ZUMBA!

Zumba cardio dance classes are such a popular choice at the Kirby gym that they are offered three times a week. The Latin-inspired dance offers an alternative to the typical cardio machine work out—their slogan is “Ditch the Workout, Join the Party.” Jessica Manjack, who teaches Zumba on Tuesdays from 4:45 to 5:45, answered a few questions about her love of Latin dancing and teaching everyone from students and grandmas.   

CF: When did you start teaching?

JM: Last January I decided to take my love and passion for Zumba to the next level and registered to become a licensed instructor.

CF: How long have you been doing Zumba?

JM: I started taking Zumba classes four years ago here at Lafayette. I loved the energy and enthusiasm of the classes.  At the time I was not in the best shape and Zumba fitness was the one type of exercise that motivated me to actually want to exercise, to be fit and live a healthy lifestyle. I am proud to say that by participating in Zumba fitness and The Weight Watchers Program, I was able to lose 60lbs in a year. 

CF: What type of music do you use?

JM: I use a lot of top 40 tracks along with the basic Zumba rhythms. Zumba Fitness Party is known for zesty Latin music, like salsa, merengue, cumbia (Colombian music genre) and reggaeton.  I try to change up the songs every week to keep things fresh. Zumba is the perfect combination of exhilarating music and easy-to-follow moves that create a party-like atmosphere. 

CF: Who should attend your classes?

JM: I would recommend it for anyone who wants a good fun workout. You don’t even need to know how to dance!  It is about feeling the music (gesturing to her shirt which reads “FEEL THE MUSIC”). Like I tell every class, I don’t care what you look like, you could be the grandma in the back row (and I do teach a class for grandmas). It is just about dancing, sweating and having fun. 

CF: Where do you teach?

JM: I teach here and at ART of DANCE, Moravian College and OxyFit Gym. I am going to start also teaching Zumbatonic, Zumba for kids, at Gym Time. For more information about any of my classes you can check out my website at: http://jessicamanjack.zumba.com/