Confessions of a Zumba addict

Hi, my name is Raven, and I'm a Zumba addict…

It seems like a fantasy to be able to burn up to 1000 calories in an hour without exhausting yourself at the gym or feeling like a hamster on a wheel.

However, Zumba makes this fantasy a reality, and burning anywhere from 500-1000 an hour is normal in this aerobic class, plus it is no more strenuous than going to a party!

Zumba is an aerobic interval training session that uses a combination of fast and slow international rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography.

Just a few of the dance styles involved are hip-hop, bollywood, salsa, meringue, reggaeton, cha-cha and flamenco, according the web site, www.zumba.com.

The program is designed to tone and sculpt your body by using fat-burning cardio in conjunction with resistance training dance moves. It works out everything from the core, legs and arms to the "glutes".

I first discovered this exhilarating experience at the Too Your Health Spa www.tooyourhealthspa.org, right by the college, at 2841 SW 20th St.

I had heard of this workout program before and for someone who loves dance, I was excited to see for myself if it was as fun as the web site had claimed.

Once I started going, I was hooked! I looked forward to my Zumba class every Tuesday and started preaching the Zumba gospel to all my friends; I was determined to increase the following.

A few weeks into my crusade I finally got my best friend to come along and by doing so I succeeded in spreading the infection. He took it upon himself to track down all the Zumba classes in Ocala, and it has now become a regular part of his workout routine and mine.

I have truly become a "Zumba whore", skipping around town from class to class every night of the week that I can. From multiple Too Your Health Spas to Cloud 9 to the Marion County Builders Association to The Ranch at On Top of the World, I have conquered just about all the Zumba that Ocala has to offer.

What I love about all the classes is that although they are all Zumba classes, each instructor puts their own personality into the work-out.

On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5 when I'm in the mood for a good butt-kicking workout I go see Traci with Ocala Zumba (who just opened a new studio at the old Ocala Elite in Skylark Plaza). Also, on Saturdays at The Ranch (OTOW) Traci conducts Aqua Zumba (which is not just for seniors!).

When I want a little more Latin flavor to my day I visit either Lauren at Too Your Health Spa II on Tuesday nights at 7 or Maritza at Too Your Health Spa I on Tuesday and Thursday at 10 p.m.. She also spices up the classes with some free weights and floor work.

And when I really want to party I head over to Cloud 9 on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. for a good booty-shakin' with Cynthia.

So if anyone hates working out like I do but is determined to stick to their New Year's resolution, Zumba is the way to go. I guarantee there won't be any disappointment, only results!