Christi Roman has brought Zumba, a high-energy, Latin-inspired dance class to Northern Michigan — and tightened a couple notches on her own belt since becoming an instructor.
“I don’t know the exact sizes, but I know that most of my clothes don’t fit anymore,” said Roman, 27, of Charlevoix.
Zumba isn’t new; it’s been gaining popularity as a fun, energetic workout across the country. It is new to Northern Michigan, however, and Roman explained that Zumba incorporates mainly Latin movements and rhythms as well as a mix of exotic moves to create a unique type of workout.
Participants dance up a sweat doing the salsa, meringue, bachata, tango, cha cha, Latin hip hop (aka Reggaeton), belly dancing and more. Routines feature aerobic interval training with combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body.
Roman, certified in Zumba instruction, said the workout targets the core of the body, and the glutes, arms, legs, abdominals and heart. It’s considered a high/low cardiovascular fitness class.
“It engages your core muscles more because of the waist and hip movements,” Roman said.
Zumba was structured to follow the principles of interval training, which helps maximize caloric output. Participants typically burn between 500-800 calories during one hour.
She stressed that those who attend the class do not need to know how to dance; once the routines begin, along with repetition of weekly sessions, the moves come naturally.
“If you love music, this is the class for you,” she wrote in her program literature. “All you need is a fun attitude.”
Also, participants of different ages and skill levels are welcomed, with the routines adaptable to differing paces and abilities.
And one final Zumba benefit, Roman noted: “It focuses on the core and not only your body, but your mind as well.” 

Zumba classes

Christi Roman’s Zumba classes are held:
Mondays and Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Charlevoix High School
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., North Central Michigan College, Petoskey
Classes are an hour long and begin with a warm-up and end with a cool-down. About 40-45 minutes are devoted to cardio.
Participants should wear comfortable workout clothes that aren’t restrictive to allow for the full range of movements.
The best shoes for the class are dance shoes or supportive cross-trainers.
Bring plenty of water.
Drop-in fee is $10 per class, or a punch card for six classes costs $50. Preregistration is not required.
Contact Roman for more info, (231) 330-6506, or e-mail ChristisZumba@yahoo.com.
 

Burning it off

Participants typically burn between 500-800 calories during one hour of Zumba.