Arkadiusz Błyskal

Arek runs Zumba Fitness classes at Teho Sport in Trzebownisko near Rzeszów — a workout in the form of dance to Latin and international rhythms: salsa, merengue, reggaeton, cumbia and bachata. Instead of counting reps, you simply dance to the music and the training happens along the way.

He admits that seeing people enjoy themselves is what motivates him most. He gives them more energy, and they give it straight back — which is when the classes work best.

He loves the atmosphere at TEHO, because there is no room for self-consciousness here: nobody is embarrassed, and it makes no difference whether you are 16 or 60. In a Zumba class the differences of age and status disappear. Everyone comes to enjoy themselves together, and losing a few kilos is the side effect.

You don't need to know how to dance or have any experience — the choreographies are simple and repetitive, Arek shows every step and adjusts the pace to the room. People of every age and fitness level come along; what matters is having fun, not a perfect step.

An hour of Zumba is a cardio workout that improves stamina, coordination and overall fitness, releases the stress of the day and helps with losing weight — all without feeling like you are in a typical gym.

He guarantees that nobody leaves a Zumba Fitness class unhappy. Fitness and dance to Latin music feel less like a workout than like one big party — and although you rarely notice, you burn a great deal: an hour can burn up to 900 kcal. But the numbers are not the point here.

The best way to see what Zumba is about is simply to come and try it — Arek looks forward to seeing you at the next class at Teho Sport.