ZUMBA !

Zumba: Ditch the Workout, Join the Party!
By Beto Perez
Wellness Central, 2009. 289 p. Nonfiction

Zumba, anyone? (pronounced Zoom-bah) If you haven’t heard, Zumba spells Dance Party and it’s the hottest aerobic craze sweeping the nation. It all started when Beto, a Columbian-born aerobics instructor, forgot his traditional aerobics mix and had to make do with the only CD he had in his gym bag, which just happened to be some Latin dance tunes. Deciding to wing it, he led the class through a sweaty series of energetic salsa moves, meringue steps and cha-cha hip swivels—the class went wild and the rest is history. Read all about Beto’s early years, learn some basic steps and pair it with the Zumba diet and accompanying recipes if you’re looking to re-energize your fitness routine and start partying with the rest of us Zumba fanatics.

The book comes with an “Exlusive Zumba Fitness DVD”, however it’s not much to brag about. Granted, 5 of the most basic Zumba moves are taught in an easy to follow, 3-part: slow, medium, full-speed style; but, the party quickly stops because for the next hour all that happens is a large count-down clock appears on the blank screen while great Latin music plays in the background. Quite a let-down if you were looking for an actual workout routine.

But if you’re interested in a live Zumba class, check-out your local gym or the Provo City Community Recreation Center (soon to be relocated in a brand-spanking new building), where you can find Zumba classes six days a week. Can you say dance party!?!

DAP