Zumba Fitness

Wednesday, 01 February 2012 18:53

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Meet Me at Maynards, sponsored by Southern Arizona Roadrunners, began in 2009 inviting people to walk or run on Mondays in downtown Tucson. It has expanded into an "urban fitness phenomenon" and now includes the largest dance-fitness routine worldwide: Zumba.

Zumba fitness crosses borders by including music from Africa, Latin America and American hip-hop. Routine moves emmulate the regional dances from where they originated. All in one class you may encounter the samba, tango, salsa, belly dancing and flamenco.

Zumba instructor Beatriz (Betty) Rogel, mother of two teenage girls, has a flamenco dancing background and teaches Zumba to people with a variety of ages at multiple locations throughout Tucson and it's neighboring cities. On Tuesday Jan. 31, she taught at Oro Valley Recreation Center to a group of mostly senior women. However, the dance-fitness program is just as much for men, as it was created by a man.

Alberto Perez founded the program somewhat by accident. According to the Zumba Fitness website, the Columbian aerobics instructor forgot his traditional routine music and improvised by using a personal mix. The 1990s "accident" became a global craze.

When you cross international borders, don't be surprised to find the class being taught as it is in more than 125 countries, the website boasts. Zumba also brings a bit of international flair to fitness apparel. Zumba creates a demand of clothing such as the belly skirt or belly dance coin skirt as well as bright colored and excentric workout apparel with the Zumba logo.

Join the fun at multiple locations in Tucson for the Monday event.

Written by Audrey A. Fitzsimmons

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