I’ve had an interesting journey covering Zumba in South Jersey for the past several months. While it was fun to see my blog hits go up, receive feedback from other Zumba instructors and help readers benefit as best they can with my posts, the semester is coming to a conclusion and my blog is coming to an end. I have decided that it is a challenge to stay devoted to Zumba as an online journalist and it is more fun to be a Zumba participant than a Zumba broadcaster. Thank you for reading my posts and following me as I followed Zumba in South Jersey. Perhaps I will see you in the gym, shaking it like Shakira.
The Zumba craze is spreading and while class sessions are full of energetic instructors and women, the male population in Zumba classes is very low. Male participants are minimal.
The popularity of Zumba is expanding, however, a lot of men have never heard of Zumba, nor do they know what it means. After spending an hour walking across Rowan University‘s campus surveying male students, the percentage of male students who never heard of Zumba or knew what Zumba was amounted to more than 50 percent of those questioned. Out of 50 students surveyed, only 10 male students could explain what Zumba was.
“I think there aren’t a lot of males taking Zumba because most men realize that Zumba has a lot of dancing in it and it can look intimidating,” Zumba instructor from Miracle’s Fitness, Kim Elisano said, “I rarely have a man come to my class, but it happens on occasions. I am thrilled when they attend. They end up catching on fast and enjoying themselves.”
Elisano explained that although Zumba has become very popular, it might become more popular for men in the demographics where dance is already a part of their culture.
Bryan McHenry majored in theater and has experience with dance classes amd said because of that he was not surprised by anything that occurred in the class and talked about his first experience with Zumba.
“My first experience was a blast! I was out of breath by the third song, and I was sweating from beginning to finish. By the end of the workout I felt good and healthy,” McHenry said.
McHenry said that he was the only male in the class he attended full of 24 females. “I don’t think males Zumba because there isn’t enough publicity or promotion about it. I was invited by a friend from work,” McHenry said.
In addition to lack of knowledge, the issue of dance surfaces concerns.
“Guys don’t really like to dance and if a guy thinks it’s provacative, he might be like ehh, and not do it,” Thomas Rodgers, a senior at Rowan University said. On the question of the atmosphere and how women would react, Rodgers said they would not be as provocative in their dance.
“I would like to think that having a male in class gives the class great energy, but it all depends on the attendees. Some women prefer not to shake their hips and wiggle in front of the opposite sex, but there are some that might spice it up a bit because they are there,” Elisano said.
Although Zumba can be seen as a more feminine sport or exercise, it is expanding.
With a background in musical theater and semi-trained in dance, Jim Cook Jr. said, “I find that dancing has come under fire by men who are uncomfortable with their inner-image, they think it’s weird or gay, but dancing for fun and exercise has been around since the times of the Bible, and I forsee Zumba making popularity with the young male population when there is more attention in arts in schools.”
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I went around the Rowan University campus asking random students their thoughts and beliefs on why they think men don’t attend Zumba classes as often and frequently as women. Why don’t men Zumba?
Click for more information on classes at Rowan Univesity.
Michelle Ferrero has been dedicated to fitness proving healthy weight loss. In addition to boot camp, Ferrero has been consistently attending Zumba classes in South Jersey. Post interview, Ferrero has lost 115 pounds. Ferrero discussed the benefits to Zumba, how it has affected her and the benefits it aided in her great weight loss!
I have mentioned the different places that Zumba classes are offered. The instructors make a difference on the energy of the class, intensity and difficulty. Some instructors are hard to follow. They get lost in their choreography and can easily leave the class behind. It is important, from an instructor perspective, to observe the class and see who is having issues and who is right on point. Try and get to know the regulars and see the type of colors their personalities bring. Vamp the energy with encouragements and vocal inspiration. People like to hear when they are doing well.
Also, constantly remind the class that no choreography is wrong. Being on the participant side of the class, I know it is easy to feel like if it doesn’t match the instructor perfectly, it’s wrong. This is not true. So, instructors, remind everyone it’s for fun and as long as everyone is moving, they are doing it right.
Pay attention to song reactions. Everyone has a favorite song. Get to know your class so that you can tell what songs they are more motivated by and keep the song list fresh. To prevent becoming easily bored, mix up the songs, and research. Find out what new songs are released. Or, pick your own song and make your own choreography to it.
This week, I am taking the opportunity to highlight another local area that offers Zumba classes. The Rowan University Rec Center offers more than just gym facility use and is not limited to Rowan University students.
If you are a student attending Rowan University and just need to get out of the dorm for a bit, a commuter, faculty/staff, or just a simple resident near Glassboro, the Rec Center at Rowan offers options for Zumba classes. For students, to try a Zumba class for the first time is only $3. That’s basically car change! And local members are only $4. If you have already been hooked, 5 sessions is only $13 for students or $15 for members. Take it further, and you are addicted, needing a frequent fix, a semester pass is only $45 dollars for students and $55 for members. For an entire semester, you can get your fix cheaper than a local gym!
Class schedule varies depending on the day, but I am posting a link with the class schedule.
Check it out! For more information, visit the Rowan University website.
Rowan University Recreation Center
(856) 256-4428
201 Mullica Hill Rd.
Glassboro NJ, 08208
Shakira is well-known for a little shake and shimmy herself and has been one of the main music sources for Zumba classes. Some popular songs that almost all Zumba classes have used include: Hips Don’t Lie, Whenever Wherever, and the newer song, Waka Waka has been expanding.
Shakira is an advocate of spreading poverty awareness in Africa and during the FIFA World Cup Series promoted a good cause through song and dance. According to the 1 Goal campaign website, it is “a campaign seizing the power of football to ensure that education for all is a lasting impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Raising our voices all over the world we believe that, together, we can make education a reality for the millions of boys and girls who remain out of school.”
Taking the reigns, Zumba instructors have jumped on board by responding to Shakira and using classes to promote the 1 Goal cause while getting a good workout to some fun tunes.
I was talking with a friend of mine about this blog, and she then pointed out to me, “Hey, do you remember when you wore those wigs to class?” She then continued to show me the pictures from this summer. A little back information; I attended classes 3 times a week, and sometimes 3 times a day. I figured I would take another detour and share some of the goofs.
That’s the best part about Zumba. What other cardio workout class can you dress up in wigs, and continuously change costume inbetween songs? Exactly.
Okay, so after I just posted about Zumba at the United Methodist Church, I realized how odd that really sounded. I mean, I am just trying to picture shimmying in a church service. Yes, the service and the actual fitness classes are separate, but just the idea of shimmying and thrusting in a church makes me think. So I searched on google and found that other churches are also holding classes in other States. Wow.
Oh, snap. Looks like God will be able to enjoy some Zumba, shake and shimmy. According to Jennifer Rybacki‘s blog post, classes have recently been offered on Wednesdays nights at the Haddonfield United Methodist Church. Now, I have heard of spiritual movement, but I never thought about the Zumba movement combining with a church athmosphere. Who wants to go to a class with me in a church?
According to the post, the classes are from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. So, if you are interested in shoveling out a quick $8.00 for some cardio…(and perhaps praise? oh, and Tai Chi)
From the expected fitness centers to libraries to surf and skate shops, no location is safe from the spread of Zumba fitness. Vineland gymnastic studios and the YMCA center are not skipping out on the opportunity either. Where will Zumba hit next?
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Woody’s Surf and Skate Shop: Rio Grande Miracle’s Fitness: Rio Grande Cape Fitness: Cape May Cape May County Library: Villas & Cape May Court House
The Y: Vineland Airborne: Vineland
Zumba in South Jersey 