
If you’ve tried Zumba, you know that it gets you moving. This dance workout is a fun way to exercise, but is usually held indoors. Now you can work up a sweat while enjoying blue skies and scenic hills. Irvine Ranch Conservancy is hosting regular outdoor Zumba classes, with Orange County’s only National Natural Landmark as the backdrop.
Zumba is a energetic mix of dance styles, combined to form a workout suited to many fitness levels. The workout combines aerobic elements with dance moves from hip-hop, samba, mambo, salsa and other styles. Since its launch in Columbia in the 1990s, the workout sensation has swept the world. The dance moves are easy to follow, and people can put as much effort into the moves as they like, tailoring the workout.
Every other Sunday, the class is held at the Hicks Haul Road Staging Area in Irvine. The paved staging area is at the edge of Limestone Canyon, and dance moves are performed against foothills covered in native plants. On alternate Tuesdays, Zumba is held at Irvine Regional Park in Orange, at the portion of the park nearest to Fremont Canyon. The locations are easily accessible, yet surrounded by natural beauty.