ZUMBA® - A Fitness Program That Lets You Enjoy What You Do!

ZUMBA® participants at the UHMC Wellness Center.

Get in shape and stay healthy while having fun! Join the many people that are experiencing  this exciting and addictive dance workout routine. Zumba Fitness is the Latin-inspired dance-fitness program. It can be fun for everyone, regardless of your shape, size or age. It’s also a great way to meet people and make new friends.

Alberto “Beto” Perez accidentally created the Zumba experience during one of his aerobics classes in 1993. He forgot his traditional aerobics music and improvised by using his own mix of music, which included salsa and merengue music. However, the program officially started in 2001. There are currently “more than 12 million people taking weekly Zumba classes in over 110,000 locations across more than 125 countries.” 

Amazingly, over the years the program has evolved and now offers six types of Zumba classes. The program uses a number of different Latin styles of dance. There are regular Zumba classes, Zumba Gold classes, Zumba Toning classes, Aqua Zumba classes, Zumbatomic classes, and Zumba in the Circuit classes. In the regular Zumba classes, people can dance to high-energy Latin and international beats. The Zumba Gold program is modified to suit the needs of older participants. The Zumba Toning program helps participants sculpt their bodies by exercising and doing cardio workouts with toning sticks . With Aqua Zumba, individuals participate in cardio conditioning, and body toning exercises in the water. Zumbatomic Classes are modified and designed for children who are 4 - 12 years old. Lastly, there are the Zumba in the Circuit classes, which 30 minutes long and incorporates a series of strength exercises in timed intervals. 

If you are interested, Zumba classes are offered at many gyms and studios in Hawaii. Some people even try the classes offered at different locations to see what class they like the best. Each Zumba instructor has their own slightly unique set of music and dance routines. The University of Hawaii, Maui College Wellness Center offers Zumba, Zumba Gold and Zumba Toning classes at their facilities. Visit their website at: http://uhmcwellness.wordpress.com/ for class schedules and more information. You can also learn more about Zumba Fitness at http://www.zumba.com/. 

Enjoy what you do and join the Zumba fitness party!