Lesley Scott

Lesley Scott, 35, a finance administrator from Musselburgh, often found that her stressful job and a busy social life didn't leave her much time to do anything else.

'Usually I would be out with my pals at the weekend, or I was tired from working. The last thing I wanted to do in the evening was go to an exercise class – I was too exhausted and found myself just coming home and watching telly.'

Last year, one of my friends suggested I come along to a Zumba class, but I wasn't overly keen. I'm not a big fan of aerobics and I wasn't too keen on showing off my wobbly bits in an exercise class. But Zumba sounded a bit different, so I thought I'd give it a go.'

The Latin fitness craze proved to be the kick-start Lesley needed for a more active lifestyle. Zumba combines salsa beats and dance moves to create a fun-filled work out, and Lesley enjoyed it so much she soon started going to her class once a week. Now she's recruited more friends to go along and actively looks forward to it as part of her social life.

'I'm hooked,' says Lesley. 'It's really good fun. I love the music, I have a great laugh with my friends, and it's more like a good night out than a chore. Zumba doesn't feel like exercise, but I can feel the difference it's making to my body. I've got more energy and I feel a lot less sluggish than I did before. It's good for burning calories, too. I really look forward to going every week, as I am doing something I really enjoy!