Do you want a good workout, but afraid of an intense cardio session on the treadmill? Or maybe you just hate going to the gym because you feel intimidated by the ripped guys and girls around you who act like lifting or even running for miles is a piece of cake—we’ve all been there, trust me. Being in college, it gets to be so overwhelming mapping out all of your time, and trying to fit in at least an hour a day for some daily exercise. But, fortunately for you ladies, USFSP has a wonderful new solution that will make you WANT to take time out of your day to get your blood flowing……and it’s called Zumba.
As expected, the first question that’s probably running through most of your heads’ right now is, “what is Zumba?” Zumba is a trademarked brand name, for a fitness program consisting of dance and aerobic exercise routines performed to popular, specifically Latin-American music. Luckily, it doesn’t involve running until you get shin splints, or even pedaling a bike until you can’t feel your legs anymore.
 Zumba at USFSP takes place as a group in a big room with mirrors on almost every wall—so yes, you can check yourself out while you’re dancing—and normally carries in about 30 people. Most of the time, it is mostly women that attend classes which makes it a little less intimidating for us girls, but guys are always welcome as well! If I can guarantee you one thing about this class, it is that you are going to sweat like you’ve never sweat before, so it’s definitely essential that you bring a bottle of water and quite possibly a towel as well.
There are currently three Zumba classes taught Monday-Friday, and they fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, so plan ahead on your calendars! All classes are taught by Kyle Draper from 6:30-7:30pm in the fitness center, which is located in the SLC building. Draper’s musical choices are very current and catchy, so you’ll definitely want to keep moving and dancing to the beat of every song. Personally, as a dancer of almost 17 years, I can say that this Zumba class definitely makes you feel at home, and is such a great way to relieve your stress. So if you think about it, you’re listening to great music, meeting new people around you, relieving your stress, and burning calories by the second. It’s definitely a win, win situation. What’s there to lose, besides weight?
I hope to see you guys pumped up and ready to Zumba Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays @ 6:30 pm. It is recommended you ladies get there 15 minutes prior to the class so that you can get a pink slip to get a definite spot in the class, because like I said, it does fill up quick!
If you’re looking for more information or have more questions regarding the Zumba class, please contact the Fitness Center @ 727-873-4589 or contact them through Facebook: USFSP Campus Recreation.
Resources:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/zumba
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Usfsp-Campus-Recreation/296477080370557
http://swingtimeballroom.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/zumba12.329122701_std.jpg