Forget Zumba, the new way to get fit is to shake it to Bokwa

It's all about throwing your arms up, shimmying, shaking those hips and moving your body to the structured steps of the alphabet.

Bokwa is the new workout craze sweeping the nation.

It comes after the fitness obsession with Zumba – which was a huge hit with women across the globe – and is proving a popular fat-burner with many.

Despite always being interested in giving Zumba a go, I have avoided it for fear of looking stupid with my embarrassing lack of co-ordination.

However, I didn't want to miss out on yet another workout hit, so I dragged a friend along to David Lloyd to give Bokwa a go.

Within about five minutes, I was reminded why I had avoided Zumba.

Or any dance class for a number of years, for that matter.

With thumping dance music to get everyone in the vibe and quick-paced moves, it is clear why this fitness phenomenon is a calorie burner but it is fairly difficult to get the hang of straight away.

The class started off with a few basic warm-up steps to get us going.

These simples moves were easy enough but once we launched into the proper workout, neither of us could really keep up. But we tried our best.

Bokwa involves plenty of shimmying, shaking, jumping and all sorts of high-energy moves. It's certainly a good cardiovascular workout.

Shouting random letters from the alphabet, our instructor Kim Holborn-Rouse was bursting with energy and enthusiasm.

She was a good teacher and, I have to say, very understanding, as she kept coming over to help us try to get to grips with the steps.

The rest of our class didn't even seem to have to follow Kim's lead, so I can only assume they must have been going to the classes for a few weeks. According to one member of the class, it gets easier after a few sessions.

My friend and I both struggled our way through the class but had a giggle at the same time.

Bokwa's creator Paul Mavi says anyone can do the class because the steps are structured as letters and numbers and therefore doesn't require you to count steps.

But I would be lying if I said I thought Bokwa was easy.

Our Bokwa session lasted for an hour and on this occasion, it wasn't too full, so there was plenty of room for everyone to do their moves and really get into the spirit.

When the class came to an end, once warmed down, Kim warned us both our calves would probably be hurting the following day, due to plenty of jumping and all of the high- energy moves we'd been attempting.

Luckily, we were both fine the next day but that, I am sure, was something to do with the fact we were not exercising to our full potential.

If you fancy trying something a bit different instead of a regular workout in the gym, I'd suggest heading along to Bokwa to give it a go.

However, try to take a friend with you so you've got a companion in case you want a bit of support.

As for Kingswood's David Lloyd gym, I loved it.

The changing rooms were very spacious (an important issue for women who may be showering and changing while there and need the use of mirrors etc) and the gym itself looked great.

We also stayed on to have a bite to eat after the class and refuel.

We both had a smoothie to drink and a chicken and sweet potato dish for tea, which was a nice healthy option.

In fact, there are plenty of health-conscious options on the menu – perfect for after a workout.

Despite the fact I couldn't really get to grips with the Bokwa moves, I might venture back one day to see if the co-ordinated class member who promised it got easier was right.

For now, I will probably stick with exercise that doesn't involve dance moves and one thing is for sure, I am much more clear about why as a child, my mum wasn't too keen on spending her hard-earned cash on me to carry on with my modern dancing class.

My two left feet must have always been an issue.