There's a new workout in town, and it goes by the name of Zumba.

Created by Colombian fitness trainer Beto Perez, it involves an hour-long class that uses low-impact Latin dance moves set to Latin music to tone the body.

Don't worry if you've got two left feet. California Fitness group exercise instructor Rashidah Lim assures us that anyone can pick up the steps within a few classes.

To be launched on Saturday, the workout is estimated to burn between 600 and 800 calories, depending on the intensity you attack the moves with.

Lim, 23, says Zumba gives you such a great time that you forget you're actually doing a workout.

You get a feel of that by watching the smile on her face as she demonstrates some of the moves on this page. Just remember that these moves are part of the total workout and usually done to a lively dance beat.

California Fitness is offering the first 50 AsiaOne readers who e-mail askus@californiafitness.com.sg a complimentary Zumba class.

BETO SHUFFLE (A move created by Zumba creator Beto Perez)

What it works: The obliques and hips

How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent, palms in front of you with your left palm facing down and right palm facing up. Swing your hips out to the left, while simultaneously pointing your hands to the right. Then switch sides by swinging your hip to the right, now with your right palm facing down, and with your left palm pointing to the left. Repeat this shuffle to the right twice before switching back to the left.

MERENGUE MARCH

What it works: Biceps, triceps and hips

How to do it: Start with a normal march, keeping your feet together. Gradually twist knees inwards with each step as you raise your right arm up, elbow bent, and stretch your left arm straight out. Using a waving motion, swing your arms overhead from side-to-side, interchanging movements with each twist of your Merengue step.

CRUMP (A freestyle move used in street and hip-hop dance)

What it works: The abdominals

How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent, clench your fists and place them in front of your chest, arms bent. Moving the upper torso towards your waist, crunch your abs, release and repeat.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Apr 17, 2008.