Bye-Bye Boring Workouts, Hello Zumba

Fun, fun, and more fun. That's how I describe the Zumba Gold class offered at the  I've taken Zumba classes, and this the kind of exercise routine we older participants need—something that takes care of our bodies and uplifts our spirits.

Zumba classes usually feature exotic rhythms set to high energy, calorie burning Latin and international beats like salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton. When you join this class it is like joining a fitness party. 

Zumba Gold targets older folks, especially those who loved dancing in their younger days. It modifies the moves and beats to suit the slower moving older participants.  

The zesty instructor of the class is Kathy Schmidt. She also teaches Tai Chi to seniors at the community center. 

Schmidt has around 30 students aged 50 and up in her Zumba gold classes. The class is friendly and full of camaraderie.   

As a recent Zumba Gold class got under way, Schmidt encouraged the students to do a lot of stretching, twisting, and even shouting and hooting.   

Rudy Ortega, one of the students, said he loves the class because it keeps him in shape and he loves the music.

Another student, Pam Wright, who's a retired city worker, said  "the teacher is fantastic and Zumba is fun exercise.”  

The birth of the Zumba dance movement was accidental. In the mid 1990s, Alberto Perez, from Cali, Colombia, hurried off to teach an aerobics class and forgot his traditional aerobics music.

He improvised by using tapes from his backpack, including salsa and merengue music. His students loved it.

In 2001, Perez moved to Miami, Florida and joined entrepreneurs Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion to create the Zumba Fitness Program.

Now, 10 million people take weekly Zumba classes at more than 90,000 fitness centers in 110 countries around the world, according to the official Zumba website. Zumba is recognized by the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America, and the classes are offered through licensed instructors. 

I am happy San Leandro’s Marina Community Center has joined the new trend and added Zumba to its repertoire of classes.

I find ordinary gym workouts—with machines, weights and fitness equipment—boring. The Zumba dance fitness classes inspire people to keep in shape in a fun way.

So say goodbye to boring workouts, and hello Zumba.

Zumba Gold is held on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. To join, visit www.sanleandrorec.org or call 510-577-3462.