By Rob Ginter - Staff Writer
Zumba is a craze that’s hitting Morehead like few things have done in the past. According to Zumba instructors you can pick any night of the week and find a Zumba class locally that fits your schedule.
“Zumba is a Latin inspired dance aerobic,” said Level two Zumba instructor Stephanie Evans. “They consider it more of a party than an exercise program. Not only are we working out but we’re having fun working out. If you’re having fun doing something, you’re going to keep doing it.”
“It’s a fun workout and makes you feel good about yourself because you’re out there doing stuff that you’re not normally used to doing as far as dancing,” said Zumba instructor Crystal Black. “It’s a stress reliever for some and a time to unwind. It’s a lot of fun. It’s a good workout. You’re burning calories and you don’t even know it. It’s the fastest workout that I’ve ever done. An hour goes by so fast.”
“I am a stay home mom and I figured that was the perfect thing for me to do,” said Zumba instructor Kristin Kappes. “It’s all about having fun while you’re exercising.”
“I do one new song per week,” Evans said. “I am always listening to music and doing choreography in my head. It challenges me as an instructor. Once the instructor is challenged it carries over to everybody else.”
According to the official Zumba website, the routines feature interval training where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to sculpt the body while burning fat.
“It leads to happier, healthier, more enjoyable lives,” Evans said. “Zumba is a ‘therapy’ for us, it’s stress relief. It is therapy for our bodies.”
According to Evans, there is Level One, Level Two, Kids Zumba, Zumba Gold (lower impact), and Zumba toning with resistance training, and Aqua Zumba in the water.
“I’m planning couples Zumba within the next couple of months,” Evans said. “Normally the guys don’t go and the guys are wondering what we’re are doing. There are probably a hand full of guys that do it. I’m working on a ’Couples Zumba’ and incorporate each other into the class.
“I was hoping to introduce what’s going on to the men,” Evans said. “I think it might strike interest for the men and get them in there and let them see what it’s about. It’s not just for ladies.”
“Everyone should give it a try. One try and you’re hooked,” Evans said. “We support each other. It is about a Zumba team, a little Zumba family.”
