Zumba makes a comeback
CSB Campus Recreation classes have increased in popularity since the COVID pandemic.
After a COVID hiatus from group exercise classes, attendance and involvement have started to recover for CSB Campus Rec’s Zumba classes.
CSB+SJU’s weekly Zumba classes allow students to combine cardio and strength-training in a fun, upbeat environment. During Zumba, instructors perform choreographed and highly aerobic dance routines for those in the class to follow along. The classes are heavily attended by Bennies, but the classes are open to students on both campuses. Johnnies have begun to make an appearance at group exercise classes.
CSB Campus Rec organizes fitness courses throughout the week that are held in the studio beside the HCC Fieldhouse.
Instructors take advantage of the aerobics studio’s mirror lined walls. Students can easily see the instructor and mimic their dance moves. LED lights illuminate the room in vibrant colors.
“When I walk in the doors getting ready to go to a Zumba class, I feel a rush of adrenaline, especially when I see those LED lights,” CSB senior Riley Engle said. “The Zumbathon last year was incredible, The Eras Tour Zumba was top-notch and I just recently went to Halloween Zumba.”
Engle is one of many regulars at Zumba sessions, most recently attending the larger themed classes that Campus Rec offered.
Themed sessions, including a Taylor Swift Eras Tour Zumba, bring larger numbers to an already well-attended feature of campus life. Carribean Zumba is also offered on Monday evenings.
Student employees lead each class of students who attend to exercise alongside other students. Classes offered include Sculpt, HIIT and Zumba.
This semester, CSB+SJU students Rachel Hissam, Natalie Parnell, Jane McMahon and Caanan Cooper are actively working as Zumba instructors to uphold the dance skills of CSB+SJU students.
“Zumba is a super great opportunity if you’re looking for a way to get some activity and have some fun with your friends or with other people on campus,” McMahon said. “We’ve got fun things going on like LED lights, lots of variety of music and we’re always open to music suggestions.”
Songs by Pitbull, Little Mix, Cardi B, Shakira and various other upbeat pop artists are mainstays of the classes. When walking past the studio, passersby can hear the songs loudly playing through the overhead speakers.
Instructors and past participants were quick to emphasize that Zumba is open to everyone. During the class, students are always encouraged to take the workout at their own pace by stepping out and taking water breaks when needed.
CSB sophomore Maddy Alquist remembers her apprehension before going to Zumba for the first time. Alquist remarked upon how she didn’t think she was a skilled enough dancer but over time became increasingly comfortable. “Sometimes I feel like I look really silly, but then I remember that we all look silly,” Alquist said. “But I always have fun and feel accomplished afterward.”
CSB Campus Rec is looking to hire additional students to lead group exercise classes like Zumba. McMahon will be studying abroad this spring, and Hissam will be graduating in May.
“It is the highlight of my week,” McMahon said. “If I’m having a bad day and it’s a Thursday, I think to myself: ‘I have Zumba tonight.’”
Classes are held on Mondays at 4:45 p.m. with instructor Canaan Cooper, Wednesdays at 5 p.m. with instructor Hissam and Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. with instructors McMahon and Parnell.
“It’s a great way to get out and be active but also to be smiling the whole time,” Engle said. “So just go and be silly and dance for 45 minutes.”