Order Some Zumba at Lunch: Dance Class During Lunch Break in Crystal City

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THE BEST LUNCHTIME special in Crystal City comes with loads of salsa. But the outdoor Zumba classes every Wednesday at noon are completely calorie-free.

» What it is: The popular group exercise format, which relies on Latin rhythms to get students wiggling their hips and thrusting their arms into the sky, is "fun and sexy," explains Angela Fox, president and CEO of the Crystal City Business Improvement District. Since those are two adjectives she'd also like to have associated with the Arlington neighborhood, she's partnered with local gym Sport & Health to offer free classes. A trial run last summer proved so successful that they've brought the program back for 2010.

» Moves: Forget about fancy footwork. The whole idea behind Zumba is that it's easy to follow no matter your dance ability — and as long as you're moving, you're doing it right. But expect to shake your assets, spin and do the box step.

» Workout: Flinging your body around for an hour is never easy, and doing it midday in Washington heat can make it even more challenging. "You get the sun, so you sweat more," says instructor Carol Zambrana, who switches off teaching duties with Martin Luna.

Expect to feel the burn all over, Luna adds. Some numbers require keeping legs bent in squats for eons, and tons of arm pumping. Both instructors are also always pointing to their tummies to remind students to keep their cores strong.

But even though it can be exhausting, Nina Walia, who comes with a huge crew of co-workers from PBS, barely notices: "I feel like I'm in a music video instead of working out."

» Crowd: The hordes of women who show up — often more than 30 each week — represent every age group, ethnicity and fitness level. But none of them is shy. You can't be if you're going to be bumping your booty in public. (While it's rare for men to join in, there are plenty of guys, particularly of the gray-haired variety, who stop and gawk.) The benefits outweigh any embarrassment, however, regular student Lynnie Martin promises. "It gets me energized for work," says the 23-year-old, who has nine-hour days at the office. "I need something to get me moving."

» In the 'Hood: Crystal City is shaping up to be a health hub. Beyond Zumba, Sport & Health will start offering free outdoor yoga classes Monday mornings in June. The club has also recently launched a locker room-only membership for folks who want to bike to work but don’t have shower facilities at the office. On May 23, the neighborhood hosts the finish line festival for Bike DC, which will be a nice warm-up for the Air Force Cycling Classic, a weekend of amateur and pro races June 12 and 13.

» Offered Wed. at noon in the courtyard at 2345 Crystal Drive. Classes are canceled if there is inclement weather.

Photo by Lawrence Luk for Express