Thursday, Jul. 02, 2009

Fitness Profile: Zumba craze hits Columbus

Latin-inspired fitness dance class had wide popularity

When demand began to rise for a dance-infused fitness class, Central YMCA answered with Zumba. Instructor Jeanette Wisenall said the YMCA staff researched and found Zumba to be the best fit for the area. Jeanette got certified in Atlanta and has been instructing in Columbus since January.

According to Zumba literature, celebrity fitness trainer Beto Perez accidentally created the now-popular dance workout when he forgot his regular aerobics music and had to replace it with his personal collection, featuring salsa and merengue from his native Colombia.

That was in the early 1990s. Zumba Fitness has since grown to include DVD sets and worldwide instructor training courses.

Wisenall rotates Zumba classes with four other instructors; there are currently six offered at the Central and D.A. YMCA locations, as well as corporate classes held at Aflac and TSYS. While she’s taught classes as large as 70 participants, the average is about 30.

Wisenall cited “the movement and some of the choreography” as the beginners’ biggest challenge, and her biggest compliments are the smiles on their faces throughout the workout.

“I truly believe I have the best job in the world,” said Wisenall.

The workout: Zumba is an hour-long dance party. At the beginning of class, Wisenall encouraged everyone to “join the party!” The music and moves are determined by the Zumba Fitness corporation, but the instructors are allowed to play around with it a bit.

There are different playlists with different routines. Wisenall said she sticks with the same playlist for several weeks, then gradually adds new songs.

Within the hour you’ll increase your heart rate, work your muscles, shimmy, shake and learn some new dance moves. It’s definitely a cardio workout.

Sweat factor: I was sweating pretty hard by the end of the class. The air-conditioned room and intervals of high-energy/low-energy dance moves prevented my heart rate from getting too high.

Difficulty level: The moves aren’t difficult per se, but in the fast-paced Zumba environment it takes a while to get them all down. Especially if you’re as graceless and unfamiliar with Latin dance moves as I am. I felt a little silly, but about 10 minutes in I didn’t care anymore. Of the approximately 30 participants, there was one male and the ages of the women varied widely.

Average calories burned: 400-500, depending on fitness level.

Commitment: The YMCA will allow 1-2 trial classes, but you must be a member to regularly attend classes. No contract is required, but a written notice 30 days in advance is required for cancellation.

Perks: There is no additional charge for classes once you’re a YMCA member. Other classes offered include Body Pump, RPM and Turbo Kick. The facility also features an indoor swimming pool, cardio machines, free weights, racquetball/handball courts, a squash court and gymnasium.

The Afterglow: I was sweaty but invigorated after the workout, which carried over into the rest of my day. It was a lot of fun, with more jumping around and booty-shaking than I’m used to in an exercise program. Wisenall was also very enthusiastic, making sure everyone was having a good time and encouraging the group to clap and yell along with the movements. The music is different from what I usually listen to, but it was a great environment to let loose.

Zumba was quite possibly the most fun I’ve ever had while exercising.