Why Zumba is on every fitness buff's lips and hips

MANILA, Philippines -  Zumba, that Latin-inspired dance-fitness program, is on every fitness buff’s lips (and hips) lately. Described as “an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party, Zumba promises to make the shedding off of pounds a lot more fun.

In the mid-’90s, Colombian fitness instructor Alberto Perez forgot the music for an aerobics class he was teaching. He decided to improvise by using the salsa tapes he had in his backpack and let the music move his class. His class loved it, and years later, in 2001, he and two other friends Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion decided to market the program.

Accident or not, though, there is no denying the benefits of this revolutionary workout program. Here are some reasons why Zumba may be the fitness plan for you. A Zumba demonstration will be held at “Facets of Wellness,” a conference and exhibit set on Sept. 14-15, at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

• Calorie-burning. A study found that after an hour of Zumba, the 12 participants burned 800-1,050 calories. A body-toning program, Zumba engages the muscles by disguising traditional workout moves such as lunges and squats as dance moves. That’s a tight and toned body without you even being aware of it.

• It works for all ages. Since its roots are in dancing, it’s easier to modify movement to accommodate any age or fitness level. For those over 60 years old, Zumba Gold is perfect because it retains the Latin vibe with a pacing fit for seniors. Kids can also join in the fun with Zumbatomic classes.

• It’s social. Zumba is a great way to meet people because it’s like just partying with friends. Zumba encourages large groups so you can bring your friends and they wouldn’t feel left out.

• It’s enjoyable. Since the focus of Zumba is having fun while working out, you’d want to come back for classes. Of course, the more you attend sessions and work out, the more calories you burn and the fitter you become.

The hottest trends in workouts will be featured in ‘’Facets of Wellness.’’ Experts on health and wellness will also speak, among them: financial adviser Dr. Francisco Colayco on “Be Your Own Boss” and “Healthy Money Attittudes and Habits,” cardiologist Dr. Anthony Leachon on “Lifestyle Diseases: A Silent Disaster,” and Prof. Hercules Callanta of the University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics on “Sports and Fitness for a Healthy Lifestyle.”

Other topics are: “Positive Nutritional Habits” by nutritionist Dr. Sani Rose Orbeta, “Are You OK?” by Dr. Teresa Villasor, “Do You Have A Sacred Space?” by Fr. Ruben Tanseco, “Am I People Smart?” by family councilor Harriet Hormilosa, and “How Do I Take Care of My Brain?” by neurologist Dr. Pia Banico. 

For more information, contact Primetrade Asia through its e-mail address wellness@primetradeasia.com or through telephone numbers 895-1706 and 896-0682.