Zumba refreshes fitness center workouts Published Jan. 3, 2011 By 2nd Lt. Angela Martin 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- With its fusion of Latin and international music and easy-to-follow dance steps, it is no surprise that the Zumba fitness craze is going strong at many fitness centers across the Air Force. "Zumba is awesome because it is like dancing for an hour," said Makamae Burgess, a fitness center patron here. "The beats are a lot of fun to move to, and it is a great cardio workout." Zumba is a fat-burning aerobics class that uses dance styles from salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggeaton, flamenco, samba, cha-cha-cha and belly dancing to create a core workout. Zumba participants use interval training based on the rhythms of the music. "Zumba participants shake their hips, wave their arms, swing their hair and shimmy in a way usually reserved for night clubs," said Elaine Trevino, a certified fitness instructor. "Zumba has plenty of hip movements with the potential for reshaping all parts of your body, including your midsection, arms, legs, heart and mind. It is a great workout for the whole body without you even realizing you are exercising," Ms. Trevino said. "When my husband died, I was so depressed, but Zumba helped lift my spirits," said 70-year old Celia Cummings, a fitness center patron. "Now I cheer everyone on in the back. I tell the young girls, 'If I can do it, you can do it!' I can move just as good as the young ones." Zumba may be especially popular because of the diverse community interested in trying something new, Ms. Trevino said. "Some people like returning to the music of their roots while other people want a different type of workout. It is intriguing for everyone," she said. Contact your local fitness center to determine if Zumba classes are being offered.