Text size:

Zumba puts pizzazz in your exercise

By Daisy Carrington, amNewYork Deputy Features Editor | daisy.carrington@am-ny.com

August 21, 2007

I don't know about you, but this soggy, end-of-summer weather is making me crave a little spice, and not the kind you eat. After all, why pack on pounds with guacamole when you can shed them dancing salsa? And if you like your salsa with a little extra pizzazz, then you should definitely upgrade to Zumba, an intensive, Latin dance workout.

"The benefit of Zumba is that it's fun," says Lisa Eskenazi, an instructor at Midtown gym Smart Workout. "The music and choreography is so vivacious, it's easy to forget you're working out." Eskenazi has devised a fun, full-body workout plan incorporating many elements of South American dance.

Mernegue basic
Bend your knees toward each other so they are kissing. Alternate stepping from your right foot to your left foot while simultaneously swinging your arms from side to side. This move works your obliques and abdominals, as well as your hips, glutes and hamstring muscles.

Cumbia ball and chain
Take four quick steps to the right. Step out with your right foot while dragging your left foot. Raise your arms so that they're parallel to the floor, bending your one arm at the elbow while the other is extended. While you step, switch the movement between your arms. This exercise works your shoulders, back, hips and thighs.

Salsa clap
Step back with your right foot and keep your arms bent. While pulling back, clap and switch to the left foot. This move woks your triceps, biceps, shoulders chest and calves.