Let's Zumba!!!

Zumba which is a system of exercise performed to upbeat Latin music, has taken Kathmandu by storm. Here we tell you how to get started in this new craze. 

With the tendency these days of the young generation to stay fit and maintain their health, going to the gym has been a part of everyone’s daily routine. Everyone wants to look and feel good but it does come at a cost -- lots of hard work and determination. But with the introduction of Zumba, which has been gaining quite the popularity in gym these days, who knew working out could actually be this fun? It is an infusion of Latin-style dance that has changed the scenario of fitness over the world. It is also making its mark here in Nepal, where it has gained followers from all age groups who seem to simply love this.  We got into conversation with Ms. Sussane Tamang, certified Zumba trainer who has been teaching and learning Zumba for the past 2 years, to talk about her experience as a trainer and her favorite beats to dance to. 

Can you give us a brief about what Zumba is and what it incorporates as a whole?

Alberto “Beto” Perez invented this form of exercise in 1998 AD. Zumba is more of a fun way of exercising without having to dread to lift all that heavy weights and have the freedom to dance, do a full body workout and lose calories at the same time. The best part about it is that, it welcomes everyone, regardless of age and gets you in shape without you even realizing that you are working out.   

Are there different types of Zumba exercise that focus on weight loss of different parts or is it taken altogether for workouts?
Over the years, many forms of Zumba have been invented by trained professionals all over the world such as mambo, soca, samba, merengue etc. But here in Nepal, what we mostly focus on is Bollywood and freestyle Zumba where steps are rather easy to catch on by everyone. I focus on cardio and aerobics that are hardcore yet fun. One hour of workout helps to burn a good deal of 300-900 calories that can get you in shape like no other. 

Can you share some of the weight loss stories you have encountered yourself in all these years of being a trainer?
I have encountered many of my students losing over 2-3 kgs every month and many are still progressing. Unlike heavy weightlifting, it is not compulsory that people follow a very strict diet. They can take their exercise and diet hand-in-hand and a little cheat meal won’t hurt anybody. 

Is Zumba only related to weight loss or can it also be used as a therapy?
For me, Zumba is a therapy and ever since being in this profession, I have realized that coming to this job and working out every day relieves all the stress that I have. People who are shy and feel like they don’t know how to dance have also come here and let go of their inhibitions and learnt how to coordinate. It is a therapy that helps you socialize, enjoy, lose weight and feel empowered at the same time.  

Does Zumba require personal training or one can do it at home without any training? If so, what are the few things that they need to be aware of?
I think that for Zumba there is actually no need for a personal trainer but doing it alone at home is no fun. But if people feel comfortable around their own space then what they can surely do is attend Zumba classes for a few months and continue it at their home after they learn the important steps. They can also watch and learn from Youtube and many Zumba dance videos found online. 

For me, it serves as a way to connect people together who have similar issues. People can talk about it, dance together and make themselves feel calm and collected. So working out in a team is always the better option.  It is an empowering exercise that comprises of team work that helps to motivate others around you as well. So if you are doing Zumba, the more the merrier. 

Can you give us some good music recommendations for Zumba?
Well, I suggest any song that fuels up the dancer in you, that makes you feel alive and energetic. My personal preference has been Bollywood songs and doing cardio and aerobics with it is the most fun way of exercising.