Zumba for the Dance Queen
By Susan McCadam Hoffman, M.S., Certified Fitness Professional
www.matmadness.com
If you’re a high energy kind of girl, and Latin music moves you to work through the burn, try Zumba. It’s based on an interval training format but instead of “No pain, no gain” , you’re supposed to have fun. Tone, sculpt and burn calories with simply choreographed dance moves!
Where: Zumba classes, which last an hour, can be found in many top national fitness facilities. There’s a move to train more instructors to keep up with the huge demand . . . if it sparks you, think about getting certified to teach.
If you want to preview the moves and/or have music to inspire you, there are Zumba DVDs and CDs available on-line. Check the website for more info: www.zumba.com
What to Wear: Footwear matters . . . so try on some different styles specifically made for dancing. You need to spin, slide and turn easily and the Nike Shox Whirl Premium may be just what you’re looking for. Nike has a great line of dancewear with the athlete in mind, functional and hip. You can peruse their entire dance selection on-line: www.nike.com
Favorite Zumba Move:
Turn on some rhythmic Latin music and think flamenco, salsa, tango, merengue, and belly dance all rolled into one. Pump your legs, shimmy your shoulders, move those hips and dip, slide and spin!
