Zumba instructors take popular hip-hop and latin-style songs and create fun routines for classes. Bethny McGinnis, a senior mass communication major and Zumba instructor at Wright State University, loves the way Zumba makes her feel.
“I trained through Zumba itself to become an instructor and it cost $290,” she said. “They give you all of the music and dance moves to use in the routines. Every month they send CDs and choreography for $30 a month. I love it. I am losing weight, not that I was ever big, but I’m gaining muscle at the same time. I do it twice a week at Wright State and soon I’ll be doing it at Premiere Fitness in Fairborn. When I’m not doing my own classes, I go to someone else’s.”
Some workouts that rival Zumba are TRX, Pilates, and other cardio-based exercises. There are even new workouts that are similar to Zumba, like Trampoline Yoga and Aerial Boxing.
However, Zumba is more than just one type of workout. Zumba itself is divided into different types, such as Zumba Toning, Aqua Zumba and Zumba Kids. Zumba is unique because there is no level of experience necessary and anyone can do it. People can learn new ways to dance and promote good health.
Chelsie Spoor, a junior Marketing major at Wright State, also participates in Zumba.
“I do Zumba because I love to dance and it is an incentive for me to work out and stay active,” she said “I break a sweat, but I don’t have to run on a treadmill or use weight machines to stay in shape.”
For more information about the benefits of Zumba check out a study done by the American Council of Exercise. http://www.acefitness.org/certifiednewsarticle/2813/.
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