Sterling Heights resident Susan Marsh-Hatty is not your average aerobics instructor. She goes to each of her classes equipped with a microphone, keyboard and some massage balls in-hand. And she packs quite a punch of energy even when leading a group of seniors.

The 58-year-old hails from Windsor, Ontario and has been teaching her combined music and Zumba courses at local gyms, senior living homes and community centers across metro Detroit for the past four years. Most recently, she taught a class at the Pine Ridge Senior center in Sterling Heights, combining Zumba an aerobic fitness program featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance with her top-notch musical performances to keep the energy high.

She starts her classes behind the keyboard belting out a few upbeat songs to get her senior class participants tapping their toes and moving their arms. Once everyone is warmed up Marsh-Hatty is bouncing around the room engaging participants to perform simple arm movements while holding the massage balls.

The massage balls are used as a focus point, said Marsh-Hatty. For example, I will have the class move the balls down their legs while they are seated. Some can reach their feet; some can put the ball on the floor but what they may not realize is that they are stretching their legs and back as they focus on the ball. All the movements are non-weight bearing and are geared to help maintain and/or improve their range of movement while helping them gain strength.

Marsh-Hatty is a certified Zumba, Aqua Zumba, Kids Zumba instructor and a certified Silver Sneakers instructor, a health & fitness program designed for adults 65 and older. She also majored in theater and has been singing professionally for 40 years. She has performed all over the world and has worked with some notable stars including Harry Belafonte, Ray Charles and Michael Bolton. After meeting her and watching her class, you can tell she enjoys her work. Not to mention her voice is silky smooth and she always puts on a high-octane show. Her dedication and talent are obvious.

I feel that healing others through music and physical movement is my purpose on earth, said Marsh Hatty.

She currently works with 15 senior centers throughout Oakland and Macomb counties, while also finding time to sing with an 8-piece band named Nemesis, which performs at local festivals, weddings and corporate events.

After her class, one of the class participants remarked, Wow, I got a workout and a show!

For more information about Marsh-Hattys classes or upcoming performances, call 586-291-0556 or email singingsooz@att.net.

You can catch one of Marsh-Hatty's classes at various locations throughout southeast Michigan each week. Here are a few:

Mondays

9 a.m.: Aqua Fitness/ Water Aerobics at the Macomb Township Recreation Center, 20699 Macomb Drive, Macomb

10:30 a.m.: Silver Sneakers Rehab/Chair Fitness at HealthQuest Physical Therapy-North, 23211 21 Mile Road, Macomb Township

7 p.m.: Zumba, ZellaDor Fitness Gym, 45265 Van Dyke, Utica

Tuesdays

8:30 a.m.: Silver Sneakers Rehab/Chair Fitness at HealthQuest Physical Therapy-Macomb West, 43591 Romeo Plank Rd., Macomb

10:30 a.m.: Silver Sneakers Rehab at HealthQuest Physical Therapy-North, 23211 21 Mile Rd., Macomb Township

1:30 p.m.: Chair Fitness at Shelby Manor Senior Living, 14184 22 Mile Rd., Shelby Charter Twp. (bi-weekly)

Wednesdays

12 p.m.: Chair Fitness/Gentle Shape Up at Lockwood Senior Apartments, 24500 Metro Parkway, Clinton Township

Thursdays

8:30 a.m.: Chair Fitness at HealthQuest Physical Therapy-Macomb West, 43591 Romeo Plank Rd., Macomb

10 a.m.: Strength and Tone/Core at Macomb Township Recreation Center, 20699 Macomb Drive, Macomb

11:30 a.m.: Silver Sneakers Rehab at HealthQuest Physical Therapy-North, 23211 21 Mile Rd., Macomb Township

Fridays

9 a.m.: Aqua Fitness at Town Village Sterling Heights, 4500 Dobry Drive

10:30 a.m.: Silver Sneakers/Gentle Shape Up at Zella Dor Fitness, 45265 Van Dyke, Utica

12 p.m.: Chair Fitness at Lockwood Senior Apartments, 24500 Metro Parkway, Clinton Township

Saturdays

10 a.m.: Zumba at ZellaDor Fitness Gym, 45265 Van Dyke, Utica

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Sterling Heights woman marries aerobics with live music for local seniors - The Oakland Press