11 May 2014

Is it not time people ditched the enervating gym routine that usually takes considerable time to yield tangible results?

Well, consider that against joining a Zumba class, popular for its fun and interactive dance routine. Zumba has revolutionised the global fitness industry and Botswana has also not escaped its bug with so far more than 10 instructors in Gaborone.

This is a dance fitness programme created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto 'Beto' Perez during the 1990s.

The style is an aerobics fitness programme that incorporates different Latin dance styles plus a choreography that includes hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo and martial arts. Squats and lunges are also included. The exercises has music with fast and slow rhythms, as well as resistance training.

Zumba sessions are typically about an hour long and are taught by instructors licensed by an organisation called Zumba Academy. Most Batswana Zumba instructors such as Tlamelo Tlhoro, a Group Fitness Instructor at Energym, went to the Johannesburg Zumba Academy to acquire accreditation for her practice.

As a certified instructor, Tlhoro conducts group sessions for her clients at Energym and also does private practices for other clients at their homes which becomes a pleasurable dance party.

“Zumba is more interactive and it relieves the energy in you unlike aerobics which are more coordinated and a bit complex,” she says. On top of that, she said, Zumba classes are a fun exercise which allows communality, bonding and energy boost.

One loses between 500-600 calories an hour, increased cardio-vascular endurance and body toning. Zumba enthusiasts have said it does not only provide an opportunity to make new friends, it is the perfect stress reliever, enhances good coordination, works for all ages, improved mood and improves confidence.

There are different types of classes for different levels of age and exertion. Zumba Gold, mainly targets the older population. It is specifically designed to the needs of the elderly and includes the same kind of music as the Zumba fitness party class.

Zumba Toning is for the people who do their workouts with toning sticks. Zumba Toning will target the abs, thighs, arms, and other muscles throughout the body. Zumba Toning is adding sculpting of body and cardio.

Tlhoro advised those interested in the exercise to do it at least twice a week to get fast results provided it is coupled with a good balanced diet, pushing oneself with commitment which can do wonders for the body and spirit. She stressed proper form to avoid injuries and one to maintain body mass with weight training as it is vital to promote strength.

Aobakwe Nkwe, one of her students mentioned how she hated going to the gym as it was boring, but has since enjoyed the classes because they do not only make her body look good but they help her stay fit in a fun way. Ends