Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic workout system that will blow you away. Achieve long term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exhilarating hour class !

Zumba may be spelled similarly to rumba, but this dance fitness craze actually has people doing cha-cha, merengue, salsa and mambo moves. Even people whose closest connection to Latin dance was doing the Macarena in 1996.

This summer, members of the YMCA of Greater Moncton will be shaking and shimmying to an infectious Latin beat! Zumba, pronounced zoom-bah, has women and men of all age toning up, trimming down, and whittling their waists.

While Zumba is aerobic, to call it exercise would be missing the point. Its avid fans -- and most need only one class to become one -- say doing Zumba is like being at a dance party.

If you don't have a natural sense of rhythm, you soon will. Or you'll just shake your hips and fake it till you feel it. The music makes you feel it pretty fast.

What makes Zumba different? It's more like dancing than exercise, and that's something that's been missing in large part from fitness classes, says Chris Robicheau, Manager of Health, Fitness and Recreation at the YMCA of Greater Moncton.

"Zumba is so popular, and it's all word of mouth," said Robicheau. "People have so much fun, and they tell their friends, 'You've got to try this class.'

Member Testimonials

• "It's a real shot in the arm for anyone bored with their exercise program."
• "I'm sweating, but it's so much fun and I love the music… It makes you appreciate how hard people on 'Dancing With the Stars' work."
• "What I love about Zumba is it's not restrictive… You get the music, but then you can add some of your own dance moves.  In doubt, I just shake it !"
• "This music appeals to every culture. You hear it, and you want to dance."