Right now it seems that everyone is talking about Zumba. I travel a lot and whether I’ve been in London, the Midlands or Scotland I’ve heard people talking about it. Zumba is the latest dance / fitness craze to hit the UK. I am told that  it’s a cross between dance and aerobics. As I am  neither a dancer nor a fitness fanatic I am not qualified to give an informed analysis of either. It does seem to be mainly ladies who go in for these things. I know there are some men who participate but I think it fair to say that most of those taking part are female.

Zumba classes are so popularat the moment that in some places you can hardly get through the door. The venues are packed to the point of turning people away.

I’ve been trying to decide why something suddenly becomes so popular. There is no doubt that Zumba is a craze. I would be very surprised if all the classes that are running at the moment will still running in twelve months time. So why do people feel compelled to go?

• It’s new
• It’s different
• Ladies love to dance
• People are always looking for new ways to keep fit
• It’s a social activity. Share the experience with friends and possibly make new friends too
• Gets you out of the house
• It’s fun

As with all new things there is a big wave of interest at the beginning and then it gradually tails off as the less enthusiastic or less highly motivated people drop out. Lots of people are keen to try things out but then find it’s not for them, their interest wains, they find it difficult to attend regularly due to other commitments or something else comes along that they would rather do instead. Friends dropping out also has an effect because it’s not so much fun going by yourself.

Am I being skeptical when I say it won’t last? I don’t think so. I can recall many other so called crazes which have experienced huge popularity only to fade away once the initial rush to give it a try is over. Aerobics, Step, Line Dancing, Salsa are just a few that come to mind. Yes, they’ve all had their moment in the limelight and yes they are all still going but now they are old hat. They are not exciting any more.

Will I be joining a Zumba class? Probably not but if I do I will certainly be waiting until the numbers die down?

Have you tried Zumba? Did you like it? Will it last? What’s your view?  I’d love to know. Leave me a comment below.

Related articles

• What’s the big deal?: Zumba (stevenkaufman.wordpress.com)
• Hey, fellas – Zumba is for you, too! (zumbawithjennyk.wordpress.com)
• Zumba: Fun Is Secret Ingredient of Latin Dance Workout (webmd.com)