ZUMBA Fitness Arizona

Most Latin music rhythms have their roots in history that dates back to the 1800's, from the Caribbean islands and in particular Cuba. Traditional African drum rhythms were combined with Spanish guitar to form a musical style that just makes you want to get up and dance! These early music styles were very eclectic and went by many different names from place to place, but it wasn't until this music came to New York City after World War I that the term "Salsa" was born. The story goes that the term was coined in protest over bland food that was missing the fiery spices of Cuba...there is a reason that the music and dance shares its name with the spicy sauce! Salsa and Latin music in general took off in the 1960's, and has evolved over time into the very diverse musical style that it is today. One thing remains the same though-its impossible to sit still when you hear a salsa...you just HAVE to get up and DANCE! You'll find both traditional "old school" salsas as well as salsas with splash of "hip-hop" in every Zumba class!

Here are some links to other sites to learn more about salsa music:

http://www.salsa-dancing-addict.com/history-of-salsa.html
http://www.dancedancedance.com/history_of_salsa.html

Here is an iMix of Salsa Music:

A Zumba Salsa Video can be seen in the Video section of this site

Zumba was started by Beto Perez, who as a young man in his native country of Columbia, was teaching traditional "aerobics" at a fitness facility when one day he realized that he had forgotten to bring his "aerobic music" with him to teach a class. He ran out to his car and grabbed his popular Latin music tapes and used them in his class, incorporating both Latin dance steps and traditional fitness moves into his class that day and HIS STUDENTS LOVED IT! That's when the slogan "Ditch the Workout, Join the Party" really began, as his "Rumbacise" classes gained popularity. Beto came to Miami in 1999 and joined two other young entrepeneurs, Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion, who recognized Beto's talent and innovation could revolutionize the way people all over the world exercised. Changing the name to Zumba, they set out to make Zumba a global company that would offer classes worldwide. They contracted with a well respected infomercial company in 2002 to produce Zumba Fitness DVDs, launching Zumba into incredible popularity nationwide. The overwhelming positive response created demand for more Zumba classes and Zumba instructors, so a comprehensive Zumba Instructor Training program was developed. To ensure integrity and quality above and beyond fitness industry standards, Zumba engages long time fitness professionals in their Educational Division and has aligned with AFAA (Aerobic & Fitness Association of American), ACE (American Council on Exercise), IDEA (the world's largest association for fitness professionals), SCW Fitness Education, Can-Fit-Pro (International Trade Show & Conference in Canada), and many top national fitness facility chains and organizations. There are now over 30,000 Zumba instructors in 35 different countries, helping people feel good, look good and have fun exercising to the Zumba beat!

Anyone can enjoy and reap the benefits from Zumba- you don't have to be ready for an audition with "Dancing with the Stars" to get a great workout and have fun. The steps are simple and are repeated in different combinations, so they will become familiar in no time! More importantly, no one cares! It's all about enjoying the music as you move to the beat, and as many Zumba instructors say, "Just fake it and shake it and you'll make it!" You'll find Zumba classes are a welcoming, non-judgmental place for people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and levels of fitness to just come move to the beat, have fun and get a fantastic workout! Want to try Zumba in your home before going to a class? See the section "videos" in this website for excellent Zumba DVDs and examples of "real" Zumba classes.

Zumba is a fusion of great music and easy to follow movements that results in a dynamic fitness program that is effective at meeting your fitness goals and most important of all, is FUN! Although it is based in traditional Latin rhythms such as salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton, you'll also hear great music from all over the world, such as belly dancing, "bollywood", samba, hip hop, and good 'ol fashion rock and roll! By using aerobic fitness interval training that incorporates both fast and slow moves, you'll burn calories, sculpt and tone your body, look better and feel great! Zumba is not only a great workout for your body, it will uplift your spirit as well! Its sure to bring a smile to your face as you let go and shake your bootie in an hour long, energizing workout!

I have had many people ask about the best shoes for Zumba. Many Zumba instructors and students like Bloc Dance Sneakers, but I have found that they don't have enough support. Nike Shok Electra is what I wear and like...I also put Super Feet insoles in them. Traditional aerobic and running shoes frequently have too much tread and are splayed laterally, which can trip you as you move quickly, turn, and move side to side like in a salsa travel step. I hear a rumor that Nike has come out with a "dance shoe", largely as a response to the huge demand Zumba has created, so ask at athletic shoe stores and check them out. If anyone has had good experiences with a certain shoe and can recommend them to others, please comment!