New Workout Sets Mini-Gym on Fire

New Workout Sets Mini-Gym on Fire (Article 2) 

Jeanette Settembre 

The floor was on fire. The maximum capacity of students however did not stop. They did happen to drop, abnormally low, and in a strange form of unison they rolled. Body roll that is.  

It was questionable whether the exceptionally hot temperature was due to the body heat from the students, or the spicy beat of Latin music protruding heavily out of the speakers. Regardless of the combination, the abundance of motion in the room turned the mini gym into an inferno. 

With midterms approaching, hectic class schedules, and barley enough time to sleep, the idea of working out can often become an after thought. A trip to the gym at times can  feel like a chore that we would much rather sweep, perhaps even burry, under the rug. With a fresh new workout class that is held every Mondays at 8:15 pm, students have put a bit more pep in their Jasper step as they stride to the mini gym. Zumba has become the hit work out class that has students shakin’ and shimmin’ Mr. tummy away. 

Zumba is a dance fitness program created during the ‘90s by dancer and choreographer Alberto Perez in Columbia. The program combines Latin and international music with dance in a successful pursuit to make exercise fun.

Exercise science major and MC Zumba instructor, Lauren Bednarz, claims that the work out is “an exercise in disguise.”  Bednarz became certified in personal training and group exercise in high school where she gained ample experience. After talking to a few professors, they decided to give the class a try. 

“People love to dance without even realizing that they can burn up to 500 calories per class. The cardio-based workout combines muscular fitness such as squats and lunges that are sure to tone the entire body,” says Bednarz. 

The key to this zesty endeavor is music. Specific beats and tempos change as the work out transitions from toning, to strengthening, to cardio and other target muscle groups.  Zumba also incorporates Latin flavored dance styles which include: Cumbia, Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Flamencho, Reggaeton, Samba, Belly dancing, Hip Hop and Tango. (Aye Aye Aye!) Bednarz states that the music has a lot to do with the work out. Being certified through Zumba, Bednarz is supplied with song suggestions. While teaching the classes it is evident that the students are motivated through the dynamic rhythms and beats of the music. 

Bednarz is stunned by the class’ success so far. The first class had about 30 students and by the next week nearly 50. “We actually had to turn people away because the room was too packed.” Bednarz is currently working on reserving a bigger space to conduct the class in the future. 

Sophomore, Michele Palazzo, is a weekly attendee of the Zumba Class and raves, “I love the class! It’s a lot of fun. Zumba is such an energy booster and I really feel the work out! The forty-five minutes goes by so fast and even though I’m getting a good work out I don’t even realize it.” 

Bednarz proclaims, “I am hoping that students can walk away from this class with the mindset that they are beginning to lead healthy life styles. I have met people who have had their lives changed by Zumba as far as loosing weight and just feeling better about themselves. It is a program that participants stick to and say “I want to go to class!” not “I should go to class.” 

Although a little coordination wouldn’t hurt, there is no need for any dance experience  for this class; it is all about feeling the music and moving at your own pace.

As for all the blood pumping combustion, human instinct may encourage an extinguish,  but Zumba participants have made it clear, they’d rather let it burn.