Zumba: exercise in disguise

By Jessica Paradysz
September 25, 2013

Leann Scherer
Leann Scherer

Music booms from the stereo, an eclectic and energetic mix of pop princess Katy Perry, rapper T-Pain and spicy, Spanish songs. Students dance along to the beat, laughing and joking around with friends in the turquoise-blue aerobics room. Could this really be the scene of an exercise class?

Zumba has taken the world by storm. Leann Scherer, senior education major, has caught the fever and brings her enthusiasm to each class at Cabrini College.

The exotic sounding name is a type of dance exercise that “ties in different cultures, different styles of dancing, combined with a workout,” Leann said. One minute the class is dancing the traditional salsa and merengue to up-tempo, alluring Latin songs and the next ooze attitude during a hip- hop combination.

Zumba is all about feeling good, having fun and taking a break from the stress of school. Students do not need to be ballroom dancers or track stars to enjoy themselves and get a work out. “As long as you are moving, or trying, it is working,” the new Zumba instructor said.

Leann attended classes in New Jersey for two months and was hooked, which propelled her to become certified and bring her skills to Cabrini.

It is not breaking news that students’ schedules are crammed with classes, activities and equally filled with stress from school, family and drama. Working out is important, yet not everyone has the time or can commit to going to the gym.

Zumba classes are offered free of charge every Tuesday and Wednesday at the Dixon Center from 5-6 p.m. The hour- long classes are truly “exercise in disguise” as students shake, jump and salsa the stress away. “Zumba is a great way to work out without knowing you’re working out,”junior education major, Aubrey stokes said. “I love it and the people in the class.”

Students can see incredible results class after class as the key to Zumba is consistency. Skeptics should know that the dance workout of 10 songs, warm up and cool down, all focus on the core, including the abdominals and toning. The instructor keeps a headset to speak above the pulsing music to point out the muscles that they are working. People get into certain moves once they know what parts they are focusing on, Leann adds.

It can be easy to forget that the instructor is a student as well with a chaotic schedule of classes and student teaching, as she brings contagious energy to every class. Leann explains that her energy levels soar from seeing the students getting into the routines and letting loose.

The instructor is thrilled for her senior year, and hopes to learn more, earn other certifications, and continue with instructing after graduation. “Looking forward,” Leann said, “I’m excited not only to see new people come back,  but also bring friends,  and how I can hang out, have fun and do what I like to do.”

 

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Jessica Paradysz

Jessica is a junior communication major and Spanish minor. She currently is the Perspectives Editor for The Loquitur. Jessica is passionate about writing and believes that the paper is a great platform for students to showcase their creativity. She is one of the social media and marketing chairs for the Cavalier Dance Company. As a writer, she knows that dancing can tell a story. Everyone has a story to tell, and she is excited for the stories that will fill the pages of the paper this year.

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