African trends: ZUMBA CRAZE SWEEPS AFRICA:

African trends: ZUMBA CRAZE SWEEPS AFRICA:

Since Zumba’s introduction to Kenya in 2009, the trend has grown tremendously and has become widely accepted as a genuine fitness programme continentally.

But in 2010, shakira’s “waka waka” for Africa tune took the Zumba madness to a whole new level. Imagine a fitness regime that has got tongues wagging and a body shaking in the keep-fit community, the trend has now moved its popularity amongst men.

Considered earlier as a women’s thing, a walk around Nairobi’s street’s stalls proves otherwise. Men are giving women a run for their money, purchasing the zumba DVDS and practicing it out at the comfort of their living rooms.

Zumba couples a warm- up session, high and low intensity dance routines followed by a cool-down. It also incorporates a series of traditional strengthening exercises, including lunges and squats, so as to complete a full body work out.

Unlike aerobics, Zumba does not involve body movements or terminology that might deter newcomers. Music is the central guiding element in Zumba that guides a person’s body movement.

 Apart from physical fitness, Zumba offers a medley of dance moves that lead to an invigorating workout as you learn the basics of other popular Latin American dance styles such as the Cumbia, Merengue, Salsa and Samba.

Zumba owes its origin to the Colombian aerobics instructor Alberto Perez. It is derived from a Colombian word that means to move fast and have fun.

The fitness programme was accidentally developed by Alberto after he had left his aerobics music tapes behind while hurrying to the gym to teach an aerobics class. Alberto decided to get creative and came up with innovative dance moves that were much appreciated by his class.

Zumba, however, did not gain ground until 1999 when, thanks to globalization, Alberto exported it to Miami, Florida in the USA. There, he teamed up with two other Colombians to form Zumba Fitness LLC. They trademarked the word zumba and began a mission to spread it across the world.

Whether in Nairobi, Lagos, Cape Town or Cairo, fitness-conscious people have taken to Zumba with near- fanatical zeal and following. Today, almost every gymnasium and health club worth its name is offering Zumba sessions.

Zumba is not only enjoyed by young people but it also appeals equally to older people who are less supple and find it hard to cope with the rigors of aerobics. Beginners can learn quickly and while at it, its benefits range from weight loss as well as improved muscle tone. But the greatest appeal of Zumba lies in the fact that it’s fun.

The only drawback now is the lack of proper Zumba instructors.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

Zumba is offered at; Jacaranda Gym & Spa P.o Box 14827-00800 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: 254-2-4448713/4/5/6/7 Fax: 254-2-44446159/4448977 Email: jacarandahotel@africaonline.co.ke.