On the musical beats, You! takes you to enjoy the ride of Zumba fitness programme...
fitness
On the musical beats, You! takes you to enjoy the ride of Zumba fitness programme...
Invented by a Colombian choreographer, Alberto ‘Beto’ Perez during the 1990s, ‘Zumba’ is a dance fitness programme which amalgamates various dance forms including Salsa, Hip hop, Flamenco, Samba and others, for a fun workout.
It’s time to ditch your workouts and join the party, that promises to keep you fit and energized simultaneously. With its popularity all over the world, Zumba is even trending in Pakistan now. So, this week You! talks to Dosti Zahra, a licensed Zumba instructor, to give you a sneak peek of this fitness regime.
You! Tell us about Zumba?
Dosti Zahra: Zumba is a dance-based cardio workout, which involves dancing and aerobics.
You! Where did you get your professional training from?
D.Z: I am trained in Zumba (Basic, Step, Toning, and STRONG), Boot camp, Barre, and Bodyweight Training with over four years of experience in teaching group classes. I am currently working towards my Sports and Exercise Nutrition certification. I have studied fitness in the US, UAE and Thailand.
You! What motivated you to opt for Zumba classes and how did it all start?
D. Z: I was studying undergrad in America when fell in love with staying fit! I tried out many different classes e.g. spinning, boot camps, yoga, etc. But I absolutely loved Zumba. When it was time to return, I knew I had to bring it back with me. So, I decided to get a basic Zumba training while I was still there, and started classes once I was back in Pakistan.
You! Zumba is trending in Pakistan nowadays, how do you predict its future in Pakistan, where health and fitness are not taken very seriously?
D.Z: I think the attitude is finally changing! Four years ago, people took Zumba as a joke. Now classes are fuller than ever, boot camps and ‘challenges’ are popping up all over the city. The fitness industry is booming. I definitely think that this attitude shift is here to stay.
You! When did you decide to become a professional Zumba trainer? Did you always have a passion for that or you developed your interest with the passage of time?
D.Z: I never planned to pursue Zumba full-time but once I realized how passionate and devoted I was, I got into it this completely. I did several more trainings, expanded my knowledge, and learnt and taught many types of workouts.
You! What obstacles did you face while pursuing a career as a fitness trainer?
D.Z: I started out as a part-time fitness trainer while I was still a student. Most of my friends and family assumed that this was just temporary, to support myself through university. Many people also didn’t take this as an actual career choice and often questioned if I had a ‘real’ job as well. This was very frustrating! However, persistence pays off. Now my friends and family understand my passion and I have a solid clientele and following in the fitness industry.
You! How supportive was your family?
D.Z: Initially they were not happy about my decision to teach Zumba classes but over time, they have accepted that I love doing this! They are now fully supportive of what I do.
You! What things are required to get a professional Zumba license in Pakistan? Are there any formal courses being taught here?
D.Z: Unfortunately no! You can get a Zumba license if you take an official Zumba training (listed on zumba.com). They take place all over the world in many countries. Your nearest options would be the UAE or Thailand.
You! Tell us about your fitness regime.
D.Z: Well, I workout for a living so I do Zumba, Zumba Step, and STRONG by Zumba several times a week. I also like to do yoga, weightlifting, and cycling. I have between 8-9 workout sessions a week.
You! Is there any particular diet plan that needs to be followed while doing Zumba training?
D.Z: The key is to have a sustainable diet! When you restrict yourself from having certain foods altogether, you tend to binge. Focus on making protein the hero at every meal, and a side of carbs and fat with it.
You! Tell us about STRONG by Zumba, which you have just launched?
D.Z: STRONG by Zumba is a newly launched programme all over the world. This is a high-intensity interval workout synced to music. Moving in sync with music makes you work harder. This class will push you past your plateaus to help you reach your fitness goals faster. Using your own body weight, you will gain muscular endurance, tone, and definition, and you will experience an increased after burn.
You! What other disciplines are you interested in apart from Zumba? Are you planning to get certification in those too?
D.Z: I am already licensed in seven different disciplines along with Zumba (listed above). I am travelling soon to get my prenatal (pregnancy) and postnatal yoga certification.
You! Tell us about some interesting Zumba steps. Which one is your favourite?
D.Z: The best thing about Zumba is that it is universal and uses moves from many rhythms e.g. Salsa, Soca, Bollywood, Hiphop, Merengue, and so on. I like to add all kinds of songs and moves to my classes.
You! What are your future plans?
D.Z: I will be starting Karachi’s first-ever prenatal (pregnancy) and postnatal yoga classes in January. I am also working towards my nutrition certification and will be certified by mid-2017.
You! What do you wish to convey to our readers? Any tips to keep themselves fit?
D.Z: Fitness comes in many forms including yoga, Zumba, kickboxing, weight training, cycling, swimming, and cross fit, to name a few. Find one that you like! At least get up every hour and walk 250 steps. Incorporate fitness into your daily life so it doesn’t feel like a task.
