Opinions
Getting high on vitamin Z
by Lucille Nolasco
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ZIN Lucille Nolasco in her Hawaiian outfit |
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Leony Bodino and Maribel Nolasco enjoyed the Hawaiian Zumba Fundraiser by ZIN Rhiz Aco, February 18, 2017 |
She’s almost always the first one to arrive in our class. Myrna Yambao Gloria started attending Zumba classes in October 2016 and she has loved it since then. Myrna said her main motivation was to lose weight.
“So far so good! says Myrna. [Zumba] is good exercise; it really helps with my health, since my doctor told me I needed to lose weight. So now, after regularly attending Zumba, I don’t experience laboured breathing anymore, and I’m able to maintain my ideal weight.”
Fun-loving Arleene Olivares-Grute is not fond of the gym. So upon my invitation, she tried out our Zumba class and she too loved it.
“I like attending Zumba as I am having fun doing exercise with a group of friends,” Arleene said. “There are so many positive changes, especially when I’m stressed and need to clear out my mind. Also, since I am diabetic, I needed to exercise and sweat. And I noticed that it gave me more energy and strength. I’m happy I get all these from Zumba.”
Beto and the beginnings of Zumba
Colombian trainer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez is the genius behind the Zumba Fitness Program. Upon arriving to teach class one day in Cali, Colombia, Beto realized he had left his traditional aerobics music at home. He quickly improvised with his personal salsa and merengue tapes from his backpack, popped them into the sound system and taught his first Zumba class.
After a successful career in Colombia, Beto decided to move to the United States. He sold all his belongings and travelled to Miami in search of the American Dream. He didn’t speak a word of English then. But because of his unceasing dedication he managed to overcome obstacles along the way.
Zumba Fitness, LLC as an accredited worldwide program
In 2001, Alberto Perlman (CEO) and Alberto Aghion (Presidente and COO) teamed up with Beto and created a fitness phenomenon. They didn’t expect that the Zumba program would become a worldwide fitness sensation so quickly. By 2007, the Zumba program had 10,00 instructors, was available in over 30 countries, sold over three million DVDs, and had almost a million and a half people taking Zumba classes on a weekly basis.
Today, fueled by the love and passion of Zumba instructors and st
udents alike, millions more are taking Zumba classes regularly around the world.
My very own vitamin Z
It was April, 2016 when I started attending a Friday class of Zumba with a group of friends. I wasn’t really overweight and I thought my health was pretty. It was really for exercise since I was not quite physically active.
Imagine my delight when I thoroughly enjoyed myself grooving to the different Latin beats and some pop songs. I didn’t realize I was sweating and exerting effort, only that I was doing what I like, which is dancing.
After a few more classes, I was hooked on my new vitamin. I felt more energetic and active. I felt healthier and happier. With every drop of sweat comes the knowledge that I am doing something good for myself.
Last September 2, I became a Zumba instructor; an official member of the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN). My main goal is to share this fitness program with my friends and family. (It’s a one-hour dance party, really.) So they too, can reach their health and fitness goals in a fun, easy, and non-intimidating way.
“I absolutely recommend Zumba to all my friends, especially our class, it’s so much fun, as we treat each other like family,” Arleene said.
“It’s really helping me a lot, and I really recommend everybody to try Zumba,” Myrna said.
For myself, my love for dancing has met a kindred spirit in Zumba, my very own vitamin Z.
Note: To be active every day is a step towards better health and a healthy body weight. It is recommended that adults accumulate at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity, each week and that children and youth accumulate at least 60 minutes per day. You don’t have to do it all at once. Choose a variety of activities, spread throughout t
he week. Start slowly and build up. – Health Canada
Lucille Nolasco is an announcer and creative writer at CKJS Radio 810 AM in Winnipeg. She hosts Afternoon Pasada, Monday through Friday, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. She is an ardent believer that “health is wealth” and she is a certified Zumba instructor. You can send your message or comments to Lucille at lucillern@gmail.com.
