RWC hosts Zumba class at downtown Skydeck

The chilly breeze was quickly warmed by students dancing, laughing and shaking off exam nerves through Zumba.

Hosted by the Recreation and Wellness Center, this new Zumba class at UCF Downtown’s Skydeck takes dance and pairs it with a skyline view of the downtown campus.

The event was hosted at Union West on the sixth floor, looking out on the city of Orlando. According to the UCF event webpage, the course used Latin and international music with a combination of rhythms to make an intense workout for participants.

Zumba instructor Joelle Chehaib started the class off by telling everyone to shake their bodies to get all the nerves out and warm up, which put smiles on the participants’ faces.

“I have an emotional bond with dance,” Chehaib said. “Zumba is the most judgment-free zone I’ve ever been introduced to. Even at the big commercial gyms, it’s honestly like a party.”

According to the Verywell Fit website, Zumba has a wide variety of facets which can range from strength training to water aerobics. The website also said this form of fitness is well known across the world, with more than 200,000 class locations available in 180 countries.

“We chose to do Zumba on the Skydeck to enjoy the fresh air. Also to promote that you can exercise and have fun at the same time anywhere,” Alani Cromwell, restaurant and foodservice management major, said.

Chehaib said she not only utilizes cardio through dance within her workout but also implements targeting certain muscles. She said there are parts in her routine that focus directly on legs, arms and core, ranging from pulse squats to arm circles, all executed within dance.

“I grew up kind of overweight, and I never wanted to workout, but dancing got me into shape because it was so much fun, and it didn’t feel like a workout,” Chehaib said.

With a water break between each song, Chehaib breaks up the workout into sections. Chehaib said she starts the workout with a warm-up to get the heart rate going, and then two songs later, she transitions into a high-intensity, cardio and dance exercise that carries on for most of the class. She said the last 20 minutes consist of the targeted muscle routines, cool down and then stretches.

Cromwell said she has been doing Zumba for a year and helps to lead this new, recurring Zumba class.

“The thing I love most about Zumba is that you can have fun while doing it. You’re not thinking that this is a workout,” Cromwell said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for students in particular, this form of fitness could shake off some exam nerves and boost serotonin all at once. The CDC also said regular physical activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common disorders within this generation.

Kimberly Colector, an undecided sophomore with hopes of pursuing computer engineering, said she just started doing Zumba this semester, and the class just so happens to be in her living complex.

“I love working out with the view of the city and the sun going down. It is very calming and much better scenery than the fitness room,” Colector said.

As the sky grew dark, the class also slowed down to an end. At 8 p.m., the stretches were finishing up, and one of the students brought out popsicles for anyone who wanted a refreshing end to their night of dance.

“The best thing you can do is come and experience it. You don’t know until you try, and I think it’s something worth experiencing,” Cromwell said.