There are more than 20 local venues at these Latin-inspired classes where you can shake your hips with samba, merengue and cha-cha moves to name a few.

Zumba, which comes from the Spanish verb zumbir meaning to buzz, was developed in Colombia in 1999 and fuses Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves in a fitness class.

There are now classes in 105 countries and the workout DVDs are sold in 30 countries.

But you don't have to be a dancing queen, or king, to go to a class.

Sara Siniska, who teaches at the Grand Rebellion Room and Fernwood gym, both in Castle Hill, says zumba is popular for its ``lively and vibrant music'' and simple steps.

``It's a great environment to express yourself and get fit at the same time,'' she said.

``I always tell the people in the class that the main rule of zumba is `there are no rules'.

``It's all about having fun.''

Jezz Aquino from Stanhope Gardens said she couldn't go a week without her zumba fix.

``I go to a class with three girlfriends and we have so much fun,'' she said. ``The music just makes you want to dance.''

Instructor Alison Burns, of Kellyville, who teaches at the C2K gym at the Castle Hill RSL, says the classes have a party atmosphere.

``There is a great vibe in the room and the hour just flies,'' she said.

``And you don't have to be a dancer.

``There are 40per cent of the members who have never danced before.''

The zumba workout is also flexible, with most routines having variations for people to work as hard or as little as they are able to.

Visit zumba.com and click on classes to find a class near you.