Zumba Fitness has become very successful in the past 10 years

Zumba Fitness has become very successful in the past 10 years. About 12 million people around the world take weekly classes. Credit dancingzumba.

Tell Your Neighbors About Patch Getting into shape and staying fit is certainly no easy task. Running a couple dozen miles a week, counting weight-lifting reps, and pedaling my bike uphill is definitely a challenge. For the most part, though, I really do enjoy working out to my favorite tunes, relieving the stresses of the day, and especially, feeling the endorphins at work after all is said and done.

So, I did some homework, and talked to friends who are in tune with the local fitness scene. I had heard about the Zumba craze now for years, but wondered where there are classes around here. As it turns out, there are quite a few options here in town.

First things first, for anybody who isn’t totally familiar with Zumba, it’s a workout that will have you moving and shaking that bootie. Zumba is a high-energy, fast-paced cardio dance routine that incorporates Latin dance steps and music.

Zumba’s been around for about 10 years now, and has become widely successful and popular. According to the official Zumba website, more than 12 million people of all ages and levels are taking weekly classes around the world.

Media’s Tricia Palmer, who likes to vary her workouts, ranging from the gym, to Pilates, to Salsa, has nothing but positive reviews of Zumba.

"I tried out Zumba because I love to dance. You look a little silly when you first start out, but it’s a great workout, and so much fun. It’s nice to switch it up and try different things, and Zumba is a great way to have fun, let loose and exercise at the same time," says Palmer.

Depending on how many classes you’d like to take, there are a few ways to go. You can pay for one drop-in class, buy a block of classes, or join a fitness center and enjoy all the Zumba you’d like.

Also something to consider, there are several types of Zumba, including classes geared toward seniors, some just for kids, Aqua Zumba and Zumba in the Circuit.

"It’s a fun 30-minute workout that’s different than the former circuit workout. It combines Latin aerobic dance with a minute of each strength machine. It brings your heart rate up faster and keeps it up, and works your muscles more. The 30 minutes goes by more quickly and the music is contagious," says Sharpless.

To take advantage of Curves’ Zumba program, you have to be a member, which costs $39 a month. There are different packages available. Contact Curves for more information, and for a class schedule.

"I had been going to Curves for five years, and reached a plateau. I was having some health issues, and my doctor said my body might have gotten used to the workout. He suggested I try something else, so I started doing Zumba," says Reynolds. "I now go four times a week, and have seen all kinds of results. My blood pressure is down, my blood sugar improved, and I lost inches that I couldn’t lose before."

Now, if you aren’t sure about committing to a membership, you can try out a class or two at some other places in the greater Media Patch area.

The Media Community Center offers Zumba every Thursday for $5. Visit the website for more information on that class and other classes the Center offers.

Sangha Space, located on Baltimore Avenue, is a dance studio that has everything from Tango to Yoga, Salsa to Zumba, for both adults and kids.

It’s a similar deal at Salsa in the Suburbs on Providence Road, where you can drop in to take one class for $12 an hour, or go for 10 classes. Salsa in the Suburbs offers Zumba, and you can also take Salsa, Meringue, Bellydance and more. See what’s happening on their website, and sign up for a class online.

If you’re not comfortable dancing in front of others, or you’d like to save some money, you can also try out Zumba videos in the comfort of your own home. Just browse the Internet and you’ll find many DVD options which will allow you to go at your own pace.