Primal rhythms take stage

By Melissa Meehan
LATIN fitness has taken over Cardinia, with classes filling up thick and fast across the shire.
Better known to most as Zumba, the Latin dance-inspired aerobics workout combines easy to follow dance moves and fun.
Cardinia LiFe Zumba instructor Rose Meredith said the workout had become a craze since it was launched at the centre on 31 March.
“Everyone is talking about it,” she said.
“Its something for everyone – it lets you get fit in a fun way.”
Ms Meredith said that a range of people were joining her classes, which had quadrupled since the launch.
“We do the basics – so it caters for everyone in our four classes,” she said.
“People from 12 years of age to their sixties can come down and get fit while having fun.”
The Beaconsfield Fitness Centre also holds Latin inspired fitness classes, with more than 50 attending each class.
Instructor Kelly Yates, who has a background in dance, said the aim of the classes was to have fun.
“I think the Latin inspired workout is so popular because it’s fun and you don’t even realise you’re working out,” she said.
“The Latin music is loud and upbeat, and the aim is to just have fun.”
She said the general interest in dancing had risen in recent years following the success of a number of television shows featuring dance.
“Shows like Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance have made dancing so popular,” she said.
“This allows you to learn a few steps, get your heart rate going and get fit.”