JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

Ever thought that getting fit could be fun?

As Jewell Hillery reports, obesity got a few punches when fitness and fun teamed up at the Metro Center Mall.

High energy, Good music and a little coordination is all you need to succeed at March Aerobics.

"It's always fun when you're moving around like that it was lots of fun," said class participant Annette White.

The March Aerobics class was led by former JSU Sonic Boom drum major Michael Haynes during the "Our End to Fight Obesity," program at the Metro Center Mall.

Many participants worked up a sweat without even realizing it.

"I always feel good when I'm exercising it makes me feel better," said White.

Brothers Robert and Richard Daniels of Parallel Fitness, also introduced the crowd to their specialty called Drill Fit Aerobics. Their technique also focuses on synchronized exercise with upbeat music. The duo got serious about helping the community get fit after heart failure hit close to home.

"We had a death in family it kind of pushed us in that area to help everybody else out," said Richard.

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Getting fit can be fun

Written by: Jazmin Gelista on January 26, 2009.

Latin dance moves and spicy music make Zumba the newest fitness trend

Latin dance moves and spicy music make Zumba the newest fitness trend. Photo by: Steven Lawton

Movement, rhythm and sexiness adrenaline rushes through the body as dance takes over the feet and the excitement of aerobics are seen in the hips.

Imagine an exotic place where you can work out, feel sexy and forget about daily routines. Escape to Zumba, a new kind of cardio exercise sweeping the nation.

Richard Kislan, the author of several musical theater books, once said, I move; therefore I am. By moving, one knows they are alive especially when you feel your blood pumping within your body by the Zumba rhythms infringing upon every inch of your living cells.

Its always good to workout occasionally to relieve stress and feel better.

According to about.com, Zumba comes from a Columbian word that means to move fast and have fun, which is how explorative gym-goers describe the routine. Combining upbeat Latin music with an intense cardiovascular exercise, Zumba is aerobic dancing that is amusing and easy to learn.

Traci Smith, Zumba instructor at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, said the exercise can be described as, a fusion of all the different styles of Latin dance and a way to forget that youre working out.

Zumba incorporates different styles of Latin dance such as salsa, cumbia, merengue, zumba, bachata, flamenco, bellydancing and reggeaton. By integrating an interval workout with fast and slow dance moves and resistance training, Zumba not only sheds the pounds, but sculpts the body. Smith added that students attend the class to get an entirely different experience, rather than an everyday treadmill workout. Men seem to shy away from sensual Latin dances as apparent in classes dominated by ladies.

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New groove in aerobics

All classes are led by certified water aerobics instructors and are 60 minutes in length. Tuesday-Thursday morning classes are $56.25 and evening classes are $52.50 (Cash or check payable to FISD). These sessions are 8 weeks, March 18 through April 8. There will be no evening class on March 27 and no morning or evening class on April 29 Enrollment in any class is limited to the first 25 paid enrollments. Participants may join after the session starts for a prorated amount.

Classes:

Evenings 6:30-7:30 T-TH.

Mornings 9:30-10:30 T-Th.

These classes are deep water only and use Aquajogger equipment. Participants should be comfortable in deep water and will be supported with the Aquajogger buoyancy belt. Other Aquajogger equipment will be added under the guidance of the instructor. This is a no impact workout program that can be easily adjusted to individual needs and goals.

To sign up, come by the Friendswood Aquatic Center, 1115 Falling Leaf between 6 am and noon and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information call the Aquatic Center at (281) 992-2505 or e-mail John Little @ jlittle@fisdk12.net.

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Water aerobics at the Friendswood Aquatic Center set

Former South African weightlifter Precious McKenzie fell in love with New Zealand when he was here in 1974 for the Commonwealth Games, representing England.

"I loved it so much I thought about bringing my family here," says Mr McKenzie. "When I got back to England, I said to my wife, we must emigrate to New Zealand, it's a magnificent country. I pestered her around with it, she must have thought this man has a girlfriend there, and that's why he wants to emigrate."

The four time Commonwealth gold medallist is now 77 years old, but he's as energetic as ever.

In November he's competing in the World Bench-Press and Dead Lifting Masters Championship, and is being inducted into the hall of fame.

Born into poverty in South Africa, his undeniable weightlifting prowess proved problematic for the country's apartheid government.

He describes growing up as a minority, with many not wanting him to compete with white South Africans.

"When I came along, I really dug a hole for them."

Mr McKenzie was not allowed to travel with white athletes on the same plane.

"Only when we get to the destination could I mix. Now those conditions I wouldn't accept, I put my principals before fame."

Mr McKenzie was the first man in history to have won four consecutive gold medals.

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Aerobics for 60+ with Precious McKenzie