The music is thumping an infectious Latin American beat. Sweat is pouring as the class, moving as one, shimmies and shakes, weaves and waves.

It could be Havana but, in fact, it's Kathy Andio's Zumba® class at the Jupiter Community Center. It's the fitness dance craze that has taken the US by storm. In the past years Zumba® has become nothing short of a revolution. Coining the concept of fitness-party™ and making fitness fun, Zumba® has spread like wild-fire and has finally arrived in Jupiter.

While Zumba® embraces all the fundamental principles of fitness, the secret behind Zumba® is how it magically motivates the body to efficiently burn calories, tone all muscle groups, incorporate a full range of motion and improve the cardiovascular system. Maybe it's the salsa beat, the tempo and the music transitions that make the Zumba® dances seamlessly flow from one move to the next. Whatever it is, it's got all ages dancing!

The concept behind Zumba® is incredibly simple: get fit, have fun. That's it. There are no complicated moves to learn and you don't need the co-ordination of a standard aerobics class - or the partner you'd require for a traditional salsa class. Best of all, the music is so infectious that you barely even notice you're exercising. ''It's like being at a party,'' says instructor Kathy Andio. ''It is easy to follow so people don't have to think too much about what they're doing and can just get into it. And the music makes you want to dance.''

A standard one-hour class uses four basic rhythms based on simplified versions of salsa, merengue, cha-cha and reggaeton. ''It's a cardio-based workout which also helps tone and sculpt the body,'' ''It's a great way to lose weight, increase strength and co-ordination, and to foster self-esteem and pure happiness. That is why so many people love it and get addicted to it.''

Currently Zumba® is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. at the Jupiter Community Center located on Military Trail behind the police department.

Purchase a 10-class Fitness Card that allows for flexible attendance. The cost is $52.50 for Jupiter residents and $65.60 for non-residents.

The first class if FREE to new students so come and find your inner Latin dancer and join in on the latest dance fitness craze!

For more information, contact Kathy Andio at 561.236-4298 or email her at kathy@exercisewithkathy.com