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A Latin-inspired cardio fitness workout called Zumba (pronounced zoom-ba) is one of the most recent hits, sparking national attention, especially in the Southeast and Midwest. Movements that resemble belly dancing, the tango, and the meringue are tossed into the mix. It’s a fun and exhilarating way to reshape the entire body. “Ladies, don’t be shy, come join us! Swing those hips and shake, shake, shake!” said Zumba instructor Susana Gonzalez.

Zumba lovers from across Bay County came together Saturday morning to help support the local Autism Center, and the Center for Autism and Related Disorder (CARD) program. This Zumba-thon, hosted by the Wellness and Fitness Center, brought more than 150 people and five instructors together to Zumba for about two hours. A portion of the entry fees and the silent auction are being donated to the Autism center of Lynn Haven and the CARD program. The CARD program provides support for families dealing with a child who has autism.

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Already on its way to being a sensation, Zumba is slang in Columbia meaning to buzz like a bee or to move fast. Started in Miami by Columbian choreographer and dancer Alberto "Beto" Perez, Zumba is different because it uses Latin music in its original form, there are no step counts. Using a combination of cha-cha, mambo and salsa dance moves, in an hour-long combination of dance and aerobics, Zumba promises to work every muscle in your body and turn exercise into a party. There is a lot of pivoting in Zumba so most instructors recommend flat bottom shoes to protect the knee from twisting.