Zumba Moves

Zumba promises you so much: a veritable party where you can get into the groove and bust a move. It’s taken the nation by storm and Zumba classes are springing up in gyms and community centres around our local area. But what is it really like? We tried out three types of Zumba, and here are our verdicts...

Zumba

Kiran: I thought I would be the star of the class having won dance competitions at school, but Zumba is much more high energy than I thought! Just five minutes into my 45 minute class I looked how I usually look after a 5k run. I pretended I was Madonna’s salsa backing dancer and there was no way I was going to surrender to the beat - Zumba’s fab (but it can make you delusional).

Naseeka: This was my first time attending a Zumba class and I can say with no shame that I was completely terrified that I would trip over my own feet, break my neck and make a general fool of myself. Yet I discovered as the class went on that all I had to do was to remember to breathe and just focus on the dance moves. After the 45 minute class (which flew by) I felt like I could do anything! It left me feeling energised, motivated and ready for more!

Zumba Toning

Nadine: Having absolutely loved the normal Zumba class I was immediately up for trying the toning version. My instructor Aliana advised that I should go to a normal class first to get used to the steps and moves, and I’m glad that I did! The toning class is much mellower, as you have to concentrate on co-ordinating arm and leg movements – all while holding two toning sticks – and I could feel the burn on arms, thighs and bum. It’s much more challenging in that the workout is targeted at arms, legs and core, compared to normal Zumba which gives you more of an overall aerobic workout, so be careful if you have any physical conditions. I’d recommend doing a mixture of the two to get both cardio workout and toning. I’m definitely going to take both up regularly, this year!

Aqua Zumba

Sarah: I am much happier in the water than on land (it’s the two left feet thing) so I thought I would dive straight in and try Aqua Zumba. Heavens above, the noise! It’s known as the Zumba pool party and I quite see why. Shouting, laughing, hooting and screeching - it could be scary but it’s actually totally invigorating. Because you are in the water, you’re getting huge protection from impact; you burn loads of calories and stretch like crazy women. I have to say I took on a lot of water mostly due to laughing. It’s a huge amount of fun; you don’t have to be a swimmer because you don’t go out of your depth and you will most certainly wake up. It’s cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and most of all, exhilarating beyond belief. Good, if you’ve got injuries or, like me, a stiff back, because the water cushions you.

Local Instructors

• Aliana Bruce: Classes were at South Wimbledon Community Centre and Virgin Active, South Wimbledon (www.abzumba.co.uk)
• Suzanne Roberts: Tiffin Girl’s School Community Sports Centre (www.zumba.com)
• Danielle Toomey: various locations in Kingston, Surbiton and Raynes Park (www.zumba-with-danni.com)
• Michelle Kelsall Singleton: various locations in Kingston and Teddington 07949 937341

More local classes at www.zumba.com.