Exercise is a great way to relieve mom stress and taking classes is particularly motivating. But taking a Zumba class is one of the the most electrifying, high energy way to burn calories while having fun.

According to the official Web site,"Zumba Fitness is the Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music and contagious steps to form a fitness party that is downright addictive."

Although it seems like the phenomena recently sprouted in local gyms and dance schools, the company Zumba Fitness been around since 2001. According to the website, it was accidentally created by Columbian Aerobics instructor Alberto Perez, who in the mid 90's forgot his regular music and had to improvise by using his own mix. It was the idea to let the music move you instead of counting repetitions over the music that inspired Zumba.

Since then, it has exploded onto the work-out scene, and many North Andover fitness clubs, dance studios and the Senior Center now offer Zumba classes. There are many types of classes, and what is offered as well as the cost may vary.

My advice is if you join an on-going class, it will take a few times to catch on. I would also highly recommend looking for a class that caters for beginners when taking Zumba for the first time. Additionally, you can save money by buying a punch card at several of the venues.

Regardless of where you go, there is definitely something about the high energy Latin beat that not only moves you, but keeps the feeling going for many hours afterwards.

Here are five places you can find Zumba in town.

1. Center for Performing Arts has drop-in classes Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m. Cost is $10 per class. For more information call 978-681-1820.

2. Curves offers a full hour class class on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for $12. They feature a 30 minute Zumba Circuit,where dance moves are combined with circuit training at timed intervals. Watch the Youtube video to see this in action. It is available Mondays from 3:30 to 4 p.m. and 4 to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. and 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. The cost is $6 for non-members and $2 for members. Discounts for multiple classes are available with a punch card. Non-members interested in the Zumba Circuit should call ahead at 978-685-9955.

3. Fitness for You offers a class on Sundays 10:45 a.m. It is free for members. Non-members have to pay a daily gym rate of $15. Their phone number is 978-794-3484.

4. Nancy Chippendale's Dance Studio offers a drop-in class on Wednesdays, 6 to 7 p.m., for $15. There is only one more class left for the season. So check the website or call 978-685-5533 for the Fall schedule.

5. North Andover School of Dance offers two classes; Thursdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. and Saturdays 8 to 9 a.m. and you can try a class for free. After that, the cost is 10 classes for $100 or 20 for $180.00. The phone number is 978-688-6683 or check out their Web site.

6. The Council on Aging Senior Center offers several Zumba classes which are open to people of all ages. The basic class is held Mondays, 3:30-4:30pm, and the Zumba Fitness classes are offered Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30pm and Thursdays, 4:30-5:30pm. The cost for these classes is $40 for 10 weeks or $6 each class. The center also offers a 45-minute Zumba Gold class which suits the needs of active older participants and meets Wednesdays, 2:30-3:15pm. The cost is $24 for 6 weeks. Participants must sign up for a session after trying an initial class. Call 978-688-9560 for more information.