Zumba becoming popular in Urlabari

By Our Correspondent,Urlabari, Aug. 14: Zumba, the vibrant dance movement therapy, is gaining popularity worldwide not just as fun-filled steps of dance, but also as a beneficial fitness regime.

Not only for entertainment but also for health and weight loss, Zumba dance is becoming more popular among people of all age groups.  

Zumba's attraction is amplified because it combines upbeat music with spirited dance steps, making it an enjoyable workout. 

Saraswati Karki Shrestha, a Zumba instructor with the Creator Arts Foundation, said that the delightful and rhythmic nature of Zumba is a big attraction. Recognising its health and mental wellness benefits, women seem to gravitate towards Zumba more than men.

Shrestha shares her own journey, “My passion for dance was always there, but academic pursuits took precedence. After putting on some weight, I ventured into various weight-loss strategies with little success. However, Zumba transformed that experience. Dancing became an exhilarating way to shed those extra weights, strengthening my belief in the health benefits of dance.”

Anju Sangbo from Urlabari has been an enthusiast of Zumba dance for the past year. Initially drawn to it with the aim of losing weight, she also recognised its benefits for overall health. From his personal experience, Sangbo acknowledges a significant weight loss since she began Zumba.

Sangbo believes that Zumba's popularity has surged because it offers a fun way to reduce weight.

 However, she emphasises that effective weight loss through Zumba can only be achieved if one also maintains a balanced calorie intake.

There are a plethora of Zumba variations tailored to different demographics and settings. These include Zumba Gold, Aqua Zumba (conducted in pools), Zumba Kids for the younger enthusiasts, and even Zumba cento, which utilises chairs, perfect for beginners and seniors.

Zumba is an energetic blend of four main rhythms: salsa, reggaeton, merengue, and cumbia.

 Zumba was created in the 1990s by dancer and choreographer Beto Pérez, an aerobics instructor in Cali, Colombia and has since gained global recognition, with enthusiasts in 185 countries and counting.