By Eric Poe/sports editor
Exercising has stayed relatively the same over the years. People who need to lose weight or stay fit usually have gone on a long run or lifted weights in a gym.
One workout that has done its part to keep exercise from stagnating is the Latin dance-inspired Zumba.
“The main thing about Zumba is that it’s fun,” said NE Zumba instructor Dara Toney. “It’s much more fun than running on a treadmill.”
Zumba has followed dance workouts like Tae Bo and those Richard Simmons exercise videos. One of the factors separating Zumba from its predecessors is its Latin influence, Toney said.
Five-year veteran Zumba teacher Toney said the workout is done to Latin music and incorporates the salsa and merengue dance styles.
Doing Zumba offers many advantages, Toney said.
“The benefits to Zumba are, once again, how fun it is,” she said. “It is a great workout, and with it being an hourlong cardio session, it burns 400 to 700 calories per class.”
Zumba also has social benefits. Toney said it is a good way to meet new people and make friends since each session has a party atmosphere.
“People just need to bring comfortable clothes, water and themselves and be ready to have a fun time,” she said.
Janjura Williams, student development assistant, is one of the employees taking advantage of the Zumba classes.
“Zumba greatly enhances your core and is great cardio,” she said. “I’ve done it before, and it uses muscles you don’t normally use. I like Zumba.”
Williams said she is going because she wants to have fun while enhancing her health and hanging out with friends.
“It’s not easy,” she said, “but it’s a blast.”
Zumba is being offered through JPS’ Shape Up employee wellness program on NE Campus.
“The wellness initiative gives employees up to 30 minutes per shift, with their supervisor’s permission, to go to the HPE building and work out,” said Bernie Yee, health services administrative assistant. “Zumba is just one of the many exercise options provided.”
Sessions are 2 to 3 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 7 in NSTU Center Corner. All students and faculty are welcome to attend the workouts, which are free.
For more information, visit zumba.com, call health services at 817-515-6056 or go to Toney’s website at getdownwithdara.com.
