Getting back in shape with Zumbathon workouts

Felipe Rivera and Cynthia Henderson are Latin dance experts

I started back into 'life in the Finger Lakes' with our Saturday morning Zumba Gold class at the Hector Wine Co. in Hector, NY, with a chance to stand in the back and workout instead of teaching. I start back on Monday morning.

It was a great way to start a Saturday morning since I have a fair amount of jet lag left from a month-long travel around the globe.

A quick nap prepared me for an afternoon 'Party in Pink' Zumbathon at Island Fitness in Ithaca, NY. I've been meaning to check out the facility and the classes all summer long but when the weather is good at the lake, who can leave Seneca Lake? Apparently, not me.

The facility is fantastic. Light. Clean. Well-equipped. Affordable! After years of California athletic clubs, this one blows the doors off for the price. And why should I be surprised? Of course the Ithaca community would prioritize affordable workout facilities in a place where the winters must test the most stoic Northeasterner.

I love Zumba jams that give me a sample of multiple instructors so I know whose class I want to make sure I try in the future. Seven instructors brought their best stuff forward. Individual styles are so important to the Zumba crowd and the background and the influence of the teacher comes through, whether it is dance, strength training, belly dancing, aerobics. All were excellent and I'll be back to Island Fitness next week to try Deb Noonan's toning class on Tuesday.  Two instructors I'll also be following are Cynthia Henderson, who teaches Zumba at Islands on Monday at 4:30 p.m, and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the City Health Club, and Felipe Rivera at Finger Lakes Fitness.

Party in Pink at Island Fitness, Ithaca, NY

The next jam on my schedule is the SPCA fundraiser on the Commons in Ithaca, sponsored by the Finger Lakes Fitness Center.
It's next Saturday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m.

I hope to see you there. It's a great event and a cause that is always near and dear to my heart.