WORKOUT
Reaching out with
a new savings offer.
Now, It's more affordable than ever
to enjoy our high-quality senior living.
Announcing our "Good Neighbors
Fellowship" savings program:*
Third month rent-free: We'll make
your transition easier on your family's
finances by waiving your third month's
rent at an American House*
community.
Get Ready To Zumba
$500 moving expense voucher:
Save valuable dollars on your move
by having American House pay up to
$500 of your moving expenses.
18 - month "Lease Lock" Reservation:
Reserve your residence at American
House now, and we'll lock your first
year's rent amount at today's rates
until you make your move anytime in
the next 6 months.
Fans insist this Latin dance program
is a great workout — and a lot of fun.
Elizabeth Applebaum
Special to the Jewish News
A
fter a tough day as part
of the Deadly Viper
Assassination Squad, a girl
needs to take her mind off work and
get rid of some of that stress.
That's why actress Vivica A. Fox (aka
assassin Vernita Green in "Kill Bill")
likes to Zumba.
Founded by three Albertos: Alberto
"Beto" Perez, a dancer and chore-
ographer, and businessmen Alberto
Perlman and Alberto Aghion, the
Zumba program is a mix of Latin
rhythms and cardiovascular exercises.
In only a few years, Zumba (the name
is based on a Colombian word for
"have fun" and "move quickly,") has
gone from a small, relatively unknown
workout to one of the most popular
get-fit routines today.
The Jewish Community Center of
Metropolitan Detroit's Center Fitness
just began its own Zumba classes, and
like 1940s Mexican film star Pedro
Infante, it is utterly irresistible.
Even if you cannot dance, have no
sense of rhythm and are completely
allergic to exercise, Zumba is "wonder-
ful," says Center's Sports and Fitness
Division Director Annette Whiting.
"You get so wrapped up in the music
and movements that you forget that
you're working out. It's already one of
our most popular classes."
In addition to Vivica A. Fox, "CSI
Miami" star Eva LaRue loves Zumba,
as does former Miss Universe
Dayanara Torres, "Dancing with the
Stars" regular Stacy Kiebler and Center
Fitness member Cheri Victor.
Zumba is "infectious:' says Victor, of
Bloomfield Hills. "It doesn't seem like
hard work, even though you are work-
ing hard. Anybody can do it, and all
you need is your gym shoes."
Beto Perez is a native of Colombia
who dreamed up Zumba while in his car,
listening to his favorite salsa music.A
fitness teacher, Perez decided to combine
the music with workout-worthy moves.
He then began a Zumba class which
promptly became the most popular fit-
ness course at his club.
In 1999 Perez brought Zumba to the
United States. Working with Perlman
and Aghion, he launched the program
with the help of the insomniac's best
friend: the infomercial. In only a few
years, more than 3 million Zumba
DVDs were sold and Zumba teachers
began popping up faster than corn
kernels in hot oil.
Key To Success
First, supporters say it really does
burn fat. Exactly how much, of course,
depends on a variety of factors, such
as how quickly you move and how
many of your muscles you actually put
into action; but do it non-stop and get
really excited about it and you may get
rid of up to 1,000 calories — that's
four chocolate bars — in an hour.
Second, fans insist it is actually fun.
It feels like you're just dancing, Victor
insists, "so you don't think you're exer-
cising!'
The Zumba workout starts with a
single step then moves up from the
feet to that dreadful stomach area
where fat so loves to linger, then to the
upper body until at last every bit of
you is moving. There's not a moment
of "put your right leg up and then
put it down, then lift it up and put it
down again. Now do that 5,000 times"
routine.
Third, Zumba really is for everyone.
The Center Fitness class has "people in
their 20s all the way to people in their
70s," Victor says, "and everyone works
at their own level."
Zumba classes are held at Center
Fitness at 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, 10:30
a.m. Sundays, 6:15 p.m. Mondays and
5:40 p.m. Thursdays.
Or try out Zumba during the Center
Fitness Free Preview Day from noon-4
p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the JCC in West
Bloomfield. The Fitness Center classes
for Zumba, Spin, yoga, Pilates and more
will be free and open to the public.
Plus, for this day only, the Center
will offer buy one, get one free mem-
berships. For more information, con-
tact Center Fitness at (248) 432-5496,
or www.jccdet.org. ❑
Elizabeth Applebaum is a marketing spe-
cialist at the Jewish Community Center of
Metropolitan Detroit.
Call us today, to schedule a visit
and learn the details on how much
you can save.
Southfield
Farmington Hills
Oakland (Auburn Hills)
(248) 353-5835
(248) 471-9141
(248) 335-7020
West Bloomfield
Troy
(248) 538-5283
(248) 589-3555
and 21 other locations in southeastern
Michigan
For the hearing impaired: TDD (800) 649-3777
.
Contact American House for official program details and requirements. Program available to new residents only. Offer valid one time per resident.
Restrictions may apply. Offer valid through 12/31/08. "American House" and flag logo registered trademarks of American House Senior Living LLC.
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November 13 a 2008
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