Zumba participants met for their annual luncheon celebration.
Diane Passafiume
The seventh annual Zumba Luncheon celebration was held April 4. Zumba fitness classes are still going strong after seven years! Hips are shaking, feet are stomping, legs are squatting, smiles are flashing and the high energy levels are rocking the Fitness Room five times a week! Many of the original twenty participants who started in May 2008 still attend classes regularly.
“This is an amazing accomplishment in the fitness industry. Most new forms of exercise have a life cycle of two to four years. Seven years is very unusual. The PebbleCreek Community places a high priority on staying fit and healthy as evidenced by the many different exercise activities available to residents,” states Georgie Kuhl, Zumba instructor.
Participants say, “Zumba’s party atmosphere brings out the hidden talents in all of us. We can sing now, although not necessarily on key. Guitar strumming we have mastered. We Drop it Low, Bring It Back, Shake It Off, Feel the Moment, Uptown Funk it, Celebrate and, of course, We Are Young are just a few of our many moves!”
Zumba class participants have added a few road trips to their already busy schedules this past year. An opportunity to attend Zumba Master classes held around the valley has increased their skill levels. These are ninety minute, non-stop dance exercise classes offered by the biggest names in the industry.
Several have volunteered to do mini Zumba classes at community events to raise awareness of the benefits of using music and movement to enhance exercise. These included Moving Day, a National Parkinson’s fundraiser event held in downtown Phoenix, and Walk the Fight, Arizona’s Parkinson’s fundraiser held at Tempe Beach Park with over 1,000 walkers! The Zumba dancers had the crowds Dancing in the Streets by the second song!
Come join a Zumba party! You can be any fitness level, age or have health restrictions. You modify the moves and control the intensity to your ability level. Class information is available at the Tuscany Fitness Center.