Written by: Kara Martin

So what's the deal?
Tired of the banalities offered at the gym, Abu Dhabi Week ventured over to Beach Rotana’s Beach Club for a Zumba class. We were a little hazy on the details, but we did know that with a name like that, the workout couldn’t possibly take us anywhere near a treadmill, weights or a yoga mat.

And we guessed correctly. Working around Latin and international rhythms, Zumba combine hip shaking, swaying and modern Samba choreography with fast-paced aerobic; it’s an intensive and challenging combo promising to whittle you into the best shape you’ve ever been in.

Soraya, a spirited instructor from Ecuador (and the main woman behind Zumba’s Abu Dhabi following) best describes the class as a “fitness party”. From a nice and easy range of timed footwork, breathing exercises and a unique take on jogging on the spot (hips and shoulders included), the routine gradually speeds up with the music, the footwork gets fancier and more complex and our respective body parts are ordered to flail out in opposing directions at ridiculous speeds. Afterwards we ache. A lot.

Why go?
For a fun and exhilarating fitness alternative that’s calorie-burning, muscle-pumping and thoroughly energising. The average student burns roughly 350 calories during a one hour session and we can see why...

Why not?
Don’t expect to walk in and have it sussed instantly; we don’t know how Soraya does what she does with her feet but she admits it took a huge amount of practice, so we didn’t feel discouraged for first timers. We couldn’t keep the rhythm, but we were determined to stay standing until the very end and we were having too much fun to stop.

What? Zumba Classes
Where? Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
The session: a one-hour Zumba class
Cost: AED40 per session for non-members, AED35 for members
We say: Go in optimistic and leave open-minded, leave weary but addicted
Contact: 02 697 9302