Shake Fitness Helps "Shake The Weight Off"
On a freezing cold morning in January, a diverse group of ladies streamed in to Shake Fitness, a dance and fitness focused studio in Honey Farms Plaza on Main Street.
Everyone was greeted by Char Willingham, the owner and operator of the fitness/dance studio that has been open a year. Willingham’s high energy and beaming smile is encouragement enough to make one feel like they made a good choice by dragging themselves out in the cold and getting to Zumba class. Each student shed their winter coat, changed from their street shoes to their “dancing shoes” (sneakers) and went into the studio to reserve their spots on the wood dance floor.
While Willingham and her daughter Brittany, a part-time instructor, prepared for the class the ladies were laughing and smiling in anticipation of their workout.
Having been in both the fitness and dance fields as both a student and teacher for over 20 years Willingham saw teaching Zumba as “a perfect option to merge the two." Zumba is a whole body fitness routine that combines basic Latin dance steps with upbeat music for a workout that is fun as well as healthy. Willingham says that the best part of Zumba is that it is adjustable to accommodate all fitness levels and abilities, allowing participants to regulate the intensity and impact of their workout.
“It’s fun to bounce around and be active,” said Rose Sharp. Stefanie Brueckel “tried Zumba for the first time over the summer and thought the workout was amazing." Zumba keeps Shelly Wheeler “staying active."
Whatever the ladies’ reasons for working out, one thing they all have in common is the social outlet and friendly and comfortable atmosphere. It is no wonder that the classes attract people from as far away as Lunenburg and Fitchburg and as close as Northborough and the surrounding communities.
During the course of the one hour class the ladies laugh, cheer each other on, and laugh some more as they “shake the weight off." The workout is supplemented with toning sticks and “bling” trimmed scarves that make lots of “music” as they shimmy and shake. Willingham and Brittany work together – neither breaking a sweat - teaching the class all the while smiling from ear to ear.
At the end of class, after a yoga-like cool down is finished, there’s more smiles and chatting as the ladies change shoes, grab their coats and get out the door…each with a promise to see everyone later in the week.
Aside from the obvious health benefits of exercise, Zumba enhances one’s agility, balance, self expression and flexibility, thereby maximizing self confidence, keeping students feeling healthier and looking their best. If Zumba doesn’t sound like your thing, Shake Fitness offers a variety of other fitness programs taught by any of the seven qualified instructors that work there.
If you’re into a more low key workout without music and booty shaking, you can try Qi Gong (pronounced Chee Gung) which is a system of healing and energy medicine with a Chinese origin. A combination of breathing exercises, movement and meditation, Qi Gong strengthens and distributes life energy throughout the body resulting in better health, vitality and peace of mind.
Yoga is a healing system made up of a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years and originating in India. The practice improves posture, flexibility, strength, focus and concentration. These classes, just like Zumba are adjustable to accommodate all fitness and skill levels.
If you’d like to learn more dance skills you could try any number of adult dance classes such as ballet, jazz, bollywood, burlesque, belly and strip tease cardio dancing. If you still want a workout that is even more adventurous, coming later in the year is...pole dancing.
Shake Fitness offers children’s birthday parties, bachelorette parties or girls' night out activities. Children’s Zumba classes, private dance/fitness classes and nutritional and healthful living coaching, are all offered at Shake Fitness as well.
Have you already given up on your New Year’s resolution to get into shape? Is the gym not working for you? Go to www.shakefitness.com and check out the extensive schedule of regular classes (offered at all times of day) and special workshops. Pick one that sounds interesting and get over there. It is convenient, affordable and good for you. Most importantly you will receive a strong done of laughter, inspiration, friendship and enthusiasm (L.I.F.E.).
