INTRODUCTION

Zulurobics™ is a distinctive South African workout inspired by the Zulu warrior.  This workout caters to all people who are interested in health, African culture and fun!  Movements range from traditional Indlamu Zulu dance, Gumboot, Jive, and other African dances including Capoeira, a South American form of martial arts which has its origins in Africa.

You will get a full body workout while your body moves to rhythmic drumming and uplifting South African music. As you mimic animals and nature that characterize traditional African dance your heart rate will increase, thus giving you a toned and fit body and at the same time improve your emotional well being.

HISTORY OF AFRICAN DANCE

Traditional African dance is a way of storytelling passed down over generations. For Instance, the Indalmu Zulu dance tells the story of the Zulu warrior preparing for battle.  The Zulus were known to be fierce warriors and their leader, Shaka Zulu encouraged his warriors to imitate the leopard when he trained his men for battle.  The leopard skin is still a part of traditional zulu dress today and the dance movements characterize the strength of the leopard.

It is from this history that this workout programme is called Zulurobics™.   Our vision is to make everyone fitness warriors with a fierce body and attitude towards a healthier lifestyle.  Hence, the word Zulurobics™ is synonymous with strength and determination.

BENEFITS OF ZULUROBICS™

Many times, people appreciate African dance for its artistic elements and see it purely as entertainment, but do not consider its health benefits.  Zulurobics™ demands intense cardio endurance and once you experience this vigorous African workout, you will realize how effective African dance can be in giving you a toned body.  Zulurobics™ is a perfect way to improving health and quality of life because it provides treatment for all aspects of health. It does not only have physical benefits, but it also has emotional benefits.  And the particular reason for this is the music and drumming.

THE CREATORS

It was African music and drumming that sparked the concept of Zulurobics™. Temi Stallings and Atose Aguele were listening to African music whilst working out in the gym.   As the drums built momentum, Temi jumped off the treadmill, and started dancing.  Atose joined in doing the Zulu kick! The fun they were having inspired them to explore the idea of an African dance inspired aerobics workout and now, the Zulu kick is the hot new craze that is sweeping the nation and toning bodies worldwide!

CONCLUSION

Our mission is to make Zulurobics synonymous with the modern day warrior. Everyone has the warrior in them and Zulurobics captures the spirit of the warrior, entering a battle with your sights on winning but understanding that the true reward is not the goal others set for you but reaching the one you set for yourself!

ZULU CULTURE

The Zulu, which means people of heaven, are a proud nation that treasures their heritage.  Dancing and singing is an integral part of their lifestyle, and specific dances express an event or happening within the clan.  

The Zulu people wear a distinct traditional dress, which mostly includes beadwork for women and the men’s traditional clothing consists mainly of cowhide around the waist to cover their front and back.  Beads are the pride of the Zulu nation. Different beads carry symbolic meanings that may be used during courtship.

Shaka Zulu

Shaka was born out of marriage and according to Zulu culture, his mother, Nandi had shamed the Elangeni tribe even though Shaka was of royal blood being the child of King Senzangakhona.

Shaka and his mother moved to the Mthetwa tribe because they were shunned by her tribe.  At age 23, Shaka was given the position to lead and train the Mthetwa army. Shaka demanded the strictest of discipline and perfection from his warrior.  If any warrior came back from war stabbed in the back he would kill them because this showed that they were running away from the enemy.

By 1820 Shaka Zulu had won most of Southeast Africa and Natal. Shaka continued to raid, destroy clans and tribes throughout the Ngunis, including the destruction of his mother’s tribe as revenge. The Zulu nation grew to an estimated population of about 250, 000, with an army of about 2000 warriors and the Zulu nation flourished.

When Nandi died in 1827, Shaka began to loose control of the nation, because clans revolted against him after he ordered 3 months starvation in grief of Nandi and executed about 7,000 people.

A year later, half brother from his father Senzangakhona Dingane, stabbed him to death then took the body buried it in an empty tomb.