Ditch the workout and join the party

That’s what local fitness instructor Jill Kennedy-Broughton’s saying about Zumba, a fun and flavorful Latin dance/aerobics class. Her team of instructors at Aerobics by Jill teach various levels of Zumba, including Zumba Mix with arm weights and Zumba Gold for seniors, at six locations around Springfield, including the Nelson Center and the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Catch Broughton’s classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings at First United Methodist Church West. For other times, instructors, and class fees, click on fitness & health at www.itsallaboutchange.com.

Zumba novices can salsa into shape at the FitClub, offering beginner-level, low-impact classes at each of its three locations seven days a week. It’s included in membership, but local non-members can use guest passes to try Zumba for free. Visit FitClub North, 2701 E. Sangamon Ave.; FitClub South, 3631 S. Sixth St.; or FitClub West, 2811 W. Lawrence, or www.fitclub.net for class times.

Springfield’s YMCA offers another happenin’ home to the fitness craze. Dancers choose from classic Zumba, the faster-paced Zumba Rapido, or the torsotwisting, ab-enhancing Zumba Sculpt. Try evening classes on Monday and Wednesday or wake up with the 5:45 a.m. early-bird class on Thursday.

Classes are free for members; class fees for non-members and other information is available at www.springfieldymca.org.

—Amanda Robert