When she’s not taping for her wildly popular show Be Careful With My Heart, Jodi Sta. Maria indulges in her current favorite workout: Zumba.

Zumba is a form of exercise developed by a Colombian choreographer that incorporates dance and aerobics elements in its fitness program. “I haven’t enrolled in a formal Zumba class. I just do it on my own free time,” Jodi says. Read on to see why Zumba is perfect for someone as busy as her:

1. IT CAN BE DONE AT HOME.
Convenience is key when sneaking in a workout into her full schedule. “I have an Xbox at home and a couple of Zumba CDs, so I just put on the CD when I find myself with some extra hours,” Jodi says.

2. IT’S FUN.
Jodi doesn’t like to complicate things with demanding workouts that take too much time and energy, She likes Zumba because it’s like performing. “It’s a dance, eh. When I do Zumba, iniisip ko na lang na nagpe-perform ako sa stage, so todo bigay (When I do Zumba, I just think that I'm performing on a stage, so I really give my all.).”

3. IT’S EASY TO FOLLOW AT YOUR OWN PACE.
With her status as an in-demand actress, it’s crucial that her workout is tailored to her own pace and interests. “When I do Zumba at home, ako lang mag-isa, so hindi ako shy. Walang judgment (When I do Zumba at home, I'm alone, so I'm not shy. No one's going to judge me),” she says.


Find out more about Jodi Sta. Maria’s fitness routine by grabbing a copy of the May 2013 issue of Women’s Health, out on stands now! You can also subscribe to the magazine’s digital edition.

Also in this issue:
Sleek Toned Arms in 4 Easy Steps
Lose the Last 5 Pounds
Get Stronger, Stay Healthier

(Photo by Xander Angeles)