Beto Perez, the creator of Zumba® – a fitness dance form, or as he calls it, a fitness party — recently visited India for the very first time and hosted a master class in Mumbai for everyone who likes to groove. The event was highly successful with thousands flocking to the venue and sweating it out on salsa, Bollywood and hip-hop beats. We caught up with Beto and asked him all about Zumba® and how it helps one get fit. Excerpts from the interview.
How did you create Zumba® and what is the significance of the name of this fitness dance form?
I have always had a passion for dancing and was an aerobics instructor for many years in my hometown Cali, Colombia. One day, I walked into my aerobics class and realised I had forgotten my music, leaving me only the option of utilising random musical cassette tapes from my backpack. Those tapes comprised the songs I loved best — an array of traditional salsa and merengue. I rose to the challenge of improvising an entire class on-the-spot utilising non-traditional aerobics music — and from this the Zumba fitness-party was born.
The class soon became the most popular one at the fitness facility. We realised it would be a success when people were smiling and laughing while sweating! They left class that day saying, ‘Let’s do the ‘new class again tomorrow!’ And they came back to the classes over and over, and would bring their friends. Though it was a happy accident, it made sense that I merged my two passions of teaching aerobics and dancing without even realising it.
I ventured to the United States in 1999 and began teaching this same class (at the time it had no name) in Miami. The classes quickly became very popular as word spread of the new, fun fitness offering. In 2001, I was approached by entrepreneurs Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion and the Zumba®. We zeroed in on the word ‘Zumba’ after going through the alphabet since ‘rumba’, our original pick, was already trademarked. The word ‘Zumba’ has no meaning. We made it up because it sounded catchy.
How is Zumba® better than other forms of exercise?
Zumba® is different because it affects people both physically AND emotionally. Most fitness programs out there are about weight loss, physical appearance, toning your body, etc. We live in the social, emotional and physical spaces and not many people can make that same claim. Also read – dance away your weight with Zumba.
How do you select the songs for Zumba®? What is the thought behind it from the fitness perspective?
I am very passionate about music and thus pay close attention to songs. Zumba® incorporates various rhythms such as hip-hop, salsa, cumbia, belly dance, Bollywood and many more! We pick songs from all over the world that people love or that we personally enjoy. We also create some original Zumba® music with our music department and even collaborate with various artists for some great music and have worked with Pitbull, Shakira, etc in the past. Zumba® can be done on literally any song! Slow, fast, whatever the beat is. The music should move you and you should be able to feel it! The choreography changes accordingly and that’s where the fitness elements are put in.
Apart from weight loss, what other health and fitness benefits does Zumba® have?
The emotional aspects! Zumba® connects with your mind, body and soul and gives you a place to meet new friends and be a part of something bigger. We hear many stories about weight loss but even more about Zumba® helping people fight depression, or get through chemotherapy, or gain confidence and courage to end a bad relationship, or ask for that raise at work. The stories are endless! Here are 8 dance workouts to lose weight.
Can anyone and everyone do Zumba®?
Anyone can take a Zumba® class! We are an inclusive brand, a brand for the people. As long as you have the enthusiasm to try it mentally, you can do it and move at your own pace. We are all about fun! And we offer all sorts of classes for those with disabilities or restraints, including Aqua Zumba® (the ultimate pool party) — perfect for those who have mobility issues or are seeking joint-friendly movements that benefit flexibility and even Zumba® Gold, perfect for the active older adult where the moves are toned down and more basic, and reflect music from different genres.
How many times in a week should it be practised?
I would recommend taking Zumba® classes at least 3 times per week to start seeing results, but really you should do it at your own pace and however you want to. We also have a variety of specialty programs that focus on certain aspects, for instance Zumba® Toning, Zumba® Sentao and Zumba® Step, so combining all these programs together will allow you to target different parts of your body.
There are several forms of Zumba® these days, which is the best-suited for the Indian body type?
Zumba® has multiple forms! There’s Zumba® toning with dumbbells, Aqua Zumba® for people who want to take their workout to the pool! There’s Zumba® Gold for active adults and even Zumba® kids! The Indian dody is beautiful and can be worked on with various forms of Zumba®, it depends on the person and what he/she would enjoy. Whatever form of Zumba® makes them the happiest.
How much weight can one lose in how much time with Zumba®?
You can lose around 1000 calories in an hour and you wouldn’t even realise it. It’s exercise in disguise!
Can men get ripped with Zumba®?
Zumba® is a TOTAL body workout, and an extremely effective cardio exercise; most men tend to lack in their cardio training so the Zumba® workout is very beneficial for them. You’ll walk away with sore body parts that you never knew you had. In many countries, we also offer specialty programs that incorporate chairs, steps and weights to help further tone the body (Zumba® Toning, Zumba® Sentao and Zumba® Step). The best thing, though, is that Zumba is really fun, so you actually enjoy your workout rather than standing in front of a mirror lifting weights or running on a treadmill.
What message would you like to give Indians to inspire them to take up Zumba®?
I have been watching Bhangra on TV for the longest time and can see how much people in India love to celebrate, dance and have a great time! Zumba® is the perfect way to incorporate celebrations and get healthy at the same time! Here’s how to get fit with Masala Bhangra.
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