Last week, we introduced you to Sujita Gurung, an aerobics and Zumba instructor at the Jasmine Fitness Club and Spa at Tripureshwor, and Nirvana Wellness Center at Jawalakhel. [break]
She gave you workouts and diet tips. We hope you’ve incorporated her advice in your lifestyle. If not, it’s never too late to start.
This week, she brings you “Zumba” – what it’s all about, and how you can dance your way to a fit new you.
What is Zumba?
Zumba is an internationally recognized Latin-inspired dance fitness program, along the lines of aerobics but is more about feeling the music rather than following specific counts. The history behind it is quite interesting.
In the 1990s, a choreographer named Alberto Perez forgot his tape for aerobics music and so had to improvise with whatever music he had in his car, thus giving birth to Zumba.
Now Zumba is the world’s largest and the most successful fitness program with more than 12 million people of all shapes and sizes taking weekly classes in more than 125 countries. Zumba incorporates cumbia, salsa, merenge, hip-hop, tango and even some belly dancing and bhangra.
Depending on your weight and workout intensity, the calories burnt can be anywhere from 500 to1,000.
Sujita sways to the beats
The music thumps as Sujita dances to a song by Enrique. The class is packed, and you feel like swaying to the beat yourself. The energy is intoxicating. She takes a break to talk to us, and she’s gorgeous as she glistens in sweat.
“It’s an upbeat workout. The energy is at an all-time high, and you don’t feel like you’re working out which is the best part,” says Sujita.
Looking at her, you think to yourself that if this is what zumba does to you, then you might as well not waste a single minute and start right now. She takes a swig of water before continuing with the rigorous but rejuvenating routine.
Sujita shows you how
The main element in Zumba is the music. So feel the music and just dance.
“I try to infuse different genres so that it doesn’t become monotonous. And since I have an aerobics background, it’s easy for me as I can pump things up when my class starts getting sluggish,” says Sujita.
Zumba focuses on the shoulder area, chest, core, and legs, but it also depends on what people are looking for.
You can work more on your abs and legs if that’s your requirement. Sujita makes sure she knows just what her class wants and prepares her workout accordingly. She’s one young and vivacious instructor who likes to keep her workouts interesting.
Just dance!
Exercise in any form is good, and an absolute must for an active lifestyle. And if it can be disguised in the form of dance, then that’s even better. So tonight, put on some music and sway to the rhythm of some good beats and feel good about yourself!
If you’re hard-pressed for time, just dance at home. You don’t have to join a class. Put on some music and dance to a song whenever you feel like it. Just make sure you do it regularly. Even 10 to 15 minutes of dancing is good for you, and it goes a long way in keeping you active, fit, and healthy.
“Repeat the movements, contract your core muscles while dancing, and most importantly, enjoy the beats,” says Sujita who repeatedly instructs her class to smile while working out with an exuberant smile herself.
Dancing is the best form of exercise, and it’s also simple enough for you to do at home and at your convenience.
So dance away the Zumba way!
For detailed information on Zumba classes, contact: Jasmine Fitness Club and Spa (01-4117115) and Nirvana Wellness Center (01-5534713).
Watch this space next week to get tips on how to incorporate exercise into your daily routine even when you are hard pressed for time.
Related story
International Dance Day 2021: Who started it? Why is it celebra...
