Christina Reyes, a junior used to weigh in at 240 pounds before finding a workout that best suited her. “I had to do everything in the book to lose weight then I got tired of following those rules, then I said Zumba all the way,” Reyes said.
Zumba, a fitness program that involves various latin dance moves, focusing all body parts and enhances dancings and moving abilities. Since Reyes has started participating in Zumba she has seen an decrease in weight.
Zumba classes are offered 6-7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday in the Fitness Studio located in Madla 134.
“I rather dance than run, it’s really good cardio and still works out the legs. I feel it works out your leg muscles more because there is different moves, and you don’t lose your butt,” Reyes said.
The Zumba class works out to Salsa, Bachata, and Reggaeton. Latin music is the base theme of the workout.
“If you like to dance and you like to have fun then this is the perfect workout for you,” Zumba instructor Lauren Ruiz said.
Ruiz, a marketing major works at rec. sports as a rec. sports assistant. Ruiz is the newest rec. sports Zumba instructor obtaining her certification in April.
“I love dancing and I knew I wanted to get active, I didn’t know I could get certified on my own,” Ruiz said.
She said she never had the idea of being an instructor for Zumba until she got inspired after going to Zumba at a local gym.
“It is great to offer more classes, because we have students in the dorms and the campus is small. This can be a way to get involved especially since the class is offered in the evening,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz hopes to have twenty plus students for each Zumba class.
“I hope to have Zumba in a bigger studio as the fitness center expands,” Ruiz said.
Since Zumba began Ruiz has seen an increase in her class. Zumba is open for everyone including faculty and staff. Ruiz said that the advertisements for Zumba have run on social media, and appeared in the game room, and fitness room.
Kimberly Nieto, political science freshmen says she enjoys free Zumba on campus. “I love music and dancing. I have done Zumba in the past and want to continue this year,” Nieto said. Nieto enjoys moving and dancing. She especially enjoys the music.
“I would like more days like Monday through Thursday so we can work out everyday,” Nieto said. “The fact that Zumba is really close to me since I live on campus gives me more motivation to go,” Nieto said.
Having Zumba on campus is beneficial for everyone especially those who reside on campus. Students who reside on campus have been taking advantage that it is free and close to home.
Students like Louren Ulin, first-year Education major, enjoys Zumba because it is free. Ulin has never attended a Zumba class until now. “I live in a dorm so I come easily, and I also bring friends,” Ulin said. Zumba helps ease Ulins stress and helps her keep active.
“It’s a good workout to release stress and take your mind off of school and problems,” Ulin said. “I am not a good dancer and I mess up but that is part of having a fun workout,” Ulin said.
“I want everyone to feel welcomed, just try it out and give it a chance it will help you gain a healthier lifestyle,” Ruiz said. If you need breaks in between feel free to take breaks as needed. You can burn up to 1,500 calories per class Ruiz said.
For more information on Zumba, call 210-784-1349 or stop by CAB suite 103.
