Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Folks attending this year’s Women’s Expo, held Sept. 12 and 13 at the Forum, had an opportunity to pick up free samples, including a bit of salsa, courtesy of Stephanie Caverhill, co-owner of Northern Massage & Wellness Center.
Caverhill’s salsa was of the dance kind, however, and was offered in combination with other dance moves as Caverhill and others took to the stage to demonstrate a fitness craze that’s taken the nation by storm.
“This was the perfect time for us to be a part of the Expo. Tracy Spooner and I are instructors and we’re now offering Zumba (pronounced Zoom-ba) classes,” explained Caverhill. Tracy and Leslie Smith, a volunteer, joined me on stage at the Forum to show those in attendance just how easy it can be to stay fit.”
Zumba, according to Caverhill, was created by “Beto” Perez, a celebrity fitness trainer from Colombia, South America.
As the story goes, Perez stumbled upon the concept when he was instructing a fitness class in the mid-1990s. Having forgotten his aerobics music, he grabbed tapes from his car — songs that he loved — featuring traditional Latin salsa and merengue music he’d enjoyed all his life. From the last-minute improvisation was born Zumba. Perez brought the program to the U.S. in 1999. Since that time, interest has grown, with classes now being taught from coast to coast.
Caverhill said she herself stumbled on the program, learning about it from a friend.
“I have a friend who suggested Zumba be taught at my studio. There was an instructor’s course being offered in St. John, New Brunswick, so I just signed myself up,” said Caverhill, noting she wasn’t prepared for what she saw at her first class. “When I showed up, all these people showed up with flashy outfits. I wondered, ‘Oh my gosh, what did I get myself into?’ But I found the experience so energizing and fun, I continued on, receiving my certificate to be an instructor.”
Initially, Caverhill said plans were to offer the classes at her 180 Academy St. studio, but that’s quickly had to change, following the Women’s Expo appearances.
“Classes will be held the remainder of September on Monday and Wednesday, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at Northern Massage and Wellness Center. But we’ve had to make other arrangements beginning in September,” said Caverhill. “We’ve gotten such a response (since the Expo), we had to rent a new space to hold classes that will accommodate more people.”
“Tracy and I were amazed there’s been such interest. For the rest of September, folks have to call and put their name on a list the day of the class. We only have 13 spots per day and they’re going fast,” she said.
In October, Caverhill said classes will be switching location.
“We’re moving to State St., above the Wintergreen Arts Center, in the old ballroom. Classes will continue to be held on Monday and Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., with an additional class added on Saturdays, at 8:30 a.m.,” said Caverhill. “After the Expo, Tracy and I discussed it. We agreed we did the right thing taking the new spot.”
According to Caverhill, about 50 people have registered since the Expo. She indicated she’d received several comments from interested parties who said it looked more like fun than a workout.
“That’s the key, finding something to do so you don’t feel like you’re working,” noted Caverhill. “People like to dance, move to the music. There’s no counting steps or calories. No one’s going to complain if you don’t do every move exactly like the instructor. The Zumba tagline is ‘Ditch the workout, join the party.’ And that’s what it’s like, a big party, with some great music to get you moving and friends — new and old — to share a few laughs. No special clothing is required either.”
Classes are quite affordable, with Zumba cards selling for $60 for 10 classes.
“That’s less than a fast food meal and better for you,” said Caverhill. “And for those who maybe aren’t sure how often they can come or whether they’ll like it or not, we have a ‘drop-in’ fee of $10, if you just want to show up.”
Caverhill said both men and women are welcome.
“We’re trying to keep it for adults at this point. We’ve arranged for someone to watch children during sessions, with minimal rates charged for child care. I’m a mom and know how difficult it can be to find a sitter. That’s why we’ve incorporated the availability of child care for class members,” she said. “We’ve been asked about children’s classes but that’s still being discussed.”
While demonstrating on stage at the Forum, Caverhill was able to watch members of the audience duplicating her steps or creating their own. She said when music’s on, people tend to move with the rhythm, not worrying about who sees them or where they are.
“I like to see women getting out, getting exercise and feeling good about themselves. It’s not about counting steps, it’s about just having fun and getting healthy. It’s just about moving, not what you look like. It’s about what makes you happy — music can do that,” said Caverhill.
Caverhill said she enjoys helping others but has also noticed Zumba has made a difference in her own fitness.
“I love it so much. I’m doing it all the time — both at work and on my personal time. I’m not even trying to lose weight and have lost 6 pounds,” said Caverhill. “It’s a great cardio workout that everyone can enjoy.”
For more information or to register, call 764-0400 or e-mail northernwellness@northernpt.net.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
READY TO RUMBA, Conga, Salsa, Samba and more, participants of a demonstration at the Women’s Expo, sponsored by Cary Medical Center and Citadel Broadcasting Sept. 12 and 13 at the Forum in Presque Isle, took to the stage to shake away stress — and possibly a pound or two — as they grooved their way through the Zumba presentation. Zumba is a fitness program that combines Latin music and dance moves to create a fun cardio workout. Classes are now being offered through Northern Massage and Wellness Center in Presque Isle. Pictured, from left: Jack LeVangie, the Citadel “Sports Freak;” Chris O’Brien, radio personality with Citadel; Leslie Smith, volunteer; Tracy Spooner, instructor; and Stephanie Caverhill, instructor and co-owner of NMWC.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
LAUGHTER’S THE BEST MEDICINE — The Women’s Expo, hosted by Cary Medical Center and Citadel Broadcasting Sept. 12 and 13 at the Forum in Presque Isle, proved the perfect setting to debut Aroostook County’s latest fitness craze, Zumba — with courses now being offered through Northern Massage and Wellness Center, of Presque Isle. The performance created a lot of laughter on and off stage, as local radio personalities tried their best to keep up with the instructors. Demonstrating some of the moves were two of the instructors and three volunteers. Pictured, from left: Chris O’Brien, radio personality with Citadel; Leslie Smith, volunteer; Jack LeVangie, the Citadel “Sports Freak,” creating some of his own moves; Stephanie Caverhill, instructor and co-owner of NMWC; and Tracy Spooner, instructor. Not present in photo but also taking part in the demonstration was Lisa Miles, Citadel market manager.
