Man versus Zumba

If you've left the house this year, you've probably heard of Zumba. Created in Colombia during the 1990s, the dance-fitness program has gone global in the last 12 months and the brand is now a phenomenon; its website boasts over 50 classes in Brighton alone.

To discover what the fuss is about I decide to take the plunge. I arrive at my local class off Seven Dials on a freezing December evening, ready to 'party myself into shape'.

Trained dancer and Zumba instructor Sofia Upton greets me warmly, beaming from ear to ear and looking in alarmingly good shape. Noting I am the only male present makes me nervous, but rating myself a competent dancer at nightclub level I breathe deeply and take to the studio floor.

"A night out without drinking"

From nowhere, 'Hot Hot Hot' booms across the room and Sofia is off, a ball of perfectly choreographed energy busting moves for us all to follow. Each music track has a series of dance steps requiring sharp technique as well as decent fitness levels to keep up with, and I struggle. So far off the pace at times, I realise I've resorted to my default party dance: head nods, hip shimmies.

Sofia Upton

"Sing it!" Sofia commands as the music continues, and the group respond - it's part of what makes Zumba unique. "It's not boring, like going to the gym - it's something fresh and different," she says. The co-ordination is tough but when I finally nail a few steps it's satisfying and by the end I feel invigorated, if slightly relieved.

I ask Sofia if the lessons attract many men: "My classes are generally all girls, men can feel intimidated by that." The ladies present love it however, applauding loudly at the end of the hour.

Sofia sums up Zumba as a night out without drinking, and it's certainly a party that provides an alternative to weights and cross-trainers: try it.

Visit http://www.zumbakrazy.co.uk for more info on classes with Sofia