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People have realised exercise is best medicine: Zumba star Beto Perez
By Radhika Bhirani
New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) Excited about hosting a masterclass in India, Beto Perez, creator of the fitness solution Zumba, says by creating a fun environment, people don’t realise how hard they are working out. He is glad people worldwide are becoming conscious about the importance of exercise.
In India for the fourth edition of Fitex India 2018, Perez on Saturday hosted a high-powered masterclass in Greater Noida, to the beats of famed Indian rapper Badshah.
“The energy that comes from an Indian crowd of Zumba fans is like nowhere else in the world. I am also excited to meet so many new instructors in India. Our programme is booming and it gives me enormous pride to know we are creating employment opportunities for thousands of people,” Perez told IANS in an email interview.
He will be collaborating with Badshah before the end of 2018, and it will see the singer’s signature sounds getting choreographed and being distributed to Zumba instructors across the globe.
Zumba mixes dance and aerobic elements with accompanying music that is mainly Latin, but also incorporates various genres of music. The movements involve martial arts, squats, lunges and other aerobic techniques.
In 2001, Perez collaborated with Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion to create Zumba Fitness, LLC.
Over the years, the company has partnered with stars like Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor, Shakira, Maluma, Shaggy, Claudia Leitte, Pitbull, Wisin, Yandel, Don Omar, Luis Fonsi, Lil Jon and Daddy Yankee to incorporate high-energy music into their popular fitness routines.
“Music is fundamental to Zumba. With great music, you lose yourself in the moment and it doesn’t feel like you are working out.
“Latin music works perfectly for Zumba as the primary steps in class stem from certain Latin styles. But Bollywood music is right up there too,” added the 48-year-old Columbian, who dismisses the concept of ‘Bollywood Zumba’.
“It is important to note that ‘Bollywood Zumba’ does not formally exist. A Zumba class can certainly feature some Bollywood-style tracks but it is important that the music is primarily Latin and follows a certain formula, in which we train instructors.
“Only a properly trained and licensed instructor can deliver the genuine experience. That said, we at Zumba have created some Bollywood style tracks which we have provided to instructors around the world… and they absolutely love them.”
A core idea behind the fitness routine is to combine fun with exercise.
“People have realised that exercise is the best medicine. Regular exercise reduces the likelihood of a range of diseases and improves the mood. Exercise has moved away from being just for those that want to compete in sport or show off their body — it is a means by which everyone can lengthen their life expectancy.”
Asserting that it is a “business of fun”, Perez added: “Create a fun environment and people don’t realise how hard they are working and how many calories they are burning. The ability to connect with an audience and bring a sense of joy to the class is primarily what I look for in an instructor.
“It’s not about being the best dancer or having the biggest muscles… it’s about filling a room with energy and happiness.”
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.