The Barometer Online

Issue date: 1/14/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Annie Miles Emily Smith (left) and Stacey Alex participate in Zumba dance class, taught by Amy Krahn. The class was held Tuesday at Franklin Elementary School. Krahn has become a certified instructor, stating that she wants to show people that it can be fun to work out.

Corvallis has a new way to lose weight.

Tuesday evening, Corvallis' Franklin Elementary School gym was packed with OSU students and community members of all ages trying out the Zumba workout.

Zumba is a Latin dance workout that incorporates fast-paced music for an aerobic workout.

"It's one hour of heart-pumping, energizing fun," said Amy Krahn, instructor of the class.

"My goal is to show people that they can have fun while they work out," Krahn said.

Even though the idea of dancing may scare some off, Krahn said Zumba is not difficult to learn.

"You feel like you're at a club dancing," she said. "You don't need to have any dance background to do it."

After learning about Zumba and becoming a certified instructor, Krahn brought her classes to Corvallis last March.

"I've taught fitness classes for 12 years … and about a year and a half ago, I was getting bored with the same kickboxing, cycling and step aerobics," Krahn said.

"It combines my love for fitness, my love for dance and having a fun time."

In addition to Zumba classes, Krahn teaches several fitness classes at OSU, including step aerobics and body sculpting. She also teaches fitness classes at Timberhill Athletic Club.

Many of the attendants were new to the workout.

"We've never done it," said Laura Garnsey, a freshman in human development and family science.

Nicole Brown, a freshman in pre-nursing, saw a video for the workout online and decided to try it.

"It helps that Dixon is on campus," Brown said regarding the difficulty in finding time to exercise.

"You can have fun," Krahn said to the crowd when the warm-up began before the Zumba workout.

As the workout continued, the group mixed dance with lunges, kickboxing throws and jumping, all to the sound of Latin music.

Amy's Zumba classes for this term are offered at Franklin Elementary School. Early Zumba classes are also offered Fridays from 5:45-6:45 a.m. at the Majestic Theater in downtown Corvallis. More information on classes and registration can be found at zumbawithamy.com.

Gail Cole, senior reporter

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231

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