Latin rhythms often conjure images of hot dance clubs and hot bodies. A new fitness program is banking on this image and fitness instructors at NEIU are cashing in on the craze. Zumba is a Latin-inspired fitness class that incorporates dance movements to Latin and international music.
Created in the 1990’s by Columbian-native “Beto” Perez, Zumba was born out of innovation and creativity. When Perez forgot his music for an aerobics class he was teaching, he grabbed his favorite Salsa and Merengue music out of his car and improvised. The popularity of Perez’s fitness routine grew and, in 1999, Zumba was introduced in the U.S.
The Zumba motto is, “Ditch the workout. Join the party.” As such, Zumba classes are structured more like a dance festival than an aerobics class. There is no cuing from instructors on when to lift or turn or jump or step. Zumba instructors face the class and dance. The class just follows along.
Zumba incorporates Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggeton, Samba, Hip Hop, and Disco in an intermittent cardio workout. Each set lasts as long as the song plays. No previous dance experience is necessary. Martha Montes, NEIU Associate Director of Health and Fitness, was among the eight Campus Recreation staff members that attended the April training for Zumba certification. “If you can have a good time, you can Zumba,” she said.
Montes explained that she and the seven other newly-certified Zumba instructors spent the summer practicing and perfecting their routines. “The overall workout must be recognizable and adhere to the Zumba model,” Montes said. “But instructors can add their own signature and flair up to about 20 percent so each class will be different.”
The diverse specialties of the certified Campus Recreation staff will ensure no two classes will be the same. NEIU Zumba instructors include Diane Durfee, who currently teaches Pilates at NEIU; Jacqueline Lopez, an NEIU personal trainer; Kristin Burke, an NEIU fitness consultant; and certified Spin instructors Maria Jimenez and Jessica Sanchez.
Lucy Okaz, NEIU fitness consultant and newly-certified Zumba instructor, is also an experienced Latin dance instructor. However, she explained that no dance background is necessary. “Zumba uses real dance movements. You can even learn to dance in class.” For Okaz, “the goal is for students to have fun.”
Montes said, “It’s like being at a club.” But she warns students from thinking it’s not really exercise. “You’ll definitely burning calories. We’re working out upper body and lower body, and you will sweat,” Montes said.
Zumba has been added to the fall schedule of fitness classes. Like most fitness classes, Zumba classes are free to NEIU students. During NEIUs Fall into Fun week, September 8-12, there will be several demonstration classes for students to try out the different fitness classes being offered in the fall. The official launch of Zumba classes will include demonstrations from all NEIU Zumba instructors and will take place on September 12 at 11 a.m. in the first floor lobby of the PE complex.