Dancing is known to be one of the best ways to lose weight and shape the body. It is just like getting a ‘real’ workout. Zumba dance classes in particular have been rapidly gaining popularity with Saudis who want to lose those extra kilos and learn a new dance move.
Zumba is a Latin-inspired fitness rage and calorie-burning dance. It blends basic moves from salsa, Latin pop, merengue, samba and more into a dance that is perfect for weight management and body toning.
It is a fun and exciting way to workout to your favorite music and it is even more fun with a group of friends in a room filled with mirrors. Life & Style talked with Fatima Al-Zahra’a, a zumba trainer who provides classes to Saudi women all week round.
“People love it because it makes them feel like they are dancing at a party and enjoying the moment. They also know the benefits of this kind of dance and most of them attend the classes to help lose weight and get a flexible body,” she said. “Zumba is never boring because it’s not like walking on the gym’s treadmill with a stern look on your face, I ask my clients to smile and enjoy the energy and release their stress so they can always remember that dancing is fun and joyful.”
To dance zumba, you do not need to be a great dancer or be in great shape. It is a dance for anyone and everyone. “The moves are simple and easy to follow. Most are rather basic steps and the music makes it easy to follow them,” said Al-Zahra’a. “It is also safe for pregnant women, especially when they are between three and seven months pregnant. I will need a permission from a doctor before I accept a pregnant student in my class,” she added.
Fitness zumba is one of the best physical and mental workouts for anyone. “This sport is safe for backs and knees if done correctly. I always make sure I know the problems and medical history of all my students to ensure safety and not to have them injure themselves,” said Al-Zahra’a. “I actually encourage my students with sore necks and knees to practice this dance because I know for sure that zumba is a great way to improve their condition.”
Aqua zumba is also interesting for seniors. “I usually stand outside the pool on my mat to show them the moves and they follow while in the pool,” said Al-Zahra’a. “I usually start them off by warming up and make them enjoy the music with some stretching and fun dance and then I get down to business with the fitness zumba moves.”
“It might not be as powerful as in the classes because women don’t actually sweat in the water but I make them squat, jump and do the salsa moves with a smile on their face.”
Email: rima.almukhtar@arabnews.com
