Less than a year ago, Jeff Gabrielson had never heard of Zumba.  As the general manager of Canyon Crest Athletic Club he was quite surprised to learn about a new fitness craze entirely by accident.

At first glance Zumba would appear to be the modern-day version of Jazzercise, which was wildly popular in the 1980’s.  And, while the dance classes still have a following, Zumba also has a large following.  “You wouldn’t believe the number of people who come here now just for this Zumba, it’s why I put a big banner outside the club,” says Gabrielson.

“I was at a pool supply store recently, and saw I couple of our members there, and when we left I realized they were going to another club for Zumba,” that’s when Gabrielson says he realized he might be missing something.  “When I saw them again I asked, how much are you paying for that and they said $80 a month,” Gabrielson’s jaw dropped.

Within weeks he signed an instructor who handles Zumba classes, and they have become a part of the regular offering of exercise-group programs at Canyon Crest Athletic Club.

“They were paying more than double what we charge for a monthly membership, plus paying to be members here, it just did not make any sense to me,” according to Gabrielson.

Jazzercise was popularized in 1969 as a mix of exercise and dance music.  Zumba is similar, however it features Latin music and exercise moves as a means of burning calories and staying in fit.

Filed under Video Library, Consumer News, Headline

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Not working? Click here!