Anyone who has ever stayed up watching late-night television probably has seen the various infomercials scattered among the cable channels.

The commercials pitch everything from tummy toners, shaking weights, body-slenderizing clothing and “appetite-suppressing” powder that users sprinkle on their food like salt.  

Then there is that one Latin-dance fitness video that claims to turn exercise into one big party: Zumba Fitness.

Everyone in the video seems to be having such a great time. The music is fast-paced and lively. The routines are combo of Latin dance steps and hip-hop moves.

But Zumba Fitness also seems to be popping up everywhere else, not just on TV.

Several area health clubs, park districts and independent instructors offer Zumba classes. There are Zumba DVDs, a Zumbawear clothing line, Zumba video games, AquaZumba, a Zumba training academy and a soon-to-be launched Zumbatomic program for children.  

The Zumba craze “is huge,” said Sabrina Patino, a Lake in the Hills dance instructor.

Zumba Classes at Huntley High School

In September, Patino began leading Zumba Fitness classes from 7 to 8 p.m. every Monday at Huntley High School, 13719 Harmony Road. A steady group of loyal “dancers” turns out each week to burn calories and have a good time.

The dance steps are easy to learn, and the routines can be adjusted for all intensity levels, Patino said.

“It’s fun,” said Ruth Amunada, 61, of Lake in the Hills. “You are working out, but it doesn’t feel like work because it’s fun.”

Prior to joining the Huntley class, Amunada participated in Zumba classes at other locations. In between the Monday night sessions in Huntley, Amunada exercises to the Zumba Fitness DVDs at home, she said.

Patty Lev, 54, of Lake in the Hills, also dances to Zumba at home, but she finds Patino’s class at Huntley High motivating.

“I enjoy doing Zumba,” Lev said. “It keeps me moving, and it’s fun to be with other people.”  

Patino, 37, a mother of two, also works full-time as an interpreter. She trained in dance from a young age and was a dance instructor in Chicago before moving to the suburbs.

Her dance background combined with a bachelor’s degree in Hispanic arts made becoming a Zumba Fitness instructor a perfect fit.

"We do salsa, Cumbia, hip-hop, flamenco and some belly-dancing moves,” Patino said. “Next month, I’m traveling to London to become certified to teach Zumbatomic for kids.”

Patino rents the space at Huntley High and charges a drop-in rate of $5 per participant. She also teaches at Centegra Health Bridge in Crystal Lake and at Mixin Mingle, 231 Main St., Woodstock.

February Special

To help break winter’s cabin fever, Patino said she is offering a 2-for-1, bring-a-friend special for anyone attending the next two Huntley sessions on Feb. 6 and 13.

Alberto “Beto” Perez started the Zumba Fitness craze in 2001.

The program has grown to become the world’s largest dance fitness program with more than 12 million people taking weekly Zumba classes in 110,000 locations throughout 125 countries, according to the Zumba.