Zumba, the dance-fitness program that has sky-rocketed in popularity in recent years, is proving to be equally popular with seniors.

Zumba Gold is a spin-off of Zumba that addresses the exercise needs of senior adults. Alexis Perkins, a licensed instructor who teaches a weekly class at Lake Prince Woods retirement community, explained the benefits.

“It’s a great workout for anyone,” she said. “Zumba Gold helps people limber up, do safe hip movements, and work on balance and improving muscle strength.”

Zumba Gold incorporates the same zesty Latin music and easy-to-follow moves of regular Zumba. “I like to call it ‘exercise in disguise’,” Perkins said with a twinkle in her eye.

She noted what a big difference she sees in participants after they’ve been in the program a few times. “It raises their spirits. It’s a companion experience, and they can enjoy being with people similar in age and ability to themselves,” she added.

“I try not to miss a class,” said Ray Hartless, a Lake Prince Woods resident. “I love to dance, and I enjoy exercise classes, so this gives me the best of both.” His wife, Judene, noted the cardiovascular and endurance benefits she’d seen as a result of the class.

For seniors who may have mobility issues, there is even a chair version of Zumba. The music and movement of the program also appeals to people who have dementia. “I’ve had staff members tell me some people will get up and dance when they can’t get them to do any other activities,” Perkins said.

Perkins has been a licensed instructor since 2009, and her mother is also a Zumba instructor. Instructors must maintain their license, and one of the ways Alexis does that is by attending the Zumba convention, which is usually a three- to four-day meeting. Later this year, she’ll be going to Paris and Italy to teach classes.

Lake Prince Woods is a nonprofit, full-service retirement community located on 172 acres off of Kings Fork Road. The Zumba classes there have attracted people from within and outside the community.