Zumba hits 10,000; Milestone Mark met at the Midland Community Center
Every so often, fitness sensation captures the nation. It’s impossible to reminisce about the 80’s without thinking of step aerobics, and the 90’s were all about spinning. Now it’s ZUMBA, and it’s taken Midland by storm!
Zumba at the Midland Community Center (MCC) began in the spring of 2008 with one instructor, Carla Budinsky, and two classes. Little did they know that within 2 years it would explode into 6 classes, multiple instructors and countless participants. Countless, that is, until September 21, 2010.
When Sherry Butler walked through the doors of the fitness studio, she became the 10,000th person to enjoy Zumba at the MCC. Sherry has been taking Zumba for almost a year, but every week, there are new people trying the class. These first timers may be a little timid as they test out the dance steps, but it doesn’t take long before you see these same people coming back week after week, enjoying the Latin beat of this new fitness phenomenon.
Brought to the United States in 1999, Zumba has enjoyed tremendous growth, emerging in communities across the country and expanding to include specialty classes like Zumba Gold (also offered at MCC) for those not quite ready for regular Zumba workouts. The Midland Community Center is even taking Zumba to the pool, offering Aqua Zumba for water enthusiasts, and offering Zumbatomic this fall for kids.
A strategically choreographed routine with heavy emphasis on the musical beat enables participants to get a full-body workout while having a lot of FUN! Each person works at his or her own pace to allow them a tailored workout – a tough cardio and muscle blast or a fun hour of dance.
Budinsky, who has taught Zumba since its onset at the Center, has seen people who were never fitness enthusiasts in the past become committed Zumba followers. “It’s really great to see people sticking with the class. Zumba gives people a way to keep up a fitness regimen in a way that they truly enjoy. If they just like to dance, this gives them the venue where they can do that - plus get in shape! It’s win-win!”
Classes at the Community Center are taught by certified instructors who ensure that they are teaching the same routines, so participants are able to learn and know the moves no matter which class they attend. The instructors often hold special Zumba themed events, featuring giveaways, raffles, and community involvement.
Fall schedule is in full swing, and can be found at the Midland Community Center website. Come out to the Midland Community Center and enjoy the Zumba party!
The Midland Community Center is an operating unit of the Greater Midland Community Centers, Inc. For more information on Zumba, as well as other programs or membership, please contact us at 989-832-7937 or at www.mymcc.org.
