Move to the Zumba beat: Latin-inspired dance craze spices up aerobic workouts

Hips gyrating, beats of Latin music pulsating throughout the room, women dancing with verve and attitude - shaking their butts, swaying their arms. Sounds like a night out at a big city nightclub, but it’s Zumba, a form of aerobics with a Latin twist.

Zumba combines high-energy and motivating international and Latin rhythms with cardio and strength exercise to create an aerobic routine that is fun and easy to follow.

Zumba is a unique fusion of Latin and international dance. It’s a blending of the past and present dance genres from all over the world.

Zumba started three years ago, but it is getting a boost from the rising popularity of reality television shows like ‘‘Dancing with the Stars,’’ and ‘‘So You Think You Can Dance”. Not to mention Latin singer, Shakira - whose ‘‘hips don’t lie.’’ Originating in Miami, Zumba is now fanning out across the United States. From zero in 2003, there are now 2,000 certified instructors and the DVD has sold more than 2 million copies.

Unlike other aerobic classes, the classes are taught without verbal cueing. In other words, you learn the moves by feeling and moving to the music. Because Zumba also teaches you the history and origin of the dance, it’s easy to learn the steps and rhythm of the moves. Styles of dance include Cumbia, salsa, merengue, belly dancing, tango and flamenco.

Come see for yourself the hottest thing to happen to the fitness industry and dance your way to a fitter you!