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Studio Zumba offers incentives during ‘season of plenty’

Doug Jones teaches a strength training class at Studio Zumba in Vandalia. The studio is offering a new program to avoid holiday weight gain. Contributed photo

Handout Doug Jones teaches a strength training class at Studio Zumba in Vandalia. The studio is offering a new program to avoid holiday weight gain. Contributed photo

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By Beth Anspach, Contributing Writer 4:50 PM Wednesday, November 4, 2009

When Studio Zumba in Vandalia owner Joan Jones realized the majority of her regular members like organized programs with incentives to keep them motivated, she knew the holiday season would be a perfect time to launch a program designed to help people avoid the 5-10 pound weight gain most often associated with the season of plenty.

“People do better with incentives,” Jones said. “And when they are given dates and times, they have to be more accountable.”

So beginning next week, Studio Zumba is hosting “Holiday Express in 8”, which Jones calls “the best present you can give yourself this holiday season.” Beginning Saturday, Nov. 7, and ending Jan. 2, the program is intended to “jump-start” fitness routines before the traditional New Year’s resolutions kick in.

“We want people to attend holiday parties and office dinners worry-free,” Jones said.

Stephanie Flatt, an instructor at Studio Zumba who has been teaching for six years, started taking Zumba with Jones at the Vandalia Recreation Center. She says she is now hooked, has lost two pants sizes and is much more toned.

“People ask me all the time about new programs and special classes,” Flatt said. “I know, myself, I need motivators.”

And with the American College of Sports Medicine recommending cardiovascular exercise, such as Zumba, at least five days per week for 60 minutes a day, most Americans can use motivators to achieve this.

“Strength training is also important,” Flatt said. “I don’t think women realize how important it is for them to help maintain muscle mass and increase metabolism.”

Strength training is recommended two to three times per week.

“The Holiday Express in 8” program requires that participants attend two strength classes and three cardio classes per week and there are incentives at the end of the eight-week program, such as free class passes and free drinks at Locolicious, the studio’s juice and coffee bar.

“People can choose from all of our classes,” Jones said.

Classes include traditional Zumba, which combines high energy and motivating music with unique moves and combinations, circuit Zumba, which incorporates weights and a full hour of weight training. There also are classes for children and beginners.

Because strength training is often overlooked in a fitness program, Jones said the studio is now concentrating on offering a strong mix of both cardio and strength classes.

“Women are sometimes afraid that if they lift weights they will bulk up,” Jones said. “But that’s not really true. You have to lift a lot of weights for that to happen!”

Elizabeth Weizman, an instructor for five years at the studio, referred to Zumba as “one of the few group exercise classes that all levels can take part in and enjoy.”

She encourages people to remember that the extra pounds gained during the holiday season are difficult to lose again. “People look for excuses to overeat and not exercise and they use the holiday season as one,” Weizman said. “That’s why setting a goal is necessary, so you won’t get preoccupied.

Studio Zumba student Debbie Pulos agrees and has attended classes for more than two years.

“I love the programs because I need the extra kick to come to Zumba at least three days a week,” Pulos said. “And I know that exercise isn’t just about losing pounds. It’s about feeling comfortable in the size you are in.”

Recently voted the “Best Fitness Center in Dayton” for 2009 in a Dayton Daily News poll, Jones’ studio is attended by more than 450 people on a regular basis.

“We have to be creative as a smaller studio,” Jones said. “I just know that people get great results from our programs and they want to keep coming back.”

Contact this columnist at (937) 475-8212 or banspach@woh.rr.com.

HEREABOUTS beth anspach

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