Latin-infused Zumba classes have local residents moving to the beat Dancing the weight away

Grace Gagliano

Apr. 21, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Zumba. The word itself is fun to say. And the popular aerobic exercise popping up across the country has as much pizzazz as its name.

The aerobic exercise is a Latin-infused dance workout.

The Manatee County YMCA began offering Zumba almost a year ago and found it to be one of its most popular fitness classes.

"We just jam-pack that room," said Mike Villani, fitness director of the Lakewood Ranch YMCA.

When a Zumba class is in session, everyone at the YMCA knows it.

Approaching the main entrance to the Lakewood Ranch facility, you can hear the thumping beat of merengue tunes.

Students taking the Zumba class add to the music with the jingle, jangle their coin skirts make as they shake their hips to the beat.

Even if you're not into dancing, the rhythm is enough to make you want to tap your feet.

YMCA members, too, are intrigued. Several walking past the classroom for a drink or a quick break from their exercise seem to wish they'd chosen Zumba for their daily workout.

"It's a great way to recharge and re-energize at the end of the day," said Zumba instructor Julie Morgan.

The cardio class incorporates strength and core training and can burn up to 600 calories during a 50-minute class.

Morgan is full of energy herself.

On a recent Thursday evening, Morgan gets her class of about 20 shaking their hips from side to side, dancing their feet and moving their arms in quick, dramatic motions.

The classroom looks more like a dance floor.

"We have so much fun that half the time you don't realize you're working out," Morgan said. "You get to move, shake; you're dancing."

Villani said that during the past two months the YMCA has averaged 30 people in its weekday Zumba classes, Saturday morning classes have averaged 45 people.

And the YMCA has a Zumba class for senior citizens that averages 15 to 20 participants.

"We started off with maybe one or two Zumba classes and we've added more and more since," Villani said.

The Lakewood Ranch YMCA has seven Zumba classes throughout the week, and the Bradenton branch hosts four Zumba classes weekly.

Villani says the recent number of dancing competition shows on television, such as "Dancing with the Stars," seems to have helped Zumba's popularity.

"Definitely, with our active, older community," Villani said. "They talk about the dancing shows. I think it's really helped spark interest."

Zumba student Sandra Aguirre started taking the class about a year ago for the sake of adding some fun to her fitness routine.

"I love it; it's good exercise," Aguirre said. "It's a great way to get out stress. Work stress."

Aguirre says she has enjoyed Zumba so much she plans to pursue certification as an instructor for the class.

"I love dancing," Aguirre said. "You always finish class very happy."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0027-34282129