Exercise Class Review: Zumba

"Are you ready to party yourself into shape? That’s exactly what the Zumba® program is all about. It’s an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party™ that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health."

I'm yet to try a Zumba class, I keep meaning to but the class that's easily accessible is on the same day I teach 2 spin classes so I'm always exhausted. I will soon though so I can share my thoughts on it :)

This is another review by Ogo (she reviewed Fitter London Kettlebells last week), her review is on a class in Lagos, Nigeria. I will hopefully (finally) try out a class here in London and post a review soon...

I have taken Zumba classes for a couple of years now, and I am absolutely addicted. Zumba is a form of exercise that combines elements of Latin, swing and ballroom dance (and sometimes hip-hop dance as well). A typical class at De Baile, for example, incorporates bachatta, cha-cha, jive, samba, merengue and salsa moves, along with lots of body conditioning exercises.

The instructor builds high-intensity movements into each dance style, and then allows you to slow down a little before kicking it up again, so Zumba utilises high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Each of these dance styles has its own unique movements and qualities – for example the jive is a really energetic and fast-paced dance, the cha-cha is sassy with lots of fierce attitude, and the samba is earthy and sensuous. Each dance style also targets certain parts of your body while engaging the entire body – for example the samba provides a great core workout, while the cha-cha is great for the hips and thighs.

I love to dance – I just love to move my body to the beat of music, which is why Zumba is the perfect form of exercise for me. It allows me to do what I enjoy while still getting a good workout. After consistent ‘Zumba-ing’, I’ve definitely noticed greater flexibility, more energy, a more toned body (especially my legs and butt), and most satisfyingly, I am much more aware of, and in tune with, my body. I also love that Zumba never gets boring, because I’m constantly trying to improve my technique. There is always something new, fun and challenging to learn, especially because my instructor, Bunmi Olunloyo, constantly introduces more advanced steps and dance routines to literally keep us on our toes. And after dancing my heart out in each class, it feels really good to do my stretches at the end of the class as a reward for all that hard work.

I would definitely recommend Zumba for anyone looking for a fun, fast-paced, energetic and effective workout. It’s really easy to follow if you have a good instructor, and it’s really enjoyable into the bargain. You just might feel a little silly shaking your hips to the Latin beat in your very first class, but trust me, before long, you’ll be hooked.

Venue: De Baile Studio, 33 Moloney Street, Lagos
Times: Mondays & Fridays at 6.30pm, Saturdays at 10.30am
Contact no: 08023005649

Another company running classes in Lagos is Zumba Fitness Nigeria

I've heard some good reviews from others about these classes.
Venues/Times:
BNatural Spa, 11 Oduduwa Way GRA, Ikeja on Monday & Thursday, 6pm to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 9am.
DaYoga Studios at Zebra Living, 33 Sinari Daranijo Street, Victoria Island on Tuesdays 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
Contact: Facebook Page

Community Center, Glover Court, Ikoyi on Mondays and Thursdays 6:30pm and Saturdays 9:00am.
Contact: Website

Do you attend Zumba classes? Where? Would you recommend?