By Megan Flemmit, photography courtesy of Cindy Abrahams

You’ll be dancing like no-one’s watching in no time

You’re not a fan of lifting weights, and the thought of running makes you want to sink deeper under the covers, but you still want to exercise. Zumba is the perfect workout to get you out of your dilemma.

Zumba has been in the spotlight ever since it was first introduced by Columbian choreographer, Alberto Perez, in the 1990’s. And two decades later, the dance inspired fitness routine has collected millions of enthusiasts worldwide.

READ MORE: 4 Amazing Health Benefits Of Dance

One of these enthusiasts is Cindy Abrahams, who’s been a Zumba instructor for seven years. Here, she explains exactly why you should try Zumba…

1. It’s A Full Body Workout

While you won’t get the same definition as you would with strength training, Zumba still engages all your muscles. From the neck rolling in your warm-up to the dancing on your toes in a salsa. “When you’re lifting your arms, your shoulders feel it as you’re holding your arms up all the time, and so will your abs, because dancing comes from your core,” explains Cindy.

2. It Will Help You Lose Weight

Zumba is a fun cardio workout. While you’re dancing your heart out to catchy pop music, you’re also burning kilojoules. “You may not see a bigger bicep or quad,” she says, “but Zumba is great for losing the kilojoules and the water weight.” Perfect for your weight loss goals.

READ MORE: 4 Moves To Get A Dancer’s Body

3. Anyone Can Do It

Whether you’re a fitness junkie, or you haven’t been off the couch in years. Zumba is suitable for everyone. “I have people in my Sunday morning class with hip and knee replacements, and they can do it,” says Cindy. And those who lack co-ordination? “It doesn’t matter if you have two left feet,” she explains. “It’s just about you having fun with the music and letting yourself come out.”

4. You Can Do It Anywhere

It’s raining outside, and the last thing you feel like doing is dragging yourself to the gym. No worries, you can do Zumba in the comfort of your own. Whether you’re an avid Zumba dancer doing the routine off by heart, or you’re a newbie dancing along to a video. “My mother is 75 and she does it in the kitchen when she’s cooking and she’s got a heart problem,” says Cindy.

Salsa along with Cindy:

Dance Your Way To Fitness For A Good Cause

Now that we’ve convinced you to make Zumba your next exercise goal, dust off your dancing shoes and join Cindy for her annual Zumba fundraiser on November, 25.

READ MORE: 6 Dance Fitness Lessons From The Fitness Marshall

The Zumbathon, which is currently in its seventh year, is the perfect event for the whole family. As Cindy says “Bring your ouma’s, your oupa’s and your ouma grootjies.” Each year the money raised goes towards furnishing a section of Red Cross Children’s Hospital. This year, Cindy is raising money to help the hospital buy one of four Giraffe Warmers for the neonatal ICU unit. The Giraffe warmers are life saving machines used to keep babies safe and warm as they heal from their injuries.

Not sure you’ll be able to make the event? Donate anyway.