you enjoy more Latin beats, more hip hop, more athletic, more strength and toning? Are you already a member of a fitness club? Is there a class convenient for you near work or home? How many classes a week can you fit in? You can take one to six classes a week depending on your fitness level.
There is the basic Zumba but there are also specialized instructors for: Zumbatomic (kids), Zumba gold (gentler zumba for mature audience), Aqua Zumba, Zumba toning
Comments heard around Zumba classes: “I can dance.” “It’s a great workout.” “I lost 50 pounds.” “I’ve lost a lot of inches and 3 pants sizes.” “I feel exhilarated.” “I’m sexy and I know it!” “This makes exercise fun.” “I didn’t think I could do it at my age.” “Best type of PE (physical education) I can think of.” “Who’s exercising, I’m dancing?”
Zumba is fantastic. All that movin’, shakin’, shimmyin’ and all around adrenaline pumpin’, fitness inspirin’ FUN! Whatever your pleasure and style, there’re lots of instructors in the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater area for you to find your favorites.
Join the fun. What have you got to lose but a few unwanted pounds and inches! Let’s move it.
All photos courtesy of Dr. Diana Yu.
