Zumba’s Latin rhythms invade the West End

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This article was published 15/04/2010 (5687 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

All it took was one class for Genny Sacco-Bak to succumb to the pulsating Latin rhythms of Zumba.

Zumba is one of the most popular fitness programs today with its combination of Latin music and fitness moves that creates a fun, exhausting workout.

It is currently being taught at more than 50,000 locations in 75 countries worldwide.

Sacco-Bak enjoyed her first Zumba class so much she kept taking more, to the point at which she is now a certified instructor.
She began teaching it to West End residents on April 14 at Valour Community Centre and will continue the class for the next seven Wednesdays.

Sacco-Bak says the best thing about Zumba is that because of all the dancing, people don’t think about how much they are working out.

“Zumba is just so much fun. It’s exercise disguised as dance,” Sacco-Bak says.

“I find that the every time I am dancing, I’m smiling and having a great time.”

Sacco-Bak has a background in physical activity that includes aerobics, boxing and folk dancing but she’s quick to point out that you don’t need to be Julianne Hough to enjoy Zumba.

“You don’t have to have a dance background or worry that you’re not coordinated. As long as you’re moving and having fun that’s the most important thing of all,” she says.

Sacco-Bak’s Zumba class takes place at the Valour Community Centre (Clifton site), 1315 Strathcona St., every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. for the next seven weeks. It costs $9 per class and drop-ins are welcome.

For more information, call 998-0986 or email gbak@shaw.ca, or to find the Zumba class nearest to you, visit www.zumba.com.

trevor.suffield@canstarnews.com