Dance away to fitness

Fitness fanatic Mohammed Zayani has become the world’s first ever male Bahraini Zumba instructor and is aiming to dance his way into the hearts of the kingdom’s health-conscious residents.

Although the dance inspired workout is mostly popular with women, he says it’s for everyone and is encouraging men and women of all ages and abilities to give it a try.

Mohammed said: “I started doing Zumba a year-and-a-half ago and I have been hooked ever since.

“I was recently certified to teach by a ZES (Zumba Education Specialist), Vanessa Morris, who flew all the way from Edinburgh, Scotland. I’m honoured to be the very first male Bahraini Zumba instructor.

“The training was held in Fitness First Plus at World Trade Centre and it involved lessons on how to choreograph, choose the right music, how to react when a situation happens in the middle of a class and Zumba movements.

“It mixes different kinds of cultures and unites people in one amazing session. It’s extremely fun and you don’t feel like you’re working out, but you are. The best part of it is you don’t have to be a dancer to do Zumba.”

Zumba Fitness is a global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance-fitness sensation.

The fitness programme is described by devotees as ‘more than a class, it’s a lifestyle’. The classes are known as fitness-parties that blend upbeat world rhythms with choreography, for a total body workout that aims to feel like a celebration.

Mohammed said: “I want to share the great experience with everyone, from the magic of the music, the amazing fun dance movements and the understanding between cultures that can be found by following simple movements.

“It’s amazing for losing weight and toning your body at the same time. In a one-hour class a person could burn between 800-1,000 calories depending on their performance and their energy.

“I recommend a one-hour class at least twice a week. You might be nervous at first and struggle to keep up but that’s completely normal, there are no wrong moves in Zumba but there are unexpected solos (which is a good thing).

“Once you do Zumba more often you’ll see yourself evolve and get into shape, so ditch the workout and join the party!”

Mohammed teaches at Fitness First Plus, every Wednesday and Saturday from 7-8pm, along with other Zumba instructors. The classes are available for gym members but guests are welcome to visit for the first time.