“I don’t want to go to the gym today,” an individual may say as they lay in bed. However, more workout options than just the gym are available. Every Monday and Wednesday, hour long sessions of zumba are held at the community center. Zumba is an aerobic fitness program/class that incorporates dance and cardio.

“The main point of the class is to have fun while burning calories, tone muscle, and improve cardiovascular health,” fitness director Shirley Ciofu said. “No experience is necessary. Each class must have a minimum of 5-15 people to attend for the class to be in session, but we’re hoping that the numbers begin to grow. Adults of 18 or older are the only ones who can currently attend the class, but we are working on getting a kids class on the schedule soon too.”

Originally created in the mid ‘90s, Zumba did not come to the United States until 2001. It is a combination of dance styles: cumbia, salsa, merengue, mambo, flamenco, chachachá, reggaeton, soca, samba, belly dancing, bhangra, hip hop, axé music, and tango.

“The instructor, Mario, has taught SLPR Zumba for the past year,” Ciofu said. “He has many regulars and is very popular amongst the people because he makes the class fun. A $50 payment is required to attend each session. Normal sessions run for six weeks every Monday and Wednesday from 7:15-8:15 in the evening.”

Pre registration is required in order to know if the minimum number of participants was met. If the class is in session, people can “drop in” for $10 if living in Fenton, and for those who don’t it is $15.

“350 to 500 is the average number of calories burned during one hour of Zumba,” according to health website IN-SHAPE. “Zumba is considered interval training. The hour workout uses fast paced songs to get your heart rate working and slower songs for toning movements. Combining the two keeps your muscles and heart always guessing what’s next. Aerobic exercises, such as zumba, have changed the way we think about exercise.”

Session prices at the community center vary depending on where participants live. For residents of Fenton it is $58 for Monday or Wednesday and $85 to attend both days. For non-residents, it is $68 or $105. Classes started on March 5 and are continuing through April 25.