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JBSA News
NEWS | Aug. 15, 2011

Zumba craze sweeps fitness centers

By Jose T. Garza III 502nd Air Base Wing OL-A Public Affairs

Cali, Colombia is the birthplace of a phenomenon that transcends cultures around the world. More astounding is that it was created by happenstance. Alberto "Beto" Perez forgot his traditional aerobics music for class and improvised by using a mix of salsa and merengue to electrify his students. Since 2001, Perez' accidental creation, "Zumba," has spread, invading Lackland fitness centers over the past few years.

Two words best describe the one-hour fitness class: Party Time! "It's fun," said Maricela Griggs, Zumba instructor at the Warhawk Fitness Center. "If you don't want to think when you're working out, this is the class to come to."

Along with salsa and merengue, Zumba incorporates hip-hop, cumbias, and bachata to work your entire body.

Theresa Gonzalez began taking Zumba classes after her friend and fellow classmate, Kelly Wilbright, recommended them to her. She has no problem working up a sweat during class.
 
"I've always loved to dance," Gonzalez said. "It (Zumba) is fast-paced, makes you sweat, and it is not air conditioned so it's a great workout and you're never bored."

Her grueling workout is due to fitness instructor Leilani Wilson, who first discovered Zumba at a YMCA in Dallas several years ago. She was ready to make a change to her physical appearance after being tired of not being fit. "It's a lot of fun," she said about Zumba.

"You're working out but you don't feel like you're working out," Wilson said. Before utilizing the intense workout program, she said she weighed 200 pounds. Now, she's a cool 130 pounds. Wilson said you could burn up to 1000 calories a day and no skilled dance moves are required. She modifies the class so students can work at their own pace and pushes them to whatever limits they want to go.

"They go their own tempo, but they try to keep up with me as much as they can," Wilson said.

Modifying the workouts is great for students like Gonzalez, who had a hard time keeping up at first.

"You feel out of place, you don't know what you're doing," she said. "You're tripping all over yourself and you're honestly saying, 'Can I do this?'"

She has lost nine inches around her waist, so the soreness that comes with working out makes her accomplishment all the more rewarding. Her preference for Zumba over working out on the treadmill and running is due to the differentials in movement and music.

"A lot of the time, when you're running on the track or treadmill, you are staring and not doing anything," Gonzalez said. "But with (Zumba), if you get bored, you can always look at someone and they go 'come on, come on.'"

Looking for support from others, whether they are old, young, experienced or inexperienced, "gives me something to build on."

Zumba relaxes Gonzalez after a strenuous day at work.

"You're stress level is up to here," she said with her hand just above her head. "This gives you somewhere to let go, follow the movement, follow the music."

Wilson is thankful that Perez forgot his CD on the day he did, for Zumba has transcended cultures and produced a workout frenzy that everyone can do.

"Anyone can do it," she said. "Any age, any type, anyone."

Griggs said its "discoteca" atmosphere can motivate people "as soon as you start moving the body, shaking it, shaking it. It's a party."

Class cost is $2 per session. People who are interested in Zumba classes can sign up at either the Warhawk or Medina Annex fitness center. Call the Warhawk at (210) 671-2016, or the Medina Annex Fitness Center at (210) 671-4477 for more details.