FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Although Zumba, a Latin dance workout, began in the mid 1990s, it just recently made its way to Fort Rucker.

Instructors hosted a kickoff challenge April 14 to introduce community members to what they call an upbeat, fun exercise routine.

"Zumba is a low-impact, high-intensity cardio workout with Latin fusion and influence," Fortenberry-Colton Physical Fitness Facility instructor Amanda DeJesus said.

Participants perform various routines to Latin, pop, reggae and hip hop music, she said. Dances include slides, tangos and cha-chas, but also incorporate traditional fitness exercises like jumps and squats.

Classes are regularly held throughout the week and DeJesus encourages those curious about Zumba to attend about four times before deciding whether it's truly for them or not. She said the first two classes can be frustrating for some if they're unfamiliar with the practice, but by the third and fourth, they become addicting once attendees learn the choreography.

Zumba is ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels, she noted. Instructors teach regular and modified movements, adjusting everything to individuals' needs.

Dancing is an ideal activity to increase physical fitness because it's an intermittent workout, she said. Different songs require different intensity levels, meaning the dancers reach low-, medium- and high-heart rate levels, achieving maximum fat-burning benefits, DeJesus explained. Attendees can burn hundreds of calories during an hour class, with exact numbers depending on intensity and body weight.

After teaching a variety of fitness classes for the past 10 years, she said Zumba is the one she's received the best feedback from.

"It's fun to see everybody smiling," she said. "The high that I get (from teaching) is everybody's laughing and having a good time."

Debbie Wilson said her enjoyment in participating comes from knowing dancing keeps her healthy. She underwent gastric bypass surgery five years ago and said Zumba has helped keep her from gaining those extra pounds again.

"I love the dancing," she said. "It's too much fun."

The low-impact workout is perfect for her "60-year-old knees," and she encourages others to give the class a try.

Jessica Gibson, a military spouse, said previous dance experience is what piqued her interest in joining Zumba here.

"I studied in Mexico (for school) and took salsa classes. Dancing is a good workout," she said. "It's fun because as a girl, (I) danced growing up and the opportunities (to do so) go away as you get older. Now I'm dancing and working out."

The greatest return she's seen since starting Zumba is increased cardiovascular endurance and better toning in her legs.

Preparing for Zumba requires nothing more than comfortable gym clothes and footwear, DeJesus said. She recommends cross-training sneakers as the ideal shoes because they allow for maximum movement and support, but said regular sneakers are also acceptable.

To register for Zumba or any other PFF fitness classes, call 255-0308. Fees start at $3 per session, $5 for one week or $20 per month.

Zumba is held this month Mondays and Fridays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. A complete class schedule can be found at <a href="http://www.ftruckermwr.com" target="_blank">www.ftruckermwr.com</a>.