The most effective workout programs are the ones that get people moving who otherwise would still be sitting on their couch.
Zumba® has been known to bring people together in churches, schools, and other settings. Some people need a little extra motivation in starting an exercise program. Creating a setting that’s fun, energetic, and that they can share with their friends just might be the push they need to begin the road to better health and fitness.
Zumba® in a Baptist Church
For example, in Victoria, Texas, a twice weekly Zumba® class in a church has brought together women to join together in working on both their physical and spiritual fitness. The women reported being drawn to the class for both the health benefits and in sharing their spirituality.
They admit that the class in and of itself has few differences than one they could take at their local gym. But by combining Zumba® with their shared interests they were convinced to try something they may not have otherwise tried. "It's a ministry of joy that we experience as we dance and laugh and pray together,” reports their fitness instructor, Kelly Johnston.
Read more about their experiences at: www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2011/nov/11/jp_faith_zumba_111211_157379/?features&faith.
Zumba® For a Worthy Cause
A “Zumbathon” can refer to a number of different types of events. It can simply be a large gathering of people all learning to Zumba® together, certainly a worthwhile event in itself. But it can also refer to a Zumba® event not only to expose people to Zumba® but to bring awareness and raise money for a worthy cause.
Zumbathons can be small in size, such as what took place in Michigan in 2011. 33 participants all learned to Zumba®, raised money for breast cancer awareness, heard testimonials from breast cancer survivors, and learned about mammogram screening, all in a positive, upbeat setting that was perfect to learn about both a serious disease and the latest fitness trend with innumerable health benefits.
On the other hand, Zumbathons can also reach over a half million people as happened recently in Florida. In association with Susan B. Komen for the Cure®:
“The initiative raises money for the fight against breast cancer via a series of Zumbathon charity events (Zumba® classes for charity) and through the sales of limited edition Party in Pink Zumbawear® apparel including cargo pants, t-shirts, tank tops and bracelets that can be purchased at www.partyinpink.com.” (www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-worlds-largest-dance-fitness-charity-initiative-turns-party-in-pink-zumbathon-campaign-into-global-movement-131133573.html)
Zumba® founder Beto Perez also lends a hand to ensure Zumba® helps worthy causes. And due to his work with celebrity musicians Perez attracts big names to attract even more support. Internationally known artist Wyclef Jean produced a video with Perez to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer research at charity event in London (www.alexandrapalace.com/news/zumba%C2%AE-creator-brings-fitness-concert-to-ally-pally/).
Thanks to the pairing of Zumba® and raising support for breast cancer Zumba® has proven to be crucial to the recovery of many breast cancer survivors. Many report feeling an immediate connection to their fellow survivors as they lose themselves in a Zumba® routine and look forward to restoring a normal lifestyle.
Whether you prefer smaller, more intimate gatherings or you’d rather Zumba® with thousands of your closest friends, Zumbathons are taking place at increasing frequency to bring awareness to both the benefits of Zumba® and a number of very worthy causes.
What can you do?Find out if there’s a trained Zumba® instructor in your area at www.zumba.com/en-US/instructors/search/ and consider combining Zumba® with your favorite cause.
Additional Sources:
www.businessdailyafrica.com/Zumba++the+new+fitness+craze/-/1248928/1270766/-/2o9c7nz/-/
www.sentinel-standard.com/topstories/x780398270/Citizens-party-in-pink-for-good-cause
northampton.patch.com/articles/zumbathon-sunday-to-benefit-twilight-wish-foundation