Dance yourself slim with the hottest new workout

Dance enthusiasts listen up! With summer on the way it’s time to ditch the workout and join the party with brand new fitness craze, Zumba.

Gone are the days of spending hours in the gym, or slogging it out in spinning class. Today it's all about finding fun ways to maintain your fitness, and Zumba is definitely hot, hot, hot!

Created by fitness trainer to the stars, Beto Perez, it mixes a whole host of dancing styles, including Salsa, Merengue, Bhangra and Hip Hop to help you step, shake, shimmy your way to a healthier you.

Think heady Latin beats and the chance to dance like nobody's watching, combined with a high intensity workout - it's guaranteed to raise your heart rate, and we're pretty sure you'll feel like you're at a party.

The steps are oh-so-easy to pick up (no training needed here!), with routines that are specifically designed to shape you up, and fast!

The workout includes a mixture of interval training sessions, where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt, at the same time as burning fat. And what's more, you can dance off up to 500 calories an hour. Phew!

Think it sounds fun? You're not alone. Originally developed in the states, Zumba has recently been rolled out to 72 Virgin Active health clubs around the UK, and women are flocking to try it.

So it comes as no surprise to hear the celebrities love it, too. Victoria Beckham, Kelly Brook and Michelle Obama are all said to be fans, and Sugababe Heidi Range is using it to get fit for her wedding.

‘It's the most fun I've ever had while working out,' the gorgeous star said. ‘I'm sure I'll be showing Dave the sexy Zumba moves too.'

So next time you're regretting the purchase of that teeny bikini for your summer holls, panic not. Get yourself down to your nearest Zumba class and dance your way to a slimmer, healthier you.

Zumba is running at Virgin Active heath clubs nationwide. For more information, visit: virginactive.co.uk/zumba