Coming to prominence in the noughties, Zumba is an exercise fitness program that was created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto "Beto" Pérez in the late 1990s.

An aerobics instructor, apparently he forgot to bring his regular music to his aerobics class, but happened to have some cassettes of Latin dance music so played them instead and that is when ‘Rumbacise’ was born.

Offering a wide range of class types, Zumba is ideal for different age groups and levels of fitness and exertion. But what exactly is this thing called Zumba?

For the uninitiated, Zumba is a fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves and incorporates interval training - alternating fast and slow rhythms - to help improve cardiovascular fitness.

A fantastic exercise for beginners right through to the super fit, Zumba emphasises moving to the music and having fun regardless of your fitness level – and the beauty is, you can do it at home or in an organised class.

Weston Mercury: Jason Eaton, general manager at the club and spa, Cadbury House.Jason Eaton, general manager at the club and spa, Cadbury House. (Image: Cadbury House)

Jason Eaton, general manager at the club at Cadbury House in Congresbury said: “Zumba has become a world-wide phenomenon. I imagine this is in part because it appeals to a wide range of fitness levels and you don’t have to be a Latin dance expert to enjoy it.

“The other appealing aspect is you can do it at home so anyone at anytime can take part in a session.

“It’s great for fitness and if you follow a regular routine will help with weight loss as you may be able to burn between 300 and 900 calories during one hour of mid- to high-intensity Zumba.

“Of course, taking part in a class with lots of other Zumba enthusiasts is, I think, a much better way to enjoy this form of exercise. We offer regular Dance Fit / Zumba classes here at the club and Georgie, our instructor, is a superb teacher.

“The main thing is that those who do Zumba, do so with a smile on their face and have fun and before they know it, they’ve got a lot fitter. What’s not to like?!”