Are you looking for a great, fun and free way to stay in shape? Look no further then attending one of the many fitness classes that are offered at the Dixon Center, Cabrini College’s sports and recreation complex.
“I think it is extremely important [to stay in shape], not only for your physical health but also for your mental and emotional health as well,” Jessica Huda, Cabrini’s fitness coordinator and assistant women’s soccer coach, said via an email interview.
Getting healthy, keeping fit and staying in shape are often important factors on a college student’s mind.
“Everyone is different and everyone’s needs are different. However, a college student typically has more time to work out then an adult who is trying to balance a full-time job, family, etc.,” Huda said.
There are several fitness classes on campus, including yoga, Zumba, spinning, water aerobics and several variations thereof.
“So with this extra time, a college student should take advantage of it and make working out a top priority,” Huda said.
“There are so many little things that someone can do throughout the day that will help their fitness. Take the steps instead of the elevator. Instead of emailing or making a phone call, step away from your desk and visit the person face to face,” Huda said.
One of the more popular classes here on campus is the Zumba class.
“Zumba is latin-inspired dance where each dance targets different parts of the body for a full-body workout,” Kim Carlson, junior history and political science major and Zumba instructor, said.
“People enjoy Zumba because they enjoy learning the dances and feeling like they are working out and having fun at the same time,” Carlson said.
“The average class is 25 to 35 people but it varies depending on people’s schedules,” Carlson said.
She said that as the year goes on, the Zumba class attendance picks up.
According to Zumba.com, “a Zumba fitness program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow moves, so that anyone can join a Zumba class and have fun while getting a workout.”
Zumba classes are taught in 105 countries, have sold millions of DVDs and have 7.5 million participants taking classes every week worldwide.
Lisa Gomez, junior exercise science major, is no stranger to staying fit and being in the gym.
“[Zumba] helps me to work out and I love being active,” Gomez said. “I started last year when she [Kim] started it. We laugh and do mistakes and that’s fine. If I make a mistake I just keep moving and you do the exercise.”
“The most important thing [about taking a Zumba class is] not to look at it as a workout but more like a dance party. Zumba classes are for everyone and anyone, people of all shapes, sizes and ages,” Carlson said.
Carlson then added that she started taking Zumba classes two summers ago at her gym by her home and really enjoyed it.
“The great thing about all of our classes is that they are good for someone just starting out or someone who has been working out for awhile. So there is no need to be scared about taking a certain class because you won’t be able to keep up. You do what you can do,” Huda said.
“The classes are very popular. We have a great showing for each and every one of them. I’m really happy with the amount of participation because it shows me that people are interested in health and fitness,” Huda said.
