Zumba Party held at Riverwalk Casino

WHAT IS ZUMBA? Zumba is the name of a dance fitness program, created by dancer and choreographer Alberto (“Beto”) Perez in Colombia during the 1990s. Zumba was marketed by entrepreneur Alberto Perlman, who made the concept popular through dance classes as well as branded merchandise. The program combines Latin and international music with dance in an effort to make exercise fun. Zumba classes are offered through licensed instructors in more than 100,000 fitness center locations in 110 countries with ten million participants. The Zumba program is recognized by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, IDEA Health and Fitness Association, and the American Council on Exercise. Music is the key ingredient to Zumba classes. The score, created with specific beats and tempo changes, transitions the workout from one toning, strengthening or cardio move to another, and targets every major muscle group in the body. The Zumba program borrows from the Cumbia, salsa, merengue, mambo, flamenco, cha-cha-cha, Reggaeton, samba, belly dancing, Bhangra, hip-hop, and tango dance styles. For those who aren’t inclined to workout in group situations, there are DVDs and even a video game for you to workout with in your home. DVDs are available from many different local and online retailers. Zumba Fitness, the video game released in November 2010, is available for Wii, PlayStation 3 with Playstation Move and Xbox 360 with Kinect. WHERE CAN I ZUMBA IN VICKSBURG? Monica Hughey, the host of this event, is a certified Zumba instructor with over three years of teaching experience. “I am also a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. I founded Fit2ts in 2007. I believe in making lifestyle changes, no diets or fad programs. Consistency is the key and remember that Rome was not built in one day. I believe in showing individuals the exercise can be fun and can fit into a busy schedule. “I love working with individuals and helping them discover the connections between mind, body and spirit. Everything in moderation equals a steady state of happiness, health, and well-being.” Contact Monica Hughey to learn more about Zumba. Her number is 601-415-2986, or just drop her an e-mail at fit2ts@hotmail.com There are also Zumba classes listed at Shape Up Sisters, Anytime Fitness and Wyatt’s Gym.  The class times for Shape Up Sisters and Anytime Fitness were not available, but Zumba Instructor Elyssa Lassiter (who also happens to be Miss Vicksburg) holds classes on Thursdays from 5:30 – 6:30 at Wyatt’s Gym. WHAT DOES ZUMBA LOOK LIKE? We’re sure you can Google the word Zumba and get some videos or photos, but we went ahead and included some photos from the event last night for your viewing pleasure. [gallery link="file" order="DESC"]]]]]> ]]>