Have you heard of ZUMBA? The dance fitness craze that has spread all over the world? And taken France by storm? Here are a few words for those who may not yet be familiar with the phenomenon…

Zumba is an explosive and sensual cocktail that incorporates fitness, dance and aerobics, and combines good spirit with physical exercise performed on a compelling blend of Latin and international rhythms. It provides a festive yet effective training programme.

Zumba classes include a wide range of music with fast and slow rhythms and resistance training for fitness. They act as very good calorie and fat burner, allowing better control of body fat. Dance and aerobic elements are combined to build physical vitality (stamina, coordination, balance, flexibility) via muscle strengthening. It also gives you a cardiovascular workout that reshapes your body — in just the right places — by focusing on your legs, glutes, shoulders, arms, ab muscles and your core.

Zumba has helped millions of people lose weight, get in shape and tone their body in more than 185 countries. As well as the body, Zumba benefits the mind. The combination of the upbeat music and the feel-good endorphins released in the brain during physical activity is extremely helpful to promote a mental and emotional sense of well-being.

Music is naturally the main ingredient to Zumba classes : catchy beats keep motivation while high and low intensity intervals help to move the workout from one toning, strengthening or cardio move to another, targeting every major muscle group in the body – with joy and delight.

Zumba can suit anyboby – men and women, seniors, families, kids, adults and teenagers… Anyone who wants to improve their health and well-being as well as raise their mood. All ages, backgrounds, fitness levels and dance abilities can participate in and benefit from Zumba classes.

Zumba aims to bring the joy of fitness to everyone in a relaxed and energising atmosphere. It’s an exhilarating dance workout filled with good feelings and party-like fun. The best part is that you tone your entire body without even realizing it. No one is judging you. Just feel the music! And no need to be an experienced dancer. Choreography is based on simple steps and moves, which makes it easy to follow.

When Zumba appeared in Colombia during the 1990s, it was first called Rumba. Nury Barragán’s classes were already very popular. She worked with the famous Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez, who created Zumba. In the early 2000s, Rumba changed its name to Zumba and became an internationally recognized certification.