MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Community members swung their hips and moved their feet to the tunes of upbeat Latin music in the weekly Zumba class at the IronWorks Gym here March 3.
Zumba is an aerobic fitness program with music based on salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, calypso, samba, African, cha cha, hip hop and other music.
It was created in Columbia during the 1990s by celebrity fitness trainer Beto Perez.
“Zumba is basically a workout class you dance in,” said Katrina Alexander, certified group fitness and Zumba instructor.
The Zumba class offered by Marine Corps Community Services has been around for about a year and seems to grow as time progresses.
“They probably average about 15 to 20 people per class,” said Darci Kruse, health promotions assistant director here.
The Zumba class is open to anyone who is allowed on base at any skill level; just wear appropriate exercise attire.
“It’s supposed to be fun while you incorporate exercise into your lifestyle,” said Alexander. “One of the mottos is ditch your workout and join the party.”
The class held March 3 had approximately 10 participants swinging their hips and moving their feet to the latest and greatest of Latin music.
“Zumba is held pretty often,” said Alexander. “I teach it on Wednesdays, but there is a Zumba class on Friday afternoons and also on Saturdays.”
MCCS has four instructors trained to teach Zumba classes, so the classes are more available for patrons looking to get in shape and have fun doing it.
“It basically is a workout to make you think that you’re dancing and having a party, so to speak,” said Alexander. “It’s tricking you into a workout. At the same time, you’re burning calories and fat while toning your body.”
Zumba is not just a class for individuals, but it can also be a unit physical training session if a unit is interested.
To sign up for a unit class, call MCCS Semper Fit division at 253-5225 to reserve a date and time. “I would love for more people to come out,” said Alexander.
“I guarantee they will get a good workout as well as have a good time.” For more information on Zumba or any other classes, call the MCCS Semper Fit Division.