Zumba is a hot new dance and fitness craze that is sweeping the nation. If you want to exercise, lose weight, and have a great time then you should definitely consider taking Zumba classes, or buying the Zumba dvds.

Zumba is a hot new dance and fitness craze that is sweeping the nation. When you want to exercise, lose weight, and have a great time then you should definitely consider taking Zumba lessons, or getting the Zumba dvds. Many people feel quite uncomfortable while going for Zumba classes which is one of the major problems. A lot of newbies to the exercise program experience some difficulty understanding all the movements instantly. A great way to learn the moves fast is by buying this cheap Zumba DVD set.

Right footwear for Zumba

If you are planning to do Zumba at home or perhaps in a classroom you will need to get the right shoes. A lot of people think that simple running shoes are good enough, however running shoes have a lot of traction. If your shoes plenty of press then you will not be able to twist and turn the way you want to. Since Zumba is a dance and fitness program you should consider using dance shoes. For further information on exactly what the right shoes are go to this page about Zumba shoes

Is it possible to lose weight?

Absolutely! many people have lost weight using this program. The excellent thing about it is you will be having pleasure when working out and this is a big stimulating aspect when it comes to keeping with a weight reduction plan. Zumba involves dance and music which generates body movements and work-out for the entire body. The music that they make use of has a traditionally Latin feel and rhythm to it.They also use Middle Eastern and African influences to keep the music up-tempo. The movements that you will be carrying out are designed to stimulate each and every muscle tissue in your entire body. Just by clicking the link above, you can have a whole body workout and experience great fun while losing weight with cheap Zumba DVD .

StrengthTraining Prevents Loss of Muscle Mass

The study, published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, found that exercise, particularly strength training, affected mood in individuals over 62. According to Arent, one reason for that is what strength training does for seniors' self-esteem. "Strength training prevents loss of muscle mass and bone density, conditions that can interfere with the independence and quality of life of an older person," he says. "Mundane tasks that were once difficult, such as grocery shopping, are no longer an issue." And when an older person can resume abandoned physical activities, like playing with grand-kids or gardening, it's amazing how quickly his or her depression lifts.

Eye Exercise
Rub your hands together to make them warm. (You can shake them or hold them in front of a heat vent if you prefer) Then close your eyes. Cover your eyes with your warm hands. Make sure your hands do not touch your eyelids and that you do not rest your cheekbones on your hands. If you want to place the weight of your head on your hands, put the weight on the forehead. Then look at the dark. If you see spots or zaps of light, wait till you see the dark. Don't hurry. Do this at least twice a day for 5 to 15 minutes.

Exercise also helps lower your blood pressure. Your lungs will also benefit from exercise as they become better conditioned so that activities such as climbing stairs will not make you out of breath. Muscles that are not used become small and inelastic, but aerobic exercise will help tone your body by increasing muscle size, strength and flexibility while burning calories. Exercise can also help alleviate stress and make you more productive, so choose something that you enjoy and stick with it.

Arm Exercise
1. bend your arms so that there is a 90 degrees angle at the elbow
2. swing the arms forward and backward so the elbow is high at the back
3. try not to swing the arms to high or across the body in the front (hands should not be above shoulder height nor should they cross the midpoint of your body
4. keep the angle at the elbows at 90 degrees throughout the swings

It seems that almost everyone from time to time will use family life as an excuse for not having any time to exercise, missing out on even a single exercise benefit.

Why Dance Lessons are Good for your Heart

Keeping our hearts healthy is important. Cardiovascular exercises, which increase heart rate, keep our hearts in shape. Regular exercise has also been shown to lower blood pressure, freeing our heart from some of the effort in moving blood through our system.

But many people don’t get much enjoyment from disciplined workouts. They know they need regular cardiovascular exercise to stay heart-healthy, but what activities are there to steer clear of tedious typical exercise programs?

Many find dancing to be one such activity. Dancing allows you to get your heart pumping and your limbs moving without having to endure the monotony of exercising on a treadmill or at a gym. Dancing regularly keeping not only keeps ones heart healthy, it also helps maintain balance and coordination. Plus, of course, dance lessons and events let you get you out of the house regularly and make and meet friends.

Local organizations, universities, community and, sometimes, churches hold dancing lessons and events that are open to people of all abilities and skill levels. If you haven’t danced in awhile, or even if you’ve never tried it before, it’s never too late to learn. Adding another skill to your list never hurts, and dancing is an ability that comes in handy mighty often. Dance lessons are typically offered by style (ballroom, folk, Latin, swing, etcetera) and ability level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, competitive). Most dances that you’re probably familiar with fall into the category of “ballroom dancing.”

Ballroom dancing is performed with a partner (don’t worry; there are typically a number of “singles” taking lessons. You’ll be able to pair off when you go to the lesson). Everything from the internationally renowned waltz, to the classic American Foxtrot, to the Latin salsa and cha-cha, fall into the category of ballroom dance.

Folk dancing typically refers to square dancing, contra dancing, or one of several Irish, Scottish, or English styles of dance. Folk dances can sometimes be more social than ballroom dances (since partners typically split up and join with others during the course of the dance). Other popular styles of dance include swing, Latin, traditional and many others. Feel free to explore.

Books and videos can also be found online, if you just need a refresher, or would rather get the basics in the comfort of your own home.

If you’re looking for a great way to be heart-smart, stays fit, and meet new people, try dancing. Dance lessons allow us to try something new, exercise, and take part in a social activity all at the same time. Find a style that interests you, pick the appropriate skill level, find a place, and dance!

Weight Loss Exercise

A lot of us live our lives like penned animals. Built to move, too often we put ourselves in a cage. We have bodies designed for racing across the savannas, but we live a lifestyle designed for migrating from the bed to the breakfast table; to the car seat; to the office chair; to the restaurant booth; to the living room couch and back to the bed.

It was not always this way. Not long ago in the United States, a man who worked on a farm did the equivalent of 15 miles of jogging every day; and his wife did the equivalent of 7 miles of jogging.

Today, our daily obligations of work and home keep us tied to our chairs, and if we want exercise, we have to seek it out.

In fact, health experts insist that obesity problem is probably caused at least as much by lack of physical activity as by eating too much. Hence, it is important that people need to move around.

However, that does not mean that a lap or two around the old high school track will offset a daily dose of donuts. Exercise alone is not very efficient, experts say. They contend that if you just exercise and do not change your diet, you may be able to prevent weight gain or even lose a few pounds for a while.

Nevertheless, it is not something that you are likely to sustain unless exercise is part of an overall program. The more regularly you exercise, the easier it is to maintain your weight. Here is what to do every day to make sure that you get the exercise you need.

1. Get quality Zzzs.

Make sure that you get adequate sleep. Good sleep habits are conducive to exercise, experts point out. If you feel worn out during the day, you are less likely to get much physical activity during the day.

In addition, there is evidence that people who are tired tend to eat more, using food as a substance for the rest they need.

2. Walk the walk.

It is probably the easiest exercise program of all. In fact, it may be all you ever have to do, according to some professional advices of some health experts.

Gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of brisk walking five times a week. Brisk walks themselves have health and psychological benefits that are well worth the while.

3. Walk the treadmill.

When the weather is bad, you might not feel like going outdoors. But if you have a treadmill in the television room, you can catch up on your favorite shows while you are doing your daily good turn for your weight-maintenance plan.

Most of us watch television anyway, and indoor exercise equipment enables anyone to turn a sedentary activity into a healthy walk.

4. Seize the time.

Excuses aside, lack of time is certainly a limiting factor in most lifestyles. That is why health experts suggest a basic guideline for incorporating exercise into your schedule.

Get as much exercise as you can that feels good without letting it interfere with your work or family life. If you need to, remind yourself that you are preventing many health problems when you prevent weight gain; and keeping your health is a gift to your family as well as yourself.

The Renowned Conditioning Styles Of The The Latest Mari Winsor's Pilates Method Workout

So many of Hollywood's hottest stars rave about its benefits. You can't walk into a gym without seeing classes. But what is pilates, anyway?

Pilates is actually named for a man named Joseph Pilates. Around 1914, Pilates was a performer and a boxer, living in England. During the outbreak of WWI, Pilates was held in a German prison camp, where he taught a health system, based on yoga, Zen philosophy, and a number of exercises taken from the Romans and the Greeks.

This health system helped the prisoners to fight off illness and maintain their strength. The system that Joseph Pilates taught the prisoners was the start of the current pilates movement.

This modern version of the workout is a series of exercises that improve strength and flexibility through a series of stretching and balancing exercises. Chiropractors often recommend pilates as a way to strengthen the back and spine.

After some time using the pilates system, an individual can typically expect to notice an increased mobility in the joints, improved circulation, a flatter stomach, and thinner waist and thighs.

Typically, those most attracted to the system of workout are dancers, as dance requires a great deal of flexibility and agility as well as strength, all of which the pilates system provides. It is also said that pilates strengthens the body from the inside out, helps to relieve stress and anxiety, and can even aid in the prevention of injury.

Because it is a low impact routine, pilates is very attractive to those needing rehabilitation from injury, the eldery, and the overweight. It increases circulation and reduces weight gradually.

Because of this, many women choose pilates after having a baby in order to shed the post-pregnancy pounds.

No matter what the reason for choosing the workout, pilates is fast becoming one of hottest workout trends, and one of the easiest to adapt to all ages and lifestyles. But like any workout regimen, a person should consult their physician before starting. There may be limitations you may not be aware of, and above all other benefits that a workout may bring, your health should be considered above all else.

What you need and what you get from a Pilates mat exercise

Most people think of Pilates as a new form of exercise because of its recent surge of popularity in the fitness and healthcare industry. In reality, Joseph Pilates invented it about 80 years ago.

Pilates was a sickly child with asthma. To help fight his illness and build his strength, he experimented with various mind-body disciplines and later became an accomplished skier, diver, gymnast, and boxer. While in internment during WWI in England, he taught fellow interns his concepts and exercises that he developed over 20 years of self-study and apprenticeship in yoga, Zen, and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens.

During this time, Pilates began devising the system of original floor exercises known today as “Pilates matwork". Within a few years, he became a nurse to the many internees under care with wartime disease and physical injury. Here, he began devising exercise apparatuses to rehabilitate the patients by taking springs from the beds and rigging them to create spring resistance and "movement" for the bedridden. This “system” formed the foundation for his style of body conditioning used today.

In many ways, Pilates equipment today is not much different than it was back then. The use of spring tension, straps, supports for back, neck and shoulders are the same uses for the equipment today. The nature of the equipment is to both challenge and support the body as it learns to move more efficiently.

With the determination to help others achieve better health, Pilates opened his first studio in New York in 1926 where he used his exercise apparatuses and more than 500 movement therapy exercises to help rehabilitate athletes and dancers.

For over 60 years this form of exercise was a well kept secret - but dancers, athletes, physical therapy patients and fitness enthusiasts have relied on this Pilates method to attain and stay in top physical form.

The benefit of Pilates’ movement therapy exercises for women thru pregnancy and post-partum is mostly misunderstood. Simply put, Pilates is a safe and effective approach to exercise for pregnant women to assist with breathing, body alignment and to recover body shape and tone after birth.

Pilates focuses on breathing, which promotes relaxation and helps activate the transversus abdominus. The transversus abdominus is the deepest of the abdominal muscles and is responsible for supporting the lumbar spine and pelvic area at a time when ligaments are lax due to the natural hormone relaxin excreted by the body during the pregnancy and nursing stages.

Lateral breathing also inherent in Pilates fitness, which improves rib cage mobility when the range of motion in the diaphragm is limited due to the high position of the baby in the third trimester. Back pain is a common side effect of pregnancy. Unless the abdominal muscles, pelvis and spine are strengthened, problems with the back can occur.

Strengthening the transversus abdominus (“abs) through guided Pilates movements will not only improve back pain and postural alignment, but will aid women during labor for a much quicker & safer delivery. Research has shown that activation of the transverses abdominus also activates the pelvic floor, keeping these muscles strong and supple for the birthing process.

This can also help with any incontinence that you may experience during and after pregnancy. The nature of movement in Pilates exercise is low impact and allows pregnant women to exercise effectively without experiencing any undue stress on the now lax joints, or an increased heart rate.

Pilates also involves many stretching and toning exercises that helps to maintain hip flexibility and stamina, which is essential for well-being and preparation for childbirth. These exercises are aided and supported by Pilates apparatuses such as the reformer: a moving carriage on a bed; the wunda chair with springs to create resistance and the trapeze table to hang from.

Pilates exercises also can be performed on a mat with small props such as pillows or cushions which supports the head, the magic circle, foam rollers and therabands for extra resistance. Most exercise modifications happen during the second and third trimester due to the ever-increasing belly.

All Pilates movements, at this point are best done seated up right or side lying. However, you can work supine as long as the head is elevated with pillows at 30 degrees above the heart for no longer than 5 minutes, turning to the side for a break. This ensures natural blood flow and oxygen to the A popular exercise among pregnant Pilates enthusiasts is legwork on the wunda chair. It involves sitting on a small stool with springs attached to a lever and pushing the lever down with your feet.

This Pilates movement provides conditioning for the legs and activation of the abdominal muscles, which stabilize the pelvis. Remember it’s very important that your Pilates instructor is certified and has experience in working with pregnant women.

Fitness And Pilates

Winsor Pilates has become very popular in today’s fickle market always looking for the best in weight loss programs. So far, it has received good reviews both from users and professional analysts. But, for someone, recently introduced to this form of the ever famous exercise regimen, one cannot must ask, what is it? How can it help me?

Many analysts say that Winsor Pilates is best for weight loss, fat burning, mental conditioning, and like original Pilates, it offers better health through exercise. Winsor Pilates comes on a DVD, and claims when used 3 days a week can produce results in as short a time as four or five weeks. This seems a somewhat ambitious claim but according to most regular users, Winsor Pilates, does work; with extra benefits to boot.

Winsor Pilates is a low intensity exercise that burns a lot of calories. Because it is low intensity, it can be done by almost anyone in almost any state of health (although as usual, one should check with a doctor before geting started - just in case!)

Joseph Pilates, who devised the Pilates method, focused on breathing and stretching with slow paced movements. Winsor Pilates is a derivation of the Pilates designed by Mari Winsor. It aims to train the “core” or the muscles in the abdomen, back and buttocks.

The Winsor method claims that by strengthening one's core, one can get, as well as physical fitness, mental clarity which allows the mind to work efficiently with the body.

Mari Winsor, the inventor of Winsor Pilates is 54 years old and still has the physique of a 20 year old; she claims this is due to the Winsor Pilates System - her body is lean and flexible, something that can not be said for a lot of people her age. Mari Winsor made Winsor Pilates for the use of the masses. It makes use of the Pilates method, adapted into a low intensity exercise which as noted earlier can be done by most people, even in the frailest of health. This makes it accessible as well as useful for anyone, even people of poor health, giving the opportunity to improve health without the stricter requirements of other exercise methods.

Some fans of the Winsor method even say it can be used for rehabilitation, although this might be true, it is hardly easy for a person with broken bones to work out only in front of a DVD. If someone wants to use Winsor as part of a rehabilitation program it should be under the supervision of a certified Pilates instructor. This is because, for rehabilitation, Pilates has to be precisely observed, no number of DVD’s can replace an instructor, an instructor assures that one executes the moves correctly and that one is not causing damaging or hurt, in addition, instructors are a good source of answers for most of the questions you’ll have about Pilates.

Please though, consult your doctor either, before using Pilates for rehabilitation. For pregnant women however, Mari Winsor did not, modify the Pilates method to accommodate pregnant women, so care must be taken. During the third trimester, Pilates done lying down should be avoided; this could damage the blood flow to the baby.

All in all, aside from pregnant women and extremely ill people, Winsor Pilates is for everyone. It provides an exercise regime that is gentle on the joints muscles and bones. After the increased focus on abdominal muscles and all-in-one gyms Winsor is a definitely good addition to harder systems that are abandoned becasue they are too difficult or take too long to make improvements.

Pamper Your Body Through Pilates

With Mari Winsor's Pilates Method becoming one of the greatest maturing types of exercise methods it has picked up oodles of attention on television, Radio and even from movie stars like Daisy Fuentes.

In view of the fact that Mari Winsor's Pilates Method was initiated by Joseph Pilates, a German National, there have been a number of unique method of pilates originated such as the in style methods of Aero Pilates, Mari Winsor and even Yoga Pilates.

Even though there are a mixture of methods and variations of free Pilates exercises invented each version concentrates on the basic values established by Joseph Pilates.

The objective of this article will be to explore the main movements and methods of a Pilate’s training program. Movements Not like other fitness training programs Pilates training methods seek to improve the movements of the body.

Since Pilates incorporates many body movements with a lot of motions your core muscles that hold up the your joints become increasingly stronger. The stretching of these foundation muscles permits you to grow to be a more elastic person and therefore the combination of these two makes your body movements smoother. Body And Mind Finding the right body and mind represents another core method of the Pilates exercise technique.

Most people training with Pilates like the fact that it builds muscle and strength and you will find the same people using Pilates find a gigantic physical fitness advantage of using pilates techniques in their workout.

Different Yoga that centers more around stretching, Pilates fitness workouts look to shape key body muscles with basic yet sophisticated methods. Additionally, core breathing techniques of Pilates are used in order to enhance blood flow to the brain which in the end of a workout smooth the progress of stress relief in the body.

Posture: The every day workout like weight lifting or aerobics center on a individual muscle movements. Pilate’s workouts focus on total body movements which are focused on providing a complete workout.

This lets lots of people to get a total body training program, yet most of all it gives a established methodology that will keep the body aligned. This helps people who workout with Pilates develop a healthier posture through methods which assist with helping the core of the body. Moreover the strength attained from a Pilate’s workout regime assists to develop body shape which give the body a balanced posture.

Flexibility: The core of Pilates is based around stretching and developing flexibility in order to decrease stress in the joints and muscles.

One of the main reasons for stretching that a good number of perspective pilates members neglect to recognize is that stretching makes up a exceptionally proficient training regime for building muscles as well. Additionally stretching helps prevent injury which is a widespread reason Pilates beginners training with Pilate’s describe such a reduced incidence of injury while working out with Pilates.

Generally Pilates represents a complete body workout program which will supply benefits to the total body and mind by helping diminish stress, enhance posture, flexibility and muscle strength and in time helping with creating a life of balance.

Pilates Improves Overall Well Being

Good health is the secret of a happy life. It is not the absence of physical ailment, but also a state free of mental distress. Good health, however, does not come overnight. There are certain things that should be included in one's lifestyle to improve overall health. Individuals who want to be fit and healthy should engage in physical activities like Pilates. This fitness regimen has gained popularity because it can be done by anyone at any level of fitness.

Pilates is an exercise method that was developed by German boxer Joseph Pilates in the 1920's. It focuses on slow, controlled movements, smooth breathing, and concentration. There are over 500 exercises that were developed by Pilates. “Classical” exercises involve several principles which include concentration, flowing movement, and breathing. Other new training exercises are derived from the classical form and were designed to make exercises more accessible to different individuals.

Flexibility, strength, and improved core muscles are the primary health objectives and benefits of Pilates. The core muscles include many different muscles that balances the abdominals, spine, pelvis, and shoulders. These muscles are critical in controlling movements, transferring energy, and shifting body weight and movement in any direction. A strong core is necessary to distribute the stress of weight-bearing and support the back.

Individuals who have limited movements or those whose ailments limit them to wheelchairs and other contraptions may still engage in Pilates training. This exercise method promotes a sense of physical and mental well-being which may lead to inner physical awareness. Pilates also strengthens and lengthens the muscles without developing additional bulk. This exercise is beneficial for dancers, athletes, and other individuals who don't want more bulk. Pilates may also aid individuals who want to prevent or are rehabilitating from injuries and are essential in improving posture, circulation, and balance. In addition to its health benefits, pregnant women who engage in Pilates training may develop improved body alignment, enhanced concentration, and improve body shape after pregnancy. According to Joseph Pilates, people who engage in Pilates will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions. Pilates training are usually done slowly and carefully to promote movements that are smooth and flowing and ends with light stretching and cool down period.

Other health benefits of Pilates may include the following:

Look and feel better
Get stronger, more flexible, balance and become less prone to injury
Target and tone problem areas
Develop abs, butts, thighs, and arms
Repair sports injuries
Experience moments of relaxation

Pilates training appeals to a wide population because of the various health benefits it may bring. Becoming involved in this exercise program may change the way individuals think about their body, exercise, and overall well-being. Despite its health benefits Pilates training should not be used as a substitute for physical therapy. Lastly individuals who want to engage in this kind of training should seek the approval of doctors and other health specialists. People with chronic injuries and other health conditions may not be able to practice Pilates. Physical activities like Pilates, coupled with nutritious diet may lead to good health and improved overall well-being.

Zumba zooms to the top of the exercise world

It's not a dance club. This is a regular morning exercise class at the YMCA in Alpharetta, Georgia. It's called Zumba.

Part dance, part aerobics, Zumba is an hourlong routine that works almost every muscle in the body.

"It is dance fitness," explained Stephanie Maxim, one of two class instructors. "We teach them moves that you can see on 'Dancing with the Stars': salsa, mambo, cha-cha, and we put it into a group fitness format."

"It's not like a workout," explained Diane Walterstiel, 55, of Alpharetta. "Before I come, I'm tense, but when I leave, I could kiss the world."

Nearly a year after being introduced at the YMCA in suburban Atlanta, Zumba is the most popular exercise offering at the facility.

Alberto Perlman, co-founder and CEO of Zumba Fitness in Hollywood, Florida, wasn't surprised when the concept took off not just in the United States but around the world.

"We turned exercise into a party," Perlman declared. "Zumba broke some of the rules of fitness. We used music in the original form instead of using step counts."

Perlman, whose background is in marketing, teamed up with Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto "Beto" Perez in Miami in 2001.

"One day, Beto forgot his aerobics tapes, so he played his salsa and meringue songs during class in their original form," Perlman said. "People went crazy. They didn't feel like they were in a class with a drill sergeant."

Perlman said Perez decided to call the exercise Zumba, after the Colombian slang word meaning to buzz like a bee or move fast.

Zumba is now a brand name. Since 2003, Perlman's group has trained 20,000 instructors around the world and sold more than 3 million DVDs on the Internet and through infomercials, he said.

Heather Bleakman teamed up with Maxim to teach the Georgia YMCA session. She called the class a form of therapy.

"We see women change," she said. "We see their faces light up."

Bleakman stood at the front of the room and offered a high-impact version of Zumba for those who could keep up while Maxim focused on a slower low-impact routine.axim warned participants at the beginning of class to modify the exercise to fit their needs. She added that wearing proper footwear is one of the best ways to guard against injury.

"In Zumba, we do a lot of pivoting, so you've got to have a shoe that has more of a flat base so you can move, or you'll feel the torque in the knee," Maxim cautioned.

Lilieth Burke, 48, of Alpharetta started attending Zumba classes a year ago and kept coming back because she appreciated "the simple composition of dance moves."

Unlike other exercise workouts she's tried, "Zumba is not a punishment," she said.

Burke summed up the benefits: "I feel fit, I sleep better, I feel better, I feel younger, and I feel I can live another 48 years.

Zumba's infectious rhythms make a party out of exercise

The Latin lyrics and the upbeat tempo start bringing smiles to the classmates. Their hips start to shimmy. Their feet move in rhythm. If their arms moving up and down held drinks, it would feel like a nightclub. But this is the regular 7 p.m. class of Zumba, a fitness program designed to a soundtrack of Latin dance music. Zumba's motto: "Ditch the workout. Join the party."

Zumba began accidentally during the 1990s in Colombia. Beto Perez, a fitness instructor there, forgot his regular music one day and brought in his own salsa and merengue music instead. When Perez came to the United States, his serendipity spawned a multimillion-dollar market with sponsorships, home videos and instructors certified in Europe and Asia as well as the Americas.

That's how studio owner Linda Porras figured it could work locally. Starting three years ago, she became a certified instructor, hired other instructors to teach classes and formed the group Zumba Dallas. Now Porras says business has grown to more than 30 classes in five facilities, including recreation centers.

"It's kind of like a party as opposed to a workout, which, I think, is why it's so successful," Porras said. "We say, 'Three guidelines: Have fun, have fun and have fun.' "

Enid Rodriguez came to the Forest Lane studio in northwest Dallas determined to end her obesity. She admitted that in her first class, she couldn't stop laughing at the hip swiveling of a Zumba routine.

"Some of the moves, it's like, 'You really want me to do that here?' " said Rodriguez, 32, of Dallas.

Since that class in January 2008, she has lost 70 pounds. While she credits healthier eating habits as well, Zumba gave her more energy and self-confidence. The studio now displays her before and after photos prominently, encouraging people of all sizes.

"That's what's different about here," she said. "It's a mixture of all kinds of bodies, and they don't care. They don't judge you. You're just there to work out and have fun."

Shari Krage, an elementary school teacher, did not need a weight-loss program as much as a stress reliever. After first thinking Zumba was an African tribal dance, she took a class and became hooked. Now a self-described fanatic, she sometimes takes classes twice a day and brings her friends.

"Four of the girls that I teach with that are now also going every day are 25 years my junior," said Krage, 49, of Plano. "They're not exactly keeping up with me, but they're going."

Porras' direct-mail efforts led Pat Ritzman to try a class last year. Ritzman, who said she is in her 70s, now regularly dances to the Zumba beat. She said the relaxed nature of the class appealed to her. If she misses a dance step, who cares.

"You're not trying out for American Idol or anything like that," she said. "I'll never be the greatest Zumba dancer. I don't care. I'm just having fun."