Musical Zumba workouts in Pohara
Zumba, a new fitness craze combining Latin and international music, has reached Golden Bay and instructor Sybille Feint, photo left, is absolutely enthusiastic about it.
“Zumba is all about the music, fun and burning calories. Zumba is for young and old people, men, women and people of all shapes,” said Sybille. “It is new to New Zealand but it has been around for about 10 years. It is based on Cuban salsa but every piece has its own rhythm and it’s never boring.”
Music, the key ingredient to Zumba classes, dictates which major muscle group in the body is targeted for exercise. The score is created with specific beats and tempo changes, and transitions the workout from one toning, strengthening or cardio move to another.
Sybille, from Wainui Bay, trained as a fitness manager in Germany and has taught aerobics and related dance-based programmes for seven years. After a break, during which she has been raising two small children, she is ready to teach again. A teacher’s weekend in Wellington inspired her to introduce Zumba here.
The Zumba programme borrows Latin flavour from a range of dance styles, including cumbia, salsa, mambo, flamenco, chachacha, merengue, reggaeton, samba, belly dancing, bhangra, hip hop and tango. It was created by dancer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez during the 1990s in Colombia.
Classes are held at the Pohara Hall on Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm. The first class is free. For more information ring Sybille on 525 7138.
Ina Holst
