Get Fit With Zumba on the Beach this Summer

With his party Zumba classes becoming more popular, Zumba instructor Oscar Gonzalez has decided to expand his schedule this summer and offer fitness classes on the beach. 

"It's really taking off," Gonzalez said of his Zumba classes, which he said average about 70 attendees, ranging in age from 15 to 60. 

Gonzalez said he is most excited to expand his Zumba class to the beach, which will take place at the Ocean Resort in Westhampton Beach every Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. starting May 18.

While each of Gonzalez's classes usually feature a light show and a cranking sound system that Gonzalez totes around in his car, he said he is looking forward to helping his customers burn calories while enjoying ocean views. 

"And right after class, they are welcome to cool off in the ocean," he said. 

Gonzalez, who also offers private Zumba parties and personal training, is holding classes this summer at the Dance Center of the Hamptons on Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.; at the Hampton Bays Wellness Institute at 7 p.m. Tuesdays; and on Shelter Island at Shelter Island Yoga and Fitness on Sundays at 11:15 a.m. 

Gonzalez got his start in dance 20 years ago in Costa Rica when the manager of a dance studio he was working for asked him to teach. 
"I had never done it before," he said. 

But soon, he found it was his calling — moving to New York, not knowing a word of English, using hand signals to teach classes. 

He relocated to New York 13 years ago and since then he has settled in Hampton Bays, teaching Zumba classes around the world and to celebrities like Christie Brinkley. 

"I love what I do and I always try to give everyone an experience," said Gonzalez, who often wears creative hats and aims to bring energy by "putting on a show" while teaching.

For more information on Gonzalez' classes, visit zumba-oscar.com.