Why I Zumba

Discover This Fun, Effective Dance Workout That Transforms Fitness and Boosts Health

  Almost every week I post videos of my Zumba workout classes on WhatsApp, and occasionally to my Facebook status. I always receive comments ranging from “I want to join you, that looks like so much fun (it is), to “but how is that exercise, if you're just dancing? (it IS dance,it is exercise and a lot more more). I also get this a lot: “I wish I could dance like that (you can if you want to)! 

 I discovered Zumba almost ten years ago, when I first started trying to get fit. It appealed to me because not only was it so much fun, but it also actually got the work I needed at the time done i.e. weight loss. I was hesitant, at the start, not sure about my dancing abilities and lacking the confidence to do so in front of so many people. But I was determined to give it a go. And that's how I went from shy butterfly at the back to leading routines upfront. I have since kept up with my Zumba classes not just to lose weight but as part of my ongoing effort to live healthy. 

 So, what is Zumba? 

 According to the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance workout created by celebrity fitness trainer Alberto “Beto” Perez in the 1990s. In Zumba class, participants, led by an instructor (sometimes more than one) move to the beats of salsa, flamenco, and merengue. In Uganda, classes are adapted to include some Ugandan and African music and betas, while still retaining the original Latin beats and flavour. So, to the questions I get asked: Is Zumba exercise? Yes! Zumba is what is known as an interval workout, alternating between high- and low-intensity dance moves. The high-energy classes provide a total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility. Sure, the music and choreography might make you think you are in a nightclub, but that is the aim. 

“We take the "work" out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party,” the Zumba website explains. 

 But how about those with two left feet? Well, from my experience, at least from the classes I attend, no one is paying attention to what you are doing. And the more you relax, the more you stop worrying about who might be judging your dance moves, the easier it becomes for you to lean in and get caught up in the music and the vibe of the class. With the tagline, “Ditch the Workout, Join the Party,” the spirit of Zumba classes is really about moving to the music and having a good time. And this, for me, is really why I love Zumba as a workout and am so consistent with classes. It really does not feel like a workout and yet it delivers! 

 What’s in it for me? The benefits of Zumba

 Like any other aerobic exercise, Zumba has been linked to improved heart health. According to WEBMD, if you have diabetes, Zumba is a great way to lose weight and build muscle. Your blood sugars will go down as your energy level soars. Besides losing weight, Zumba can help lower your risk of heart disease, reduce your blood pressure and bad cholesterol, and boost your good cholesterol. Plus, many people find dance workouts like Zumba a great way to relieve stress. This is true for me. Even when I have had a bad day, if I have a scheduled Zumba class, I can barely wait to get to it, I go in and have a great time, and leave feeling energized. 

 So, if you are one of those people who has always wondered if Zumba is for you, try it. Don't let your fear of whatever hold you back. Just as with everything in life you will never know what a Zumba class feels like until you try. It is okay if after a few classes you decide it’s not the exercise for you. I am a firm believer in trying out several workouts till you find the right fit for you. The more you love your workout the more consistent you will be at it. 

 Ps. Check out the Zumba website for locations, including online classes.

 If you are in Kampala, check out Zumba classes at Acacia Mall, Elite Swim and Gym and Kabira country club. Let’s get moving!

Written by Martha Songa