Examining the metaphorical perceptions of zumbainstructors towards the zumba concept

The aim of this research is to elucidate the concept of Zumba metaphorically by examining the metaphorical perceptions of Zumba instructors regarding the concept of Zumba. The research intends to systematically compile the findings related to Zumba and contribute them to the literature. The universe of this research consisted of Zumba instructors holding Zumba instructor certification and actively practicing Zumba instruction nationwide in Turkey. For the research sample, a total of 138 Zumba instructors, including 15 males and 123 females, who voluntarily participated in and actively conducted Zumba instruction, were reached. Five papers obtained in the research were eliminated and excluded from the scope of the study due to the perceived mismatch between the subject of the metaphor and the source of the metaphor. To reveal the mental images of Zumba instructors regarding the concept of Zumba, an interview form was used. A metaphor form was prepared as the data collection tool. Each participant was given a written form with the sentence "Zumba is like .... Because ...." to complete. Participants were asked to complete these sentences. Since the metaphors obtained in the research were used as a descriptive tool, content analysis, a xiv qualitative research approach, was used for data analysis, and phenomenological design was employed as the research model. MAXQDA data analysis system was used to obtain figures and diagrams in the analysis of the data. Based on the evaluation data, it is observed that the Zumba instructors participating in the research developed a total of 50 metaphors for the concept of Zumba. Among these metaphors, the one with the highest frequency used by Zumba instructors is the metaphor "therapy" (21). Other frequently used metaphors include "love" (11), "energy" (11), "happiness" (10), "life" (7), "fun" (6), and "freedom" (6). Additionally, 30 metaphors were developed by individual participants. The average percentage value for a metaphor is "0.72," and the average number of participants per metaphor is approximately "0.36." The metaphors developed by Zumba instructors for the concept of Zumba were categorized into 5 groups based on their common characteristics and evaluated. "Vital satisfaction" is the category with the most metaphors (f:15). Following this are "psychological relaxation" (f:12), "emotional satisfaction" (f:10), "being healthy" (f:7), and the category with the least metaphors is "physical gain" (f:6). "Psychological relaxation" (53) and "vital satisfaction" (49) categories were identified as the ones with the most participants. The categories with the least participants are "being healthy" (8) and "physical gain" (6). According to the information obtained, it can be seen that Zumba instructors use various metaphors to express the concept of Zumba. According to the results of the research, Zumba is a fun and energetic fitness activity that provides many positive effects in terms of vital satisfaction, psychological relaxation, emotional satisfaction, being healthy, and physical gain. This activity can contribute to individuals' emotional satisfaction, stress reduction, increased self-confidence, and improved physical health. Individuals practicing Zumba can feel free while dancing and experience happiness and life with a more positive perspective. Therefore, Zumba offers a holistic approach that supports both physical and mental health. In conclusion, Zumba is an exercise type that contributes to the individual in many ways, physically, emotionally, and psychologically, providing energy, happiness, and even therapeutic benefits, making it a positive lifestyle choice. This study will help us understand the meaning of the Zumba concept through metaphors. Keywords: exercise, metaphor, zumba.