Zumba Shakes the Monotony Out of Ordinary Aerobics Classes

Joy Clinkscales of the District's Takoma neighborhood gets a workout during a recent Zumba class in Silver Spring. (By J. Adam Fenster -- The Gazette)

The class has become one of the most popular at the Silver Spring gym, said Shannon Gassaway, the club's customer care manager.

"It's the hottest thing on the schedule," she said.

Zumba is Spanish slang for "to move fast and have fun." The women taking Nuchols's class said it's accurately named.

"It's engaging and so exuberating," said District resident Brenda Harrison. "You're shaking your hips, which you typically don't do."

Khalila White said she loves being able to dance her way to a healthier body.

"It's a quick workout. You really burn calories. You will be drenched, soaking at the end of the class," said White, also of the District.

During the first song at a recent workout, White, Harrison and their classmates did the cha-cha while swinging their arms in a Spanish flamenco movement.

When Nuchols finished the song with her hands pointed emphatically to the ceiling, everyone clapped. Some people let out yells as they reached for their water bottles and wiped their brows.

Nancy Nickell of Silver Spring, who was sweating through her second class, said it's not necessary to know any dance moves to participate.

"It's not intimidating," she said. "I think that's part of the appeal."

Nuchols said the class, which keeps everyone's heart rate up for an hour and can burn from 500 to 800 calories, is for people of all fitness levels.

"It's not like we're auditioning for a video; we're just here to have fun," she said. "As long as they're moving and having fun, there's no really wrong way to Zumba."