Our group fitness classes offer a friendly atmosphere with a personalized approach to exercise. Classes are taught by nationally certified instructors who excel in motivating and educating. We offer many multi-level classes that will challenge the “fit” member and encourage the “novice” exerciser.
If you have any orthopedic or medical problems, our instructors can offer modifications of specific exercises to meet your needs.
Who likes Zumba classes?
Zumba is for men and women ages 18 and older who want to go to the gym and enjoy a workout where they get to listen to fun music. When you are taking a Zumba class, it is easy to get lost in the rhythm of the music, sometimes forgetting that you are even working out.
What is a Zumba class?
Zumba is considered a high intensity, high impact exercise class that is pre-choreographed to music. It is a dance-based exercise class that focuses mostly on cardiovascular fitness, with some strengthening components. Get ready for an invigorating, complete body workout!
Originally created in the 1990s by dancer and choreographer, Beto Perez, Zumba now is taught in studios and gyms all over the world. Zumba is comprised of four different types of Latin rhythms: salsa, Cumbia, merengue and reggaeton. In addition to those, you might also experience other forms of Latin-based music like bachata, dembow, cha-cha and samba. Sometimes instructors will also incorporate other styles of dance like hip-hop and country, among others.
All Zumba classes are usually choreographed to a 32-count phrase, although every instructor is unique in their dance style. Instructors take members through one or two warm up routines. The cool down routine at the end of each class lasts for about five minutes. The songs in between usually vary in intensity, like an interval class. As you alternate between high intensity and low intensity dance routines, your heart rate has the benefit of going up and down. Even though your heart rate is slower during the lower-intensity Zumba exercises, you never completely stop to take a break. Interval training is a key benefit of every Zumba class.
If you currently have a severe knee injury, if you are recovering from surgery, or if you have a history of knee pain, Zumba may not be the class you want to start out with before complete rehabilitation. Zumba requires a lot of pivots and turns and even some jumps on the hard floor. If members have some physical limitations and still want to try Zumba, you can always talk with the instructor about modifying certain movements to make the exercise less stressful to your joints.
Zumba only requires moving your body on the aerobics floor, without the use of additional equipment.
When and where do Zumba classes meet?
Zumba classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at WK Pierremont Wellness Center, in the aerobics studios for 50 minutes each class.
Why do Zumba?
Zumba is a fun way to improve your cardiovascular fitness level and free your mind at the same time. Music is a great way to trigger pleasant memories and forget you’re even working out. Many members say it’s easy to improve their cardiovascular endurance in this dance-based class. Cardiovascular exercise releases endorphins, or happy hormones, so participants get positive thoughts and feelings along with the physical benefits.
Water bottle and towel recommended. Shoe bells are not typical but are welcomed.