Only 33% of Villages Rec Centers Host Zumba classes? There's a Solution...
 

Just 1 of every 3 Villages Rec centers host the popular Zumba Gold classes. If you are feeling left out, there is a free solution.

Come join EZ Zumba LIVE w/ Elizabeth online from the comfort of your home Mon Wed and Fri at 11 am on Zoom. She began hosting these at no charge during the pandemic, and AARP now endorses her.

To join or to have a look, send an email to zumba@careconnectusa.org. Say "I live in The Villages and I want to try Zumba at home". She'll send you the invite.

Here's a peek:

One in three rec centers have Zumba? That seems like more than enough to me.

The few rec center that have Zumba are packed. My guess is no first hand experience or think is a waste of shared time. Either way OP is correct in the post

If the few centers that host Zumba are packed, what would Villagers prefer? More classes in more centers? Or are we willing to try the LIVE classes online 3 times per week?
Get Moving with Zumba Gold

I like Zumba. I do it at home viewing it on my laptop. I can't do everything the instructor does, I just do the best I can. Controlling your calorie intake :icon_hungry: and moderate exercise, you will loose weight. In five months I've lost over 20lbs.

It's Wonderful to hear about results like yours, New Englander. Following along on your iPad or laptop from the comfort of your living room sounds like something that has worked for you. Keep up the good fun! Are you part of Elizabeth's EZ Zumba community on Mon Weds and Fridays?
EZ Zumba Online w/ Elizabeth Facebook group

Kenswing, Great point... and you cracked me up. With the new year coming and many residents wanting to join in the action, we don't want anyone left out.

Have a great holiday, and thank you for your service to our country.

Zumba instructors at rec centers are volunteers and excellent.
 

A big reason for not having enough Zumba classes is that the instructors are volunteers. The instructors are certified and they are excellent. Yes, the classes are very popular, very fun and do fill up, especially during snowbird season. I do some online, at-home workouts, but I like the experience of the in-person classes better.

Faux
 

Zumba classes feature a variety of international rhythms, including merengue, salsa, cha-cha, reggaeton, bachata, samba, soca, hip-hop, bellydance, and bhangra.

QUOTE=EZ-zumba-LIVE;2394730]Just 1 of every 3 Villages Rec centers host the popular Zumba Gold classes. If you are feeling left out, there is a free solution.

Come join EZ Zumba LIVE w/ Elizabeth online from the comfort of your home Mon Wed and Fri at 11 am on Zoom. She began hosting these at no charge during the pandemic, and AARP now endorses her.

To join or to have a look, send an email to zumba@careconnectusa.org. Say "I live in The Villages and I want to try Zumba at home". She'll send you the invite.

Here's a peek: [/QUOTE]

Well said RayMan. Elizabeth then adds disco, pop, swing, and holiday music too. She works hard to curate the songs people love and can't get out of their heads.

The social aspect of being part of a class is lost online. Many participants enjoy talking before and after the classes with their friends. You can also get free online Silver Sneaker classes but they too are not the same as being a participant in a group. I'm sure there are those that would do the online thing but for the most part I don't think so.

You are right Vintage, the social aspect of in-person classes is important. This is why Elizabeth holds a real social gathering online before and after class. Participants share stories of what happened during their weekend, etc. Many report their love for this part of the class. They describe feeling a real connection and a sense of community.
And did you know that many can feel a bit intimidated by their peers in classes? In the beginning, it's normal to feel a little self-conscious about being on the right step, on the right beat, or just looking like they've got it together. Many find the private aspect of online classes a great way to begin their Zumba journey, free of any concern about how they look. They can turn off the camera, and follow along to the music without a care.
No doubt, LIVE classes on Zoom may not be a perfect substitute for in-person classes. But they are a convenient option, and can really help beginners get started. Not to mention those days when we just don't feel like putting on the fashionable Zumba attire, fixing the hair and make up, and driving to the activity center... and back.
Whichever format works best for each person, let's just keep moving and smiling.:laugh:
Merry Christmas Everyone!!

We have received so many inquiries from the Villages about these free online classes. We welcome everybody to add this new healthy habit for 2025! Bringing the Joy...

Want to join the fun?
Send an email to zumba@careconnectusa.org, and say "I live in The Villages, and I want to try Zumba at home".

Come join EZ Zumba Gold online w/ Elizabeth. The first class of the year is going on right now.
Mon, Wed, Fri at 11 am on Zoom. These classes are free. Just send an email to zumba@careconnectusa.org. Say, "I live in the Villages, and I want to try Zumba at home!"

Today's Zumba warmup will be "Disco Inferno". Come join the fun.