Summer is right around the corner and let’s face it, some of us are not ready — not swimsuit ready that is.
This is the time of year people start crowding the gym and trying to get into shape weeks before summer is here.
Even the typical fitness junkie dreads jumping on the treadmill and running until your legs feel like Jello.
But the body doesn’t respond after a while to the same workout over and over again.
In order to see results, throw a curve ball at your workout routine.
How about Zumba?
Zumba is a fitness-dance program created by a Colombian choreographer.
Traditional Zumba is a mixture of Salsa and Merengue dance styles.
It has grown so popular instructors have also incorporated Hip Hop, salsa, belly dancing, mambo and kickboxing into the routine.
Local instructor Mia Sandoval ups the amp with some plyometrics, moves that isolate specific muscles in short bursts, similar to that of the Insanity workout.
Dancing uses nearly every muscle in the body.
So when trying to tone up those problem areas, and get away from the monotonous treadmill, Zumba is a fun alternative.
Sandoval is a walking example.
After having her first baby she wanted to get back into shape in a serious way.
She started teaching aerobics class 10 years ago.
She became a certified Zumba instructor five years ago.
“It’s just fun! Working out is no longer a chore. It gets you moving and meeting new people, so it never feels like a workout,” she said.
Sandoval said at some of the gyms where she teaches Zumbathons are hosted, which equates to two hours of shaking those hips.
But Sandoval’s class is no joke.
“The class mainly consists of women,” she said. “We have had a few ex-military men come and try out a few times and said its the most draining thing they have ever done!”
So if u are looking for a new workout and ready to get down and sweaty, try out Zumba. Sandoval teaches in Stockton, Manteca, Modesto and Escalon.
“Find me on Facebook!” she said.
