This class format combines fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body in an aerobic-fitness fashion to achieve a unique blended balance of aerobic, interval and resistance training. The benefits are that it maximizes caloric output, increases cardiovascular strength and provides a total body toning. It uses steps such as Salsa, Cha Cha and Merengue and is designed to be simple enough that non-dancers can easily pick up the steps.

Deb Gulbrandson, physical therapist and owner of Cary Physical Therapy was recently certified to teach Zumba classes.

“My motivation for offering Zumba at Cary PT, is that is provides an aerobic component to our Pilates classes,” she said. “We are committed to offering safe, effective classes in the rehab-to-fitness continuum. We don’t want to just get our patients back to a neutral place but help them become even healthier than before they became injured. Many of our clients have had total joint replacements, suffer from chronic back or neck problems or just like the fact that our programs are run by medical professionals”.

Zumba was started in Columbia as a fun alternative to exercise. Beto Perez, who was an aerobic dance instructor forgot his music one day and ran to the car to grab some Latin music that he enjoyed listening to. He made up a dance routine on the spot and his class loved it. Zumba was born. It has been called “exercise in disguise” because it’s so much fun.

Because Zumba incorporates hip and pelvic motion it really works the core muscles.

“This was one of the things that really appealed to me,” says Gulbrandson. “We are very strict with our patients and Pilates clients in strengthening from the inside out. It makes nothing but sense. Some of the fitness programs focus more on the biceps/ triceps, quads or superficial abs (what I call the veneer muscles). The result is the ‘tail wags the dog’ syndrome. Core stability is key and Zumba provides that strengthening and awareness.”

While not everyone is “Dancing With The Stars” material, each person can get a good workout. Estimates of caloric burning range from 500- 700/ hour.
“There is no right or wrong way for our clients in Zumba, other than the safety factor. Each person has their own “flavor” and puts their own level of spicyness into it,” says Gulbrandson.

“Our clients love it. As the Zumba tag line says, ‘Ditch the workout. Join the Party!’" .