Virtually every fitness center in the country has hopped on board the Zumba train. This dance fitness craze was created in the late 1990s in Columbia by fitness instructor Alberto (Beto) Perez — accidentally.

Beto had forgotten his class music and instead used tunes from his personal collection he had in his bag. It was made up of salsa, merengue, reggaeton and other Latin genres. His moves were choreographed impromptu and participants raved about the class.

“I just said, ‘Class today is different,’” said Perez, 37, who was also a dance instructor. “Everybody loved it.”

He later partnered with other fitness enthusiasts in the U.S. and the famous Zumba Fitness was born, sweeping the world with its popularity. Today it is defined as a Latin style dance Fitness workout. You’ll often see the slogan “Ditch the workout, join the party.”

As a certified Zumba instructor since 2009, I can honestly say it has changed my life in so many ways for the better. After being certified in Zumba and beginning my own class at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA my entire fitness career was about to unfold. Instructing Zumba allowed me to feel confident, to be challenged both physically and mentally, to make lifelong friendships, to feel admired and cared for by so many.

The abundant amount of energy from others and the support I received both personally and as an instructor led me to feel I could do more with my life than I had before. With the genuine compliments received from students I began to realize that fitness was where I belonged. It was no longer a hobby or a trend it was going to be my career, my passion, my home, my lifestyle.

In a typical Zumba class you can expect students to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes beforehand lining up outside of the classroom sharing in conversation and waiting to get in to find their favorite spot, in front of or out of the way of the mirror. Once the doors open the room is flooded with bodies ready to dance, sweat and have a really good time.

The music is turned up and the moves are fun, exciting, trendy and easy enough for anyone to find a modification that works for them. There is also a class offered called Zumba Gold, or low impact Zumba, for those who may want to start off a little slower or without much impact.

If you want to mix it up and add a different style of Zumba, you can also try Zumba Step, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Sentao, Zumba Toning and other styles of Zumba.

I have seen some of the strongest friendships built right before my very eyes. The fun, party-like atmosphere influences people to mingle and to connect with one another. Zumba generates smiles, laughs, high energy and good moods.

“Zumba is my anxiety medication,” said Taylor Stowe, a Zumba instructor at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.

“I’ve always struggled to find an exercise regiment that works for me. I’ve never been a runner and don’t like spending hours on machines. However, I love to dance. Zumba is the perfect fit, its high energy and an amazing work out,” said Jessica Cornelius, Niles-Buchanan YMCA member.

For a Zumba class nearest you, visit Zumba.com ‘find a class.’ I teach at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA amongst other great instructors. You can find the scheduled classes at www.nb-ymca.org

For the skeptics or those fearful of not knowing the choreography, or being alone, or maybe being brand new to fitness I want you to trust me when I say, if you have a desire to try Zumba, please do.

At the Niles-Buchanan YMCA there are no expectations, no judgment, no competition just the common goal to come to class, dance, sweat and leave smiling, happy and healthier then when you came in.

Lacey Peters is a fitness instructor and director at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, as well as a life coach and overall fitness enthusiast. Above all, she believes in optimal well-being and life balance. She can be reached at lpeters@nb-ymca.com