Mikayla Morris, front right, works out next to Pat Grothoff while classmate Kendra Sanches, front row left, and Nancy Wilbers keep up with the instructor. Some students in summer school at Jefferson City High School have spent their physical education class time in the pool at the Knowles YMCA in water aerobics class. Photo by Julie Smith.

Photo by Julie Smith

Gabriela Chaidez laughs as she backs into Kayla Smith while exercising in the water at the YMCA. Students got to mix with several older women in the regular YMCA class, some who have been in the class since before the girls were born.

A swirl of arms and bobbing shoulders keeps the waves moving in the Knowles YMCA swimming pool as rock n roll oldies keep time for water aerobics.

The constant motion and low-impact workout have been a benefit to not only mature women in the YMCA class but also, during the past four weeks, for 10 young women from Jefferson City High Schools summer school.

The first-year class of nutrition and wellness has highlighted the importance of low-sugar diets and the value of regular exercise.

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Students earn credit, learn greater lesson in water aerobics class

Bandar Seri Begawan - Members of the public are invited to participate in what could be the largest mass aerobics workout to be held at night for two hours in conjunction with Brunei's largest and most popular consumer event - Consumer Fair 10 (CF10).

This was revealed at a press conference by Gob Kiat Chun or better known as Wu Chun, a local born international superstar and Managing Director of Fitness Zone, which has teamed up with Sunlit Advertising Sdn Bhd, organiser of the Consumer Fair yesterday.

Wu Chun said the event, dubbed as 'Saturday Night Fever', will be held on June 30 and will incorporate Zumba fitness, Bodyjam dance and body combat.

He said the event is free of charge and aimed at "encouraging the local community to be healthier while having fun".

Registration is now open at all Fitness Zone branches. The event is sponsored by Nestle Fitness.

Sherly Tan, Marketing Manager of Sunlit Advertising, said the mass aerobics workout is in line with the theme of the Consumer Fair, which focuses on "promoting a healthy lifestyle."

She added that this collaboration means that Consumer Fair visitors will be offered a wide choice of fun and healthy lifestyle activities courtesy of Fitness Zone over the five days of the fair such as a free health check-up and free diet consultations.

Fitness Zone will also be holding a lucky draw, whereby visitors stand the chance to win two Royal Skies tickets to London, England for the Olympics 2012, she said.

The extensive grounds of the BRIDEX Hall in Jerudong, the venue for the CF10, means that Fitness Zone can hold activities such as cycling, rowing and boot camp challenges which offer attractive prizes.

There will also be basketball challenges such as 1-on-1 Challenge, Make-the-Shot Challenge and a Slam Dunk Competition which also offer prizes.

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'Saturday Night Fever' Aerobics Workout At CF10

MIAMI (Reuters) - Alberto Perez started out as a street performer and then an aerobics teacher in Colombia, making extra cash on the side teaching the wives of businessmen how to dance in nightclubs in his hometown, Cali.

Today, he stands at the center of the Zumba exercise craze, having helped transform Zumba Fitness, a private company, into a rapidly growing fitness empire with heavyweight investor backing.

"I'm not a businessman, but I knew this had the potential to be something special," said Perez, who along with two Colombian associates founded the Miami-based company.

Zumba, a Latin dance-inspired aerobic workout, has exploded from a Miami gym phenomenon to infomercial and DVD smash hit into a global craze with some 12 million people taking classes every week in at least 125 countries. Zumba Fitness now boasts being the largest branded fitness program in the world.

Started on a shoestring budget in a Miami garage nearly 11 years ago, Zumba Fitness now has more than 200 employees, and a pair of New York investment firms are betting the craze has staying power.

What began as a company focused on fitness has evolved into a lifestyle and entertainment brand combining e-commerce, apparel and music, and a sought-after outlet for stars like hip-hop artists Pitbull and Wyclef Jean and reggaeton singer Don Omar who have turned to Zumba to promote their music.

THE ACCIDENTAL INSTRUCTOR

Zumba got its start by chance in the 1980s.

Perez, who is known as Beto, was eking out a living as a street performer and salsa and merengue nightclub dancer known for his boyish model looks and muscular physique.

One day the owner of a nearby gym called and asked if Perez could stand in for an injured aerobics teacher. He agreed - but didn't mention he had never done aerobics and rushed out and bought a copy of Jane Fonda's Workout Book.

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The big business of Zumba

THE poor turnout from Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) employees at the local authoritys aerobics session to kick off a two-day carnival has irked Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman.

The carnival, held at the Kelana Jaya lake over the weekend, was part of MBPJs celebration of the citys sixth anniversary.

Maybe people are staying up to watch the Euro 2012 matches, but the turnout of council employees should have been higher.

All of us could always do with a little bit more exercise, he said.

Even from the health department and director Dr Chitra Davi N. Vadivellus participation, only a handful of the department staff turned up to exercise, said Roslan.

With 1,700 council staff, it should not be impossible to get at least 500 to take part in the morning exercise.

Compared with the usual turnout in Taman Jaya, this mornings participation was poor. I hope to see more staff coming for the aerobic sessions, he added.

Roslan said he usually walked in the evening but when his schedule did not permit outdoor exercise, he worked out on the treadmill.

As part of the effort to get more people to take part, he was mulling over the possibility of getting more celebrities, such as actor Remy Ishak, to lend support in the morning aerobics sessions.

The council had also organised other activities for the carnival such as an action song competition among Petaling Jaya schools, an auto show and sports competitions at the MBPJ sports facilities in SS7.

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Roslan: Staff participation at carnival’s kick-off event should be higher

MIAMI: Alberto Perez started out as a street performer and then an aerobics teacher in Colombia, making extra cash on the side teaching the wives of businessmen how to dance in nightclubs in his hometown, California.

Today, he stands at the centre of the Zumba exercise craze, having helped transform Zumba Fitness, a private company, into a rapidly growing fitness empire with heavyweight investor backing.

"I'm not a businessman, but I knew this had the potential to be something special," said Perez, who along with two Colombian associates founded the Miami-based company. Zumba, a Latin dance-inspired aerobics workout, has exploded from a Miami-gym phenomenon to infomercial and DVD smash hit into a global craze with some 12 million people taking classes every week in at least 125 countries. Zumba Fitness now boasts being the largest branded fitness programme in the world.

Started on a shoestring budget in a Miami garage nearly 11 years ago, Zumba Fitness now has more than 200 employees, and a pair of New York investment firms are betting the craze has staying power.

What began as a company focused on fitness has evolved into a lifestyle and entertainment brand combining e-commerce, apparel and music, and a sought-after outlet for stars like hip-hop artists Pitbull and Wyclef Jean and reggaeton singer Don Omar who have turned to Zumba to promote their music.

THE ACCIDENTAL INSTRUCTOR

Zumba got its start by chance in the 1980s. Perez, who is known as Beto, was eking out a living as a street performer and salsa and merengue nightclub dancer known for his boyish model looks and muscular physique. One day the owner of a nearby gym called and asked if Perez could stand in for an injured aerobics teacher. He agreed but did not mention he had never done aerobics and rushed out and bought a copy of Jane Fonda's Workout Book. His fitness career was born.

Then a technology entrepreneur, Perlman lost his job in the dot-com bust two years later and was struggling with what career move to make next. Perlman said growing instructor and student base is the firm's top priority, with a goal of reaching 100 million students. The company has also launched its own line of brightly colored clothing, Zumba footwear and a glossy magazine named "ZLife", all designed in its Miami office.

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Zumba no longer just an aerobics workout, it means big business

SPOKANE, Wash. -

Tomi Wheeler may be the unsung hero of the deputy shootings on Tuesday, being the first one to arrive on scene to help wounded Spokane County Sheriff deputies Matt Spink and Mike Northway.

"The whole time I was like I can't let him die, I can't let him die," Wheeler said.

Gunshots, blood and sirens didn't stop Wheeler on June 19.

"I just hopped out of my car and did it. He's lying on the ground bleeding, there is no other option," she said.

It began as a "plain" day, as Wheeler calls it. She had cleaned and organized her home and then in the afternoon it was time to head to the YMCA in North Spokane where Wheeler teaches aerobics.

"I always cut through the cute little neighborhoods in that area, it's just kind of a thing I do," she said.

Wheeler always takes a different way to work. She never knows where she'll end up but she never thought it would be here. At first, Wheeler heard gunshots and then saw an SUV come racing through, she ducked and then dove right in.

"If I died doing something like that, I know my family would be proud of me," Wheeler said.

Wheeler found deputy Northway lying on the ground. Matt Spink was still standing and calling for back-up. Wheeler isn't a deputy, but for a few minutes she was their back-up.

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Aerobics instructor turned lifesaver in deputy shooting

DALLAS, TX--(Marketwire -06/21/12)- Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas, a Cooper Aerobics company, today announced a $6.5 million renovation to its facility. Cooper Fitness Center helps Dallas-area residents Get Cooperized! by making good health a habit to live better, both sooner and later. The facility will remain open throughout the renovation, which is expected to be complete in March 2013.

"It has been an incredible 40 years since we first opened Cooper Fitness Center," said Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, Founder and Chairman of Cooper Aerobics. "We have proven the health benefits of physical activity and at Cooper Fitness Center we help people live a long and healthy life to the fullest."

The new facility will expand to 54,000 square feet and include a new main entrance, cycle studio, two mind/body studios for Yoga and Pilates, men's, women's and family locker rooms, retail boutique and a new restaurant. The facility also offers cardio and strength equipment, a three-lane indoor track, a basketball court, a heated 25-yard, six-lane pool and a full day spa. The entire building will offer free high-speed Wi-Fi to members.

"My father changed the face of fitness, and today we are revolutionizing the industry again with a significant renovation to Cooper Fitness Center," said Tyler Cooper, MD, MPH, CEO of Cooper Aerobics Enterprises. "Our expertise, service and programs are unmatched, and this investment to provide an exceptional facility will give members the ultimate fitness experience for the future. Cooper Fitness Center is going to be in the best shape of its life."

The Aerobics Activity Center opened in 1972, helping the public achieve the recommended aerobics points for health. In 1981, a fire sparked overnight and destroyed the original building. The Coopers rebuilt the facility in 1982, opening what is today known as Cooper Fitness Center.

"I am honored to have been a part of the Cooper Aerobics team for more than 40 years," said Roger Staubach, The Cooper Institute Board Member and former NFL Dallas Cowboys quarterback. "I can't imagine Dallas without Dr. Cooper and this exceptional facility. The 'Father of Aerobics' revolutionized fitness and has developed the ultimate health and wellness resource right here in Dallas, Texas."

In addition to a new fitness facility, Dallas residents will also be able to enjoy a new restaurant: Cedars Woodfire Grill. The fast-casual restaurant serves freshly grilled food in a warm, family-friendly setting. Carefully chosen ingredients lead to inspired flavors in the salads, bowls, sandwiches and soups that cost under $10 each.

"There couldn't be a more natural partnership than Cedars and the Cooper organization. We share a mission of wellness, which is why we are opening our first Dallas location at Cooper Fitness Center," said Randy Gier, Founder and CEO of Cedars Woodfire Grill. "At Cedars, we are committed to not only supporting active lifestyles, but fueling them with great tasting, healthy food. You won't find any freezers, fryers or microwaves at Cedars. We cook everything from scratch, using high quality, fresh, natural ingredients."

Cooper Fitness Center's renovation partners include Beck Group as the general contractor, Hudson Lockett as the architect and lauckgroup as the interior designer.

Get the latest updates on the Cooper Fitness Center renovation on the Cooper Aerobics Facebook page. To learn more about Cooper Fitness Center, visit cooperfitnesscenter.com or call 972.233.4832.

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Cooper Fitness Center Begins $6.5 Million Renovation, Giving Dallas the Ultimate Fitness Experience

A High Bridge couple were arrested Monday after authorities traced a purse theft to a vehicle parked behind the Clinton Community Center, according to police reports.

Brian Meyer, 34, faces theft charges after allegedly stealing a woman's purse while she was taking an aerobics class in the center. The purse, left in the center's lobby, contained more the $700 worth of items, reports say.

Clinton police found Meyer and the purse in a vehicle near the rear of the building. Also in the car was Kelly Dixon-Meyer, 29, who was found with drug paraphernalia nearby and suspected heroin stashed in her bra, according to police. Three children ages 6, 5 and 3 years old, were also in the car.

Meyer was arrested on charges of theft and held in Hunterdon County jail in lieu of $2,500 bail. Dixon-Meyer was charged with drug possession and drug paraphernalia possession, and was held in jail on $5,000 bail. The children were released to the Division of Youth and Family Services.

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High Bridge couple arrested after Clinton police allegedly find stolen purse in car, heroin in woman's bra

Visual impairment does not stop Preeti Monga from motivating others

We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision.Helen Keller

A trauma counsellor, corporate trainer, writer, aerobics trainer, public speaker and director of Silver Linings Human Resource Solution Private Limited all rolled into one, Preeti Mongas achievements are inspirational for any youngster. Interestingly, that she lost her vision early in life could not deter Ms. Monga from living up to her dreams.

With a staff size of eight girls, Silver Linings is a Delhi-based executive search and talent development consultancy. What makes us different from typical recruitment companies and sundry providers of standardised training modules is the fact that we go beyond a transactional relationship with our clients to be their Human Capital Custodian, Ms. Monga said. She recalls the motivational workshops she has conducted for workers in Maruti when they were going through a difficult labour phase. I have addressed workers at the mines as well. Being a positive person I enjoy motivational workshops. We have a master list of 140 active clients. Our business model is simple. We share 10 per cent of the profit with our employees.

Preeti started the consultancy with her brother Sandeep Singh. We got Silver Lining Trust registered in 2006, and then thought about starting Silver Lining Solutions. We started Silver Linings in the dining hall of our house in 2010 and now our bedroom, too, is annexed into the office area. We will have a bigger office soon she said. My brother left his job for this venture. Convincing him was my first victory, she smiled. While Mr. Singh looks after the operations of Silver Linings, Ms. Monga handles the business development part.

Ms. Monga was only six years old when doctors diagnosed her deteriorating vision as a condition due to optic atrophy. It was difficult for me since my childhood. And by the time I was able to accept my disability, my school had already thrown me out. It affected me greatly, she said.

In a place like India, where even the birth of a girl child is not welcomed, being born with an extreme physical disability is almost unacceptable to the society, Ms. Monga said. But I have been fortunate enough to have supportive parents. They stood by my side in every adversity. They have made me what I am today.

She decided to leave her studies after completing Class X. I found it meaningless! At that point of time, I failed to understand that I would need certificates and degrees to survive in this difficult world Soon after ending my first marriage, I realized that I needed to be economically independent. That brought me in touch with Veena Merchant of U.S.A. Shapes. I received proper aerobics training and started my own training class. I had a class of 40 people, she said.

Simultaneously, she got involved in computer and English teaching, sales and marketing management, freelance journalism, public speaking and most of all trauma counselling; all this without completing her formal education. I always believed that one can learn from every day experiences. For me, life was the biggest teacher and troubles, lessons of the book, she added.

Today I am a proud mother of two independent children and a very happy grandmother too. I dream of building Silver Linings into a global entity. I want to tell the world that if a blind person can do it in spite of ever increasing adversities, everybody can. I want to be the light that can eliminate darkness from the lives of people, she asserted.

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Holding up the sky

ST. LOUIS When children enter one of 10 city schools even when classes are not in session, community education supporters want them and even their parents and neighbors to find a hub of activities, support and resources for more than just academic needs.

For decades, a long-standing program in the St. Louis Public Schools has provided that, offering programs ranging from academic tutoring to dental exams to aerobics classes. But money for the effort, called Community Education Full Service Schools, has dwindled from about $1.2 million to $500,000.

It's unclear exactly how the cuts will play out in the next few weeks, but without funding for full-time staff at all of the centers, five could close, officials say. The district recently notified four full-time staffers that their jobs had been cut.

Typically, the centers remain open during the summer, but as of last week, just those at Vashon High, Walbridge elementary, Clay elementary and Yeatman-Liddell middle schools were to continue offering services during June and July.

More than a dozen people told the district's Special Administrative Board this month that they fear that without additional funding, beneficial programs and services through the community education centers will be dismantled.

"It just provides so many things to so many people," said Rachel Delcau, who is on the council at the Bevo-Long Community Education center.

At the meeting, a teenage girl said she repeatedly got in trouble at school for fighting and being disruptive, but that changed when she started attending the after-school program at Bevo-Long. Now, she attends Carnahan High School but continues to return to Bevo-Long to volunteer.

Sherry Parris, 41, said she was depressed and had given up hope of getting her GED until her pastor told her about classes at the community education center at Clay elementary.

"In other classes, I got frustrated and left. Now, I see that I can learn," said Parris, who passed the test and is now taking community college classes to become a dental hygienist. "There was a love and a passion for students there."

St. Louis Public Schools has matched the city's funds for the program, which began in 1968.

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St. Louis schools may close community resource centers