ZUMBA

I'm in my fitness mode so don't pretend y'all didn't see this post coming. The first time heard of Zumba was in Japan 2 years ago, back then boot-camp was still the "It" workout routine. I remembered going to this gym and work out to this great Latin mix coming from the studio because I lost my Ipod. After my gym time I would hang back and watch these Japanese ladies struggle to keep up with the Zumba instructor. You see, dancing is physically difficult task for the Japanese, especially movements that engages the hip. No offense but as this phrase goes "White girls cant dance" well I say " Japanese ladies cant dance". But that doesn't mean that they really cant dance. They are not comfortable doing what we and our sisters from further south and African countries regard as dancing. Oh! but I love doing the BongOdori and it is difficult to dance in a Kimono, I did that in a Kimono so its unfair to say that they cant dance.

Anyway Zumba is a Colombian dance fitness program that combines a lot of different exercise and dance moves. The choreography incorporates Latin Dances like Salsa, Aerobics, Hip Hop and floor exercises like Lunges. Zumba is not a recently discovered dance fitness program as some people thought, its been around for a long time now. The founder of Zumba, Perez, accidentally discovered Zumba sometimes in the 1980s in his home country, Colombia. Unfortunately, the 90s was predominated by aerobics and then in 2000 it was was the revival of Boot-Camp. Thanks to Billy Blanks and his newly acclaimed Tae Bo. Personally, I feel that the reason it was contained for so long is because of its Latin roots. People don't want to admit that it is a great fitness routine because it incorporates all the Latin dance moves and is danced to traditional Salsa and Merengue Music.

Anyway, Ive tried Zumba and woooooo!! it is hot, sweaty and sexy. The instructor is a big bootylicious African. But she can move, her energy level keeps you moving to these great traditional Salsa vibes. The classes are normally an hour long and you have the freedom to groove on your own pace. For me its like hitting a Latin party joint minus the dudes and the alcohol..hehehhe

Like I mentioned before, it incorporates a lot of different dance and exercise moves. Just picture a friend of yours who can dance but after a few shots start to display a few lunges and retro groves, then finishing off with some Egyptian hand movements. But be warned that it is not easy, you can easily dislocate your hips if you try too hard. It requires a bit of flexibility and dig in deep and bring out your sexuality. Ive seen ladies who are ashamed or uncomfortable to let loose and move their hips and butts. They try hard not to do that, that they end up becoming sore. 

Zumba is a lot of fun, you can join these classes at your local gym with your mum or girlfriends. Zumba is not restricted to women only, cmon! the founder is a guy. Imagine a room full of ladies, relaxed and cheering themselves on to good traditional Latin music or one of Pitbulls hits. If you are concerned about the amount of calories it burns, rest assured that it burns a lot of calories but you have to put in the work. For me, it is the atmosphere. When I'm too lazy to hit the treadmill I just ran upstairs to the studio and immerse myself in good latin vibes. Step out of your comfort zone and try Zumba, that way the next time you are out hitting the clubs you don't look like a complete fool on the dancing floor.