02/27/2013 -- To experience a fun, full-body cardiovascular and core strength training workout, individuals may want to test their abilities in the first Zumbathon, Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Thomason Gym here.
Open to the public, doors open at 5:30 p.m. and it costs $10 per person to participate. Water and light refreshments will be provided.
Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany and the Officers’ Club and Enlisted Spouses Club of Albany will host the two-hour event taught by two Marine wives and one active-duty Marine.
Rachel Riemke, certified Zumba instructor, said Zumba is a Latin style of dance fitness that is about moving and having a good time, and the music varies from slow Bachata rhythms, which is a style of dance that originated in the Dominican Republic, to the fast-paced style of hip-hop.
“With Zumba you get a great workout without even realizing it,” Riemke said.
She noted she likes it when events such as the Zumbathon are open to the public because it brings the community to the base.
“Participants in this events will experience a fun, full-body cardio and core strength training workout,” Sirena Cooper, certified Zumba instructor, said. “Zumba can be as
intense or as easy as you want it to be. Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace.”
Most of the routines will begin at the lowest intensity and work up to a more advanced pace, Cooper added.
Cooper and Riemke wanted to hold this event to raise funds for the Semper Fi Fund. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to this fund.
“Not only does the Semper Fi Fund benefit injured Marines but (it) invests in Marines and their families,” Cooper said.
According to the website semperfifund.org, the foundation offers specialized and adaptive equipment, adaptive housing support, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury support, and Semper Fi Fund Kids’ camp.
Riemke said she hopes the Zumbathon will give participants a good introduction to Zumba and to raise awareness for a charity not many people know about.
“Our goal is to raise $500 for this foundation,” Cooper said. “In order to do this, we need 50 participants to come out and join our Zumbathon.”
To pre-register for the class, call Riemke at (765) 413-3194.
Individuals who would like to donate but may not be able attend this event, may contact Cooper at sirenacooper@hotmail.com or send checks to Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.