By Toni Johnston
Bex Parkin loves Zumba. Most exercise programs are healthy and beneficial but Zumba adds the element of fun. The goal is simple: you work out and love working out. Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves create a one of a kind fitness program that will get you hooked. The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat.
Bex took the instructor’s course in July of 2009 and then she started teaching once a month, then once a week, then twice a week and then expanded to Sicamous. She now offers Zumbatonic classes as well as family fun classes along with the regular Zumba classes. As a trained Physical Education teacher, Bex teaches for success by stopping the songs, teaching the moves and then doing them again. The more you do the songs, the easier it gets. Monday nights are aimed at the beginner level and every part of the dance for every song will be broken down into the moves. Wednesday nights are aimed at those who are happy to just follow along as only new songs will be explained. Zumba classes are 60 minutes long. Lil’ Starz (4-7) year olds are 30 minutes, and Big Starz (8-2year olds) are 45 minutes. All classes are drop in or you can buy a punch card. Private classes are offered as well. People from ages 4-60 can enjoy Zumba.
Bex performed at the Malakwa Festival with 4 other women . She performed between bands having success inviting audience participation,
Throughout the summer, she offered Zumba outside at OK college. She will be performing in the Revelstoke Talent Show and at Three Valley Gap Convention Centre.
A Zumba Dance Party is being planned as well.
Classes begin on September 13. Monday nights are Lil’startz Zumbatomic at 4 pm, Big Startz at 4:30 and Beginner Zumba at 5:30 — all at the Knights of Pythias Hall. Wednesday night Zumba is at 7:30 at the Catholic Church hall.
For more information check out the web site at www.zumba.com