Wellness

‘ZumbAtomic’ fitness program gets families moving together

It’s time to get up and move as a family. Heidi Wisely, a certified Zumba instructor, is offering a six week program teaching the basics of Zumba.

Wisely is certified in ZumbAtomic and three other Zumba programs. She originally got involved in the activity after taking classes herself. After showing interest in working with children, Wisely’s instructor encouraged her to pursue certification.

“I love working with kids. It’s very rewarding,” noted Wisely. In fact, one shy boy enjoyed her class so much, he told others about it.

Thus, the multi-week session will focus on ZumbAtomic – which is oriented toward kids. However, by having children and adults participate together, both age groups are able to spend more time together and have fun exercising.

Since the program is designed to improve family wellness, children over the age of four are able to participate.

“We know that people don’t want to go to classes where they don’t think they can be successful,” said Jean Angililli of the Livingston Wellness Partnership. “Heidi is able to make people realize they can do it. It may not be perfect, it may be awkward in the beginning – but eventually they will get it.”

While the ZumbaAtomic classes began on April 3 at the ABVI Goodwill Community Center in Geneseo, families are still welcome to register. Wisely, who enjoys the site for her program, acknowledged the Goodwill staff for being accommodating!

Classes take place from 5-5:30 p.m. and 5:35-6:05 p.m. Participants can choose which time slot best fits their schedule.

A full six week session only costs $30 per family (regardless of the number of family members). Since the current program has already started, Wisely is willing to lower the cost for anyone joining afterward.

Wisely chose to keep the cost of her program low, because making a profit was not her ultimate goal. Rather, it was more important to offer families an opportunity to spend time together.

Participant Stephanie Metz said, “The experience as a whole has been really nice.” Metz also acknowledged that the program is a great outlet for her daughter’s energy.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to register as soon as possible, because class sizes are limited. For more information, please contact Heidi Wisely at 478-5321.

By offering her program, Wisely hopes to foster life-long physical activity in her participants! She hopes to continue offering similar classes – as long as there is interest.