Sara Tiradossi/Winonan
With a good pair of running shoes and some confidence, students joined an hour-long fitness class during the first week of classes at Winona State University.
It was Zumba’s combination of dance and aerobic elements with Latin American choreographies that drew in almost thirty students on Wednesday night.
Six rows of young women, from freshmen to seniors, filled the fitness room with smiles, sweat and laughter.
Freshman Madeline Ursino joined the fitness class and said she felt more energetic than expected.
“I thought it was a good experience. It was a challenge, but a good challenge that gave me a lot energy,” Ursino said.
The workout class started with an energetic warm up and continued with different choreographies that involved sets of slow and fast movements prepared by the instructor.
At the beginning of each dance, the instructor coached the women to feel the music and previewed the moves to make it easier for the class to follow
Ursino said the joyful and relaxed atmosphere of Zumba played an important role in her appreciation of the class.
“It is a stress-free zone for an hour of my day and that makes a difference,” Ursino said.
Instructor Anacorina Velasco said she has been teaching the class for over a year. She tried to push the young women to work hard, while focusing on strengthening arms, legs and abs and attempting to motivate students.
“I love the energy and just having a fun workout with my fellow Warriors,” Velasco said. “Zumba is different from other classes because you are just dancing for a whole hour so you barely notice the workout.”
In the future, Velasco said she would love to keep teaching the class because of its great physical and mental rewards.
“Zumba gives me something to look forward to every week,” Velasco said.
Freshman Marie Kasparova said it was her first Zumba experience, and it was a great opportunity to meet new friends.
“I especially enjoyed the music because it kept me motivated,” Kasparova said. “I would like to try yoga and pilates as well and get involved with more fitness classes on campus.”
As the students packed up their shoes and left, the new energy Velasco and Zumba left them with could be seen on their sweaty, cheerful faces.