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Zumba into shape at La Montiel Dance in Warwick

| 29 Sep 2011 | 09:52

    Warwick — No pain no gain? Those days are over. Maria Gutierrez, director of La Montiel Dance at the Warwick Valley Community Center, is offering classes that will definitely help get the weight off and keep it off, all while having fun doing it. This summer Gutierrez became a Zumba certified instructor. “It is the fastest growing dance fitness program in the world,” said Gutierrez. “Now it’s right here at our center.” Zumba is a fitness program based on core movements which are part of all ethnic dancing, according to Gutierrez. Taking all these dances — Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia, Samba, Mambo and Cha-Cha - to a high energy level while using each movement to sculpt the body and lose weight with the aerobic portion makes Zumba a hit with those looking to lose weight and keep in shape.  Studies show dance as one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, lose weight, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and even help reduce risk of diabetes, memory loss and depression. Gutierrez is starting a “keep in shape and lose weight through the holidays” challenge. It is open to everyone from November through January. “This commitment is for people interested in combining a fitness program along with any other weight loss plan,” she said. The cost is $10 per class. Now, there is an introductory rate of $50 for four weeks, a savings of $30. If you are currently enrolled in any weight loss program, such as Weight Watcher’s, or a monitored nutrition plan, Gutierrez will sign you up for $40. This offer is good through the end of 2006. Each class is modified from high impact, moderate to low so everyone can dance the pounds away. Classes have started up already. They are every Thursday at 6:15 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 10. For more information on zumba, log onto www.zumba.com or call Gutierrez at 986-8679. “I really think this class will help women get in shape and maintain, which is even harder,” said Gutierrez. “And most important, it’s fun. It’s a real party within each class.”