‘Spice up your workout’: At 51, this exercise class transformed Mel B’s fitness in weeks

Mel B likes an exercise that lets you ‘add in your own spice, so to speak.’ Well, of course she does. The former Spice Girl is speaking to GH because she has finally found one. And luckily for her, most estimates place it among Britain’s favourite fitness classes, with thousands of sessions held across the UK each week.

‘I was first introduced to Zumba properly a few years ago when I worked with them on a couple of videos,’ she says. ‘I absolutely loved it and got completely hooked. We had such a laugh. The first instructor I worked with, Gina Wonder, has remained a friend until this day.’

If you don’t already know (have you been living under a rock?), Zumba is a dance-fitness program combining high-energy Latin and international music with upbeat aerobic choreography. Alternating between fast and slow tempos, it turns dance into interval training and a traditional workout into a party – exercise in disguise, in other words.

It’s this sense of fun that attracted Mel. ‘To be really honest it was just the whole spirit of Zumba,’ she says. ‘There’s something so free and liberating about it. You can do the moves but you can add in your own spice, so to speak. There’s something really fun about dancing with a group of other people, all making the same moves (as much as possible) and creating this energy together – it’s totally infectious.’

There are several different types to choose from. Zumba Toning classes focus on strength training, Zumba Step is a combination of Zumba and step aerobics and Zumba Gold is slower-paced, designed for older adults or those with limited mobility, and focuses on balance, coordination and flexibility.

Whichever one you choose, Zumba’s a good fitness pick for women as we age, says Mel. For a start: ‘It’s not in any way precious. There’s no posing or special equipment but they do have some great outfits if you happen to want to wear them – basically anything goes.’ All that means she’s likely to break into a little bit of Zumba whenever the mood takes her: ‘I do Zumba whenever I get the chance. I know the moves and I’ll just sometimes break into a little routine – I just like to keep moving.’

Second: ‘As we get older, we need to keep moving,’ she adds, ‘and it’s not hard but it does get your blood pumping – and you’ll definitely notice the difference in your fitness levels in a matter of weeks.’

Finally: ‘Zumba isn’t just an exercise class, it’s a community. If you come because you want to dance, great. If you come because you want to get fit, great.’ In fact, she says, it was this aspect that really got her hooked: ‘One hundred percent, it was the people . There’s definitely something about a Zumba dancer. I think it’s a sense of fun and a devil-may-care attitude that really suits me and makes you keep coming back. You’re not dreading it at all thinking: “Oh no, I haven’t been to the gym. I need to go…” You’re thinking: “Great! I’m going to see my ladies tonight!”’

Perhaps for that reason, it’s proved a mood-booster for her. ‘Zumba makes you happy because you can’t help laughing, especially if you make a wrong move,’ says Mel. ‘It definitely ups your heart rate, tones you up and it’s great for flexibility, which we all need. In terms of mental health, it floods your body with endorphins and that makes you feel great.’

We can’t let her go without asking one final question: what’s on your exercise playlist, Mel? ‘Anything and everything,’ she says. ‘I like old-school reggae funk, but to be honest, Zumba always has great music, so I like to be surprised!’ Sounds good to us. Are you ready to spice up your workout?

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