Zumba rhythm a craze, but uncertified trainers a cause for concern

NASHIK: Zumba has become a sort of rage among fitness freaks in the city and those who love to put on their dancing shoes as well. But not many are aware that the Latin-inspired programme is not only a dance but is actually a high-intensity fitness exercise and wrong move could jeopardize a students' health.
Zumba experts say though it is mandatory to acquire a certificate if one wants to conduct classes, many are known to coach enthusiasts without it.The Zumba Fitness Association, authorised by the founder of the fitness form to issue certificates, has now decided to take action against all non-registered trainers and started a campaign towards this direction. Of late, non-certified persons in the city have started taking classes under the name of Zumba and have been charging less than the amount taken by the certified ones.
"Zumba education specialists are the only authorised professionals who can conduct an official Zumba fitness training and license participants to become Zumba fitness instructors. The first Zumba Educational Institute, for this purpose, is managed by Sucheta Pal. There are only three such institutes in the country but Sucheta has been majorly responsible in getting interested trainers registered and she is authorised to do so by Beto Perez, the founder of Zumba. She is the one in Maharashtra who gives certificates," said one of the certified trainers, Rohan Mehta.
The trainer has the option to have the ZIN (Zumba Instructor and Network) certification or a certificate without ZIN.
"The advantage of having a ZIN certificate is that we get CDs and latest updates from the founder's office. The ZIN certificate does not expire. Others have the certificate for only one year and they do not get the updates. We have to pay extra amount to get a ZIN certificate and have to pay some annual fees," said Ankita Parikh.
The Zumba instructors say half of those conducting Zumba in the city are choreographers and that Zumba is not a dance form but an international workout inspired by dance form to get refreshed. "The people of Nashik are not aware of what Zumba actually is. They feel it is a dance form for losing weight. But it is very intense and could trigger health issues. Fitness trainers would ask about the medical history, doctor's certificate, his name, etc. They should have knowledge of physiology and anatomy" said Rohan.
Ankita added that choreographers watch videos and teach Zumba, mostly asking the students to follow the steps rather than guiding them step-by-step. "The class should be held for a maximum 3-4 days a week and not more than that. Some people take it for 5-6 days a week," she said.
"The music in the CDs provided by Zumba International is original and is related to fitness. The entire idea is that you are enjoying and losing kilos. Zumba has spread so much that even Bollywood music is used. In our class we are doing it tailor-made as everyone does not have the same physiology," said Manasi Narang. "Indians love to dance, so there are many rhythms on which Zumba can be performed. It keeps both the body and the mind fit and active. But license is necessary as one should know what should not be done. The student might get injuries," she said.
"The level of choreography is high and proper training is a must or else the party crashers should stop taking the classes immediately. If some untoward incident happens, then the trainer will be in trouble and so will be the student's health," said Karan Singh, a ZIN.
Ruth Fernandes, assistant to Sucheta Pal and a Zumba Fitness Marketing Agent, said they were planning legal action against the non-certified instructors.
"All certified instructors are vigilant and we get tip-offs. Only ZIN members can use our Zumba logo. We have given posters, templates and visiting cards to all. All over the world action against non-certified people are being carried out. This year, action against 30,000 such trainers has been taken. In India, we have taken action against seven out of the 10 reported. We are informing all the instructors how to report to us. We have a Wall of Shame on our Zumba Fitness website where we will put up the names of these people to stop ?party crashers.' Legal action will be initiated against them," said Ruth.