Zumba Gold

Zumba Gold classes for seniors are held at COTA NT in Spillett House every Wednesday (evening) and Friday (morning) – with the exception of instructor ‘away days’. Zumba Gold is part of our Fit for Life program. Classes focus on cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility and balance.

Class dates

• Wednesdays 5.30pm – 6.15pm (exceptions to these dates are advised by the instructor)
• Fridays 9.30am – 10.15am (exceptions to these dates are advised by the instructor)

Before you join

• check with your doctor first before starting any exercise program (see About Zumba Gold notes below).
• if you have any concerns regarding your fitness level, ability or skill or undertake this activity, you should seek the appropriate independent advice. Please note, neither the instructor or COTA staff are authorised to give any advice in this regard.
• before your first sessions, you must fill in a Pre-Exercise Screening form and raise any health concerns with the instructor
• register your attendance (which includes agreement to a voluntary assumption of risk: that you undertake the class at your own risk and acknowledge and voluntarily accept the level of risk consequent with that activity
• bring comfortable clothes and shoes, drink bottle and towel.

About Zumba Gold

Zumba fitness is a Latin-dance inspired workout that involves a fun fusion of dance moves from styles like Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton and Flamenco. Zumba in the Spanish language means, “buzz like a bee and move fast.” It is one of the most popular group exercise classes on the planet with over 12 million participants ‘zumba-ing’ in 125 countries.

Zumba Gold is a modified version of regular Zumba classes, designed for seniors, beginners and other special populations who want to keep active. The main intention of Zumba Gold classes is to encourage everyone to move a little and have a lot of fun. Moves do not have to be perfect and can be approached by everyone, regardless of fitness level and dance experience.  Zumba Gold recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity. Classes are around 45 minutes, the music is motivating and you have fun in an enjoyable social environment.

“You feel really good afterwards. The first couple of times I did think can I do this? But I still felt good and Ann keeps us interested – we’re not just doing the same thing. She regularly introduces new dances to keep your brain active too. If you like dancing, it’s a really good way of doing exercise and using your muscles and keeping your body flexible. I personally have felt better after doing it – it covers strength and balance and uplifts you. It’s like music, you feel happy afterwards. I’d feel disappointed if it stops!” Sue Firth

Zumba Gold is designed to be fun and participants exercise without even realising it. As for health benefits, if you have diabetes, regular Zumba Gold classes can offer a great (fun) way to lose weight and can help build muscle. Blood sugar reduces with increase in activity levels, hence reducing the risk of diabetes. However, people with diabetes or other conditions have to make sure their diet supports their activity to see an improvement in their condition. It may help lower your risk of heart disease, reduce your blood pressure and bad cholesterol. (If you have a heart disease, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor about what type of exercise program to embark on.)

“I have been going to Zumba Gold since it first started at COTA.  The classes are very friendly, you can even work at your own pace. The music is great and the instructor fabulous. I find the classes very exciting and exhilarating.”  Josephine Brine

In Zumba Gold classes, care is taken about transitions between dance moves to make them smoother and less impactful on the knees and choreography has been thoughtfully designed with aging bodies in mind. However, it is an aerobic activity and cardio workout and it is recommended that everyone taking a Zumba Gold class – or participating in other exercise – should seek their doctor’s advice first.

Resources: https://www.zumba.com, http://www.acefitness.org/, http://www.webmd.com