Walk through the wide open door and you just might think you’ve stepped into a nightclub.

Inside, Latin music booms, and the deep bass penetrates to the bone. Silhouettes, mostly women, tall, short, some with fit bodies, others not so much — move more or less in unison.

Salsa step left to right, left-knee-clap. Hip shake.

Salsa step front to back, right-knee-clap. Hip shake.

Arms flutter, feet stomp, derrieres shake — every move accented by whoops and yelps and high-pitched, energetic voices.

If you don’t quickly recognize this as a Zumba® class, then you haven’t been paying attention. The Latin-inspired dance workout is the hottest exercise craze these days.

I was first introduced to Zumba® Fitness in January 2010 when I joined a local gym. Other than hearing rave reviews from my friends I did not know anything about the class. I quickly learned that Zumba® Fitness is a Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that combines red-hot international music and contagious, easy-to-follow steps to form a “fitness-party” that is downright addictive. I knew the first time I took the class that it would become an important part of my life. My love of dance, coupled with my passion for health and fitness led me to become certified to teach Zumba®. I enjoy teaching a fitness class that gets my participants smiling, dancing, having fun and most importunately, burning calories.

The class offers a full body workout with the potential to improve cardiovascular health, aid in weight loss, and improve coordination and flexibility.

North Charleston resident, Karen Hanna, tried her first Zumba®Fitness class in May 2011 and attends my class regularly. Hanna attributes her increased energy, flexibility and toned muscles to Zumba® Fitness. She says the fun atmosphere and music are what keep her coming back. “I like the variety; you’ve got belly dancing, Latin music, hip hop and more, it’s a good mix. The class energy is fun and an hour goes by so fast,” Hanna said. Zumba® participant, Carol Pauley, also believes Zumba® Fitness can directly affect mood. “Sometimes I can be cranky and in a bad mood when I come to class, but I always leave inspired and in good mood, ask my husband!” Pauley says.

Testimonials like Hanna’s and Pauley’s are commonplace among those who have attended Zumba. More than 12 million Zumba® enthusiasts attend weekly classes in over 110,000 locations in more than 125 countries. The brainchild of Colombian born fitness instructor, Beto Perez, has quickly become the world’s largest dance-fitness program. In addition to the original Zumba® class, there are now six variations of Zumba classes:

* Zumba® Gold targets the older adult.
* Zumbatomic® is designed exclusively for kids (ages 4-12).
* In Zumba® Toning classes, students learn how to use lightweight, maraca-like toning sticks to enhance rhythm and tone all their target zones, including arms, abs and thighs.
* Aqua Zumba® integrates the Zumba formula and philosophy and blends it all together into a safe, challenging, water-based workout that’s cardio-conditioning and body-toning.
* Zumba®in the Circuit is 30 minute sessions combining Latin-inspired dance-fitness moves with circuit training, a series of strength exercises at timed intervals.

For more information on Zumba® Fitness, visit www.Zumba.com.