Zumba: Fitness 'n Fun

CEBU, Philippines - Workouts have never been this fun!

Zumba Fitness is relatively new in Cebu but it is slowly gaining a huge following. For most of us who are trying hard to shape up, Zumba is yet another remedy that promises great rewards. Its main come-on is the FUN part of the workout.

Zumba is a calorie-burning dance, total body workout. This Latin-inspired fitness program features fluid and energetic dance moves, the reason why it is considered a good cardio exercise. Dance buffs enjoy a session packed with easy-to-follow routines like salsa, hip-hop, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton, making it an upbeat dance party.

Zumba was conceptualized in the mid-90s by Colombian Alberto "Beto" Perez, an aerobics instructor who one day forgot to bring his aerobics music tape and was left with no choice but to use his own mix of Latin tracks, which he carried with him in his backpack. Forthwith, he instinctively came up with a new kind of dance workout, the Zumba Fitness Party.

Later in 2001, he met Alberto Palermo and Albert Aghion in Miami, and they later established the Zumba Fitness LLC Company. It blossomed and was later professionalized via the license program. In the Philippines, we only have one licensed instructor (ZIN member) who has been all over town, teaching fitness buffs from all shapes and sizes.

"My goal is to teach and help," enthused 40-something Emma Satchell, the first and only Zumba instructor in the country. Emma's roots can be traced in Bukidnon. Although she was residing in the US after marrying an American for quite some time now, she came back to the Philippines to teach Zumba. "It's my way of giving back" and her way of spreading the love for this fitness party. Ever since she earned her license in 2008, Emma has been engaged in many Zumba classes. In fact, she averages up to 99 students per session (one hour) between ages 8 to 85. She started teaching in Manila in February 2011 but has currently concentrated in Cebu

Emma's student Marilou, a grandma of three, shared, "Zumba is an alternative workout. I was in and out of the gym because the gym bores me. Through Zumba, my energy level is up, as well as my stamina! I do it five times a week. My two granddaughters (8 and 11) are also working out with me! It's also a stress buster!"

Meanwhile, Veronica is elated that "I'm really getting shape-y!" These are but a few benefits of Zumba aside from aiding in muscle toning. The fun part of course is the exhilarating dance routines, as if you're in the dance floor.

Emma is an effective instructor. She frequently rah-rahs her students and cheers them to sway, shake and stretch even more. She executes the moves spontaneously with verve and the students follow suit.