I’d always planned to do some volunteering after working, and in February 2020 I finally retired. A few weeks later, I qualified as a Zumba instructor after a spur of the moment decision to take the training (and it was half-price!). I’d attended Julie Cotney’s fabulous Zumba classes at The Venue for years, and had sometimes taken to the stage to lead a routine. Then along came Covid!
I spent the first few weeks of lockdown learning Zumba routines, and then started giving free classes on Zoom to friends and family. Later on, I took online training to teach Zumba Gold and Zumba Toning. The Zoom classes continued twice a week for about a year until May 2021 when the Leisure Centre re-opened. I contacted Lee and volunteered to start a weekly Zumba Gold class on a Tuesday. Zumba Gold is a lower impact cardio-fitness class suitable for beginners, and those new to fitness, as well as older adults. It has easy-to-follow moves and is lots of fun! The first class was held on 18th May 2021. We had 15 participants who enjoyed the class and who came back the following week with a few more!
In July, after the Tuesday class proved to be so popular, I started a Friday class. Both classes are now thriving, and we have around 30 people in each class – a fantastic group of mainly ladies and occasionally one or two men. It’s fun, social and keeps everyone active. We have two social lunches each year, Summer and Christmas, and enjoy coffee and cake in the café after the classes.
I absolutely love the Zumba classes and SCLC is a great place to volunteer. Everyone at the centre has been so friendly and supportive. Quite a few of the volunteers and some of the staff take part in the classes, and it’s a great way to get to know people! Although for me, remembering all the names and the routines is quite a mental challenge!
I would like to say thank you to SCLC for giving me this opportunity, and for making my retirement so much fun, and to my ladies for being such a brilliant and supportive group!
If you would like to give one of the classes a try, details are below:-
Zumba Gold classes are approximately 50mins on Tuesdays at 11.00 am and Fridays at 9.30 am. I also help out with Chair Aerobics on Fridays at 10.30 am (dance inspired chair exercise).