Kids Can Feel the Beat with Zumba
Zumba is a fitness craze that has steadily swept the nation since its beginnings in 1999. According to zumba.com, the program is currently taught in over 40,000 locations and 75 countries. Combining a pumping Latin beat with easily followed dance moves, Zumba fitness can be exciting and fun for all fitness levels.
Now kids can get in on the action with Zumbatomic, a kid’s version of Zumba. Muriel Doyle-Williams, a Tulsa Zumba fitness instructor and licensed nutritionist, leads children ages 4 through 12 in this new program designed especially for kids.
Zumbatomic is not just a watered-down version of the adult class. It follows a story line with music and dance moves that are specifically designed for children. Instructors are required to complete special training and must be licensed through Zumba to teach children.
The goal of the program is to encourage children to lead a healthy lifestyle using the Zumba concept. The program also focuses on helping “incorporate fitness as a natural part of children’s lives, not just a class they attend once a week,” according to the Zumbatomic guidelines. The class highlights all aspects of a healthy lifestyle, integrating themes such as leadership, respect, teamwork, pride, confidence, responsibility and physical activity.
Muriel was initially attracted to the non-competitive aspect of Zumbatomic.
“As a parent, I am concerned by the lack of availability of non-competitive physical activity,” she said. “Children need time to play where they can move their bodies without the pressure of having to be the best, or feel inadequate. Daily non-competitive activities may have benefits above weight management.”
Zumbatomic can help increase self-esteem, memory, concentration, and improve classroom behavior. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that play helps develop creativity, imagination and dexterity, and is vital to healthy brain development. Zumbatomic, offers a non-competitive atmosphere to encourage such healthy development and moves at a pace kids can follow.
What do kids like most? “That everyone fits in,” Muriel said. “There is room for individuality and the focus is on fun, not perfection.”
Classes are scheduled for Tuesdays, beginning March 2, 2010 at 3:15 p.m. for LilStarz (ages 4-7), with BigStarz (ages 8-12) at 4:30 p.m.. They will meet at Feel the Beat Studio, located at 1639 S. Yale (just north of Target in midtown).
Muriel said, “I chose the location because of its proximity to major retail stores.”
Parents can enjoy shopping or running errands in the area while their kids have fun dancing.
The cost of Zumbatomic is $5 per class with purchase of 10 sessions, or $7 for a trial class or one-time drop off. For kids to attend, parents simply need to stop by and fill out some paperwork. Murial is working on obtaining grants to offer scholarships for children in need.
“My goal is that no child should be turned down for inability to pay,” she said.
Muriel intends to add a morning class for home-schoolers, and is planning for a Spring Break Camp with possible after school programs in the mix. More information is available by calling (918) 399-2826, or at www.zumbatulsa.com.
