The following originally ran on page 6C of “The Charlotte Sun,” www.sunnewspapers.net, on Sunday July 29, 2012.

By Rick Ramos
Florida Gulf Coast University

Zumba incorporates elements of hip-hop dance, and the Latin dance forms soca, samba, salsa, meringue, and mambo.

Let’s face facts. Today’s fast paced world is stressful.

Work, family obligations, errands, and other tasks all contribute to increasing our stress levels.

Even “fun” activities can easily become stressful. Think of the preparations for and the clean up from the traditional Fourth of July barbeque!

When you do the math, however, much of your stress builds up at work. After all, we spend 40 hours per week, nearly one-quarter of our time at work.

In addition, everyone is asked to do more at work because of the layoffs and downsizing stemming from the current economic conditions, making our jobs even more stressful.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Perhaps now more than ever before, job stress poses a threat to the health of workers and, in turn, to the health organizations.”

There are many ways to manage stress and one of the best ways is through a regular program of exercise.

For adults to maintain good health, the CDC recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of “moderate intensity aerobic activity” every week. In addition, people should do muscle strengthening exercises two days per every week.

To help working adults reach the recommended exercise quota, Florida Gulf Coast University’s Renaissance Academy, in downtown Punta Gorda, is offering a new after work Zumba class.

After a stressful day at work, workers in downtown Punta Gorda can change their clothes, walk the short distance to Herald Court, and take a one-hour Zumba class then move on to their evening activities.

Zumba is referred to as a “dance fitness party.” Eschewing the structure of calisthenics, Zumba incorporates elements of hip-hop dance, and the Latin dance forms soca, samba, salsa, meringue, and mambo. To add more variety, movements from the martial arts, Bollywood, and belly dancing along with squats and lunges are incorporated.

Taught by certified Zumba instructor Jeannine Morrow, the classes will be offered Wednesday afternoons, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The initial program begins on August 1 and runs through August 29 meeting once a week on Wednesdays.

According to FGCU Renaissance Academy Program Director Nancy Staub, “Zumba is a great way to de-stress after a long day at work.”

For more information or to register, please telephone Staub at FGCU’s Renaissance Academy at 941-505-0130.