“Once upon a time there was a little girl who was always picked last in gym class. She never enjoyed team sports or competition, and she thought she was terminally un-athletic. As she grew up, she learned that she enjoyed non-competitive physical activities, such as swimming, backpacking, biking, and canoeing. When she got a desk job, she found herself stuffed into a gray cubicle or sprawled out on the couch at home, and she knew she needed to get moving again. Since swimming takes so much time and money (joining a gym, driving to the gym, changing clothes, etc.), she started jogging instead. But she didn’t love jogging. Jogging is tedious drudgery, and she has enough of that in her cubicle. So she tried Cida’s Zumba class, and she was hooked after the first time.

What is Zumba like? Zumba is basically like an aerobics class that works not only your cardiovascular system, but also muscle groups in your arms, legs, and core (abs). It is fast-paced and challenging, but leaves room for flexibility in intensity, so you can tailor it to your fitness level and health. A lot of the motions are based on Latin dances, so it is up-beat and fun, but don’t be misled – this is definitely a fitness workout, not a dance class. You don’t have to look graceful or sexy, you just have to move your body and be willing to sweat!

What is Cida like? Cida sets a great tone in her exercise classes: rule number one is to have fun! She encourages everyone to work at his or her own level, so you don’t have to be intimidated by other people in the class. Cida is always supportive and caring, always willing to listen to suggestions or answer questions. She works hard to keep the choreography simple enough to imitate, interesting enough to have fun, and flexible enough to challenge everyone. She encourages good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle without being preachy. I’ve considered joining a gym or finding classes closer to work, but I don’t want to leave Cida!

How “hard” are Cida’s classes? Just to give you an idea of my fitness level: I’ve never been a great athlete, nor am I a complete couch potato. I am a healthy weight, and I jog about 10-15 miles a week (though I’m pretty slow). Cida’s classes are definitely enough to get my heart rate elevated and my lungs huffing and puffing. The major difference between jogging and Cida’s classes, for me, is that the group environment and Cida in particular push me to work out harder and longer than I do alone. Cida also works out more of my body than jogging, especially the abs and arms. Cida knows how to balance her classes with a thorough warm-up, challenging work-out with varying intensity, and a good cool-down with stretching. Every time I think I’ve reached my limit, Cida throws in a song with lower-impact moves so I can catch my breath, and then it’s back to high intensity! Before I know it, it’s time to cool down.

I’m nervous about joining a class; will I fit in? The classes are small, and everyone is supportive and friendly. We run the full range in terms of age, size, race – you name it. (It’s usually all women, but guys are welcome too. Also, some women bring their school-aged kids.) No one is judgmental – we all just have a good time together. No one will look down on you or laugh at you if you get the steps wrong or look dorky doing it. Cida continually incorporates new music and routines, so we all get it wrong and make fools of ourselves at least once a week! Whoever you are – accomplished athlete, trained Latin dancer, middle-aged dilettante, or completely sedentary suburban cubicle prisoner – you will find Cida’s Zumba classes open, fun, and challenging.

How do I join a class? You can contact Cida at loumoore2@msn.com, or just come to one of her classes at Cida Fitness.  You should wear comfortable clothing (you will get hot!) and some sort of athletic shoes (running shoes, sneakers, etc.). For women: a good sports bra is a must (we will be jumping/bouncing/shaking), and I also recommend a secure ponytail and/or headband. A water bottle is a good idea, and maybe a small towel to wipe up the copious amounts of sweat you will generate. There are bathrooms available where you can change if you are coming straight from work.

No matter how tired or stressed I feel when I come to class, I always leave feeling happy. I have more energy, and I feel more motivated to exercise outside class as well. I’m eating more fruit and vegetables and less French fries. I’ve noticed better muscle tone and definition in my arms, abs, and legs (and my husband has noticed too).”