West Islip Resident Participates in Zumba Demonstration at MSG

Zumba, the latest workout craze sweeping the nation, urges you to "ditch the workout, join the party."  On Sunday afternoon, Amanda Williams, 21, of West Islip, was asked to lead that party inside the world's most famous arena. 

With such a high demand for classes across the nation, the New York Liberty invited Williams and other certified instructors from the tri-state area to perform during the halftime show of their game against the Chicago Sky. During a practice session earlier in the day, a master instructor noticed Williams' talent and understanding of the Zumba style and pulled her up to the front row to help lead the demonstration

With Latin music blaring and the audience eager to learn more about this new style of fintess, the Zumba instructors shimmied, jumped and laughed in front of a crowd of just under 10,000 people.

"It's an exercise class filled with fun music, different dance varieties, and all sorts of fitness variations," Willaims told the crowd.   "All you have to do is follow my lead, don't worry about the steps. It's simple!"

Zumba is a combination  of dance and aerobics and was developed in the mid-1990s by Alberto "Beto" Perez.  It mixes Latin music with traditional dance moves (salsa, hip-hop and reggaeton) to create a more  up-tempo workout experience. 

Williams has been a certified Zumba instructor since March 2010 and teaches classes at SUNY New Paltz, where she is also a student. Williams teaches a variety of students between the ages of 18-65. The majority of her students are peers as well as professors and other staff at the university.

If you're looking for a more unique and enjoyable way of burning calories, then give a Zumba a try.  Visit www.Zumba.com to find classes nearest you.

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