Zumba Comes To MCPL!

December 12, 2012

MCPL now offers patrons a 7-disc Zumba DVD set, Exhilarate, so you can cha-cha, samba, and merengue in the privacy of your own home. I just finished 4 weeks with Beto and his crew, so let me give you the break down on this item.

Start by watching Disc 1, the step-by-step guide. Never heard of cumbia? Neither had I. Who knew there was such a thing as Latin hip hop? The instructors are friendly and break the steps down for you.

Next either do Disc 5: Rush, a 25-minute routine, or Disc 2: Activate, a 40-minute routine.

Disc 3: Ripped was my favorite! I would gladly buy this DVD if it were offered separately. There are 2 different 30-minute toning routines on it. The instructors in the first toning routine use 1.5 lb. Zumba toning sticks, but light handweights work just as well. Hint: start with light weights for fast bicep curls. You can increase your weights for slower tricep extensions and shoulder presses. You will not use weights for the second toning routine, but you will need a chair. I mistakenly thought this routine would be easy because I got to sit down – wrong! If you hate sit ups and crunches, but want to work your abs, this is the workout for you.

Disc 4: Exhilarate is the full 60-minute workout. Some of the foot work will be 10 times faster than what you will see in any Zumba Gold class at the YMCA. (Just watch those Brazilians samba!)

Disc 7 is an hour-long Zumba Fitness Concert. Don’t panic! The music and the routines are exactly the same as in Disc 4. At one point in the concert, a 12-year-old girl (I’m guessing) on stage does a series of explosive jumps. You can try to keep up with her (if you’re a sadist) or follow Beto and the other instructors and catch your breath.

I have to confess that I only did Mix once. It highlights different dance styles from all over the world. Some I enjoyed more than others. Seriously, someone respond and tell me that the flamenco dancer on Disc 6 is full of himself.

Overall, beginners and advanced exercisers will enjoy this set. Take time to explore all the discs. There’s even a bloopers segment and a segment on Zumba fashion. Just remember to add "your own flava" and have fun. Don't forget to place the Zumba Sticks on hold, too! I’ve placed Exhilarate on hold again. I only have to wait for the other 394 people ahead of me to finish enjoying it.

Beth H
Red Bridge Branch