Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Facebook!
I have a Facebook business page, Zumba® Fitness with Jessica Avera, that I post classes, events, and more on daily! I also offer Facebook only specials on occasion. Check it out and become a fan!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Party in Pink!
Saturday September 17th, another local Zumba® instructor, Aniya Lamyotte, will be hosting a Party in Pink Zumbathon® to benefit the Susan Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. I am excited to be part of the instructor team for this event!
We will start the class at 10:00 am, but the doors will be open at 9:30 am. There will be a few special dancers scheduled to perform before the class and between sets. Some local businesses will be giving demonstrations and offering some special deals as well!
Tickets are $10 each, and can be purchased through Aniya, myself, at Curves on Northside Dr, or at the door if there are spaces left. The class will be held at a big warehouse on Val Tech Rd. There will be signs to direct you once you arrive.
Party yourself into shape for a great cause! Support the Susan Komen Foundation and join us for this amazing Zumbathon. Get your tickets today!
We will start the class at 10:00 am, but the doors will be open at 9:30 am. There will be a few special dancers scheduled to perform before the class and between sets. Some local businesses will be giving demonstrations and offering some special deals as well!
Tickets are $10 each, and can be purchased through Aniya, myself, at Curves on Northside Dr, or at the door if there are spaces left. The class will be held at a big warehouse on Val Tech Rd. There will be signs to direct you once you arrive.
Party yourself into shape for a great cause! Support the Susan Komen Foundation and join us for this amazing Zumbathon. Get your tickets today!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Zumba® Toning and Zumbatomic® on Saturday, Aug 27
The next Saturday Zumba® events are taking place next Saturday, August the 27th at Anytime Fitness, located in the 5 points shopping center. We will have Zumba® Toning at 9 am, and Zumbatomic® for kids starting at 10 am.
Zumba Toning® uses light weights or maraca-like Toning sticks to sculpt and shape the body with target toning exercises, all while moving to the beat of high energy international rhythms. You will work like never before to strengthen and tone your arms, legs, shoulders, back, and abs. I recommend attending several regular Zumba® fitness classes before trying a Toning class. This class will teach you how to get the most benefits from your workout while having a total blast!
Zumbatomic® is an awesome way to get your kids moving! They will get some great exercise, have a fantastic time, and maybe even learn something! I am dividing the Zumbatomic® class up into two thirty minute segments. The first half hour will be designed for "Li'l Stars," four to seven year olds, and the second will be targeted toward "Big Stars," eight to twelve year olds, but they are welcome to stay for the entire class if they would like.
I am very excited to be bringing Zumba® specialty classes to Anytime Fitness. To read a little more about these programs, please visit zumba.com, and click on "About."
Zumba Toning® uses light weights or maraca-like Toning sticks to sculpt and shape the body with target toning exercises, all while moving to the beat of high energy international rhythms. You will work like never before to strengthen and tone your arms, legs, shoulders, back, and abs. I recommend attending several regular Zumba® fitness classes before trying a Toning class. This class will teach you how to get the most benefits from your workout while having a total blast!
Zumbatomic® is an awesome way to get your kids moving! They will get some great exercise, have a fantastic time, and maybe even learn something! I am dividing the Zumbatomic® class up into two thirty minute segments. The first half hour will be designed for "Li'l Stars," four to seven year olds, and the second will be targeted toward "Big Stars," eight to twelve year olds, but they are welcome to stay for the entire class if they would like.
I am very excited to be bringing Zumba® specialty classes to Anytime Fitness. To read a little more about these programs, please visit zumba.com, and click on "About."
Monday, August 8, 2011
Survey Results Are In!
I have been conducting surveys during my Zumba® Fitness classes over the last few weeks, and I would like to let my students know the verdicts. I want each of my participants to get a great workout, and have as much fun as possible!
A few of you are unhappy with the carpet at the Valdosta Parks and Recreation location. I certainly understand this concern. The carpet makes it difficult to pivot or move side to side. I decided to teach there because it was a much larger venue than my other locations, and my classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings were too packed for everyone to get a safe and effective workout.
The Parks and Recreation Department also has a large gymnasium on site, and I have discussed moving our Zumba classes there with my contact. Now that the summer child care programs are over, it is definitely a possibility. My only concern is that there isn't a stage. I am looking into having a portable one built so that the participants in the back row can have a good view of the front. We will know more about whether we can move our class there in the upcoming weeks.
If the carpet is really bothering you, I would suggest getting some shoes with a smooth sole, or modifying your current shoes. A few strips of packing tape or clear duct tape across the ball of your foot can aid in sliding. You may also purchase some slip on dancers from slip-ons.net that slide over your sneakers to help you glide across the carpet more easily. I have also heard of others putting panty hose over their shoes, but I haven't tried this option.
I am excited to hear that you guys are interested in more Zumba® Toning and Zumbatomic® classes! I am considering changing my Friday afternoon class from a regular Zumba® class to a Toning class, and adding more weekend events. I would love to do another set of Saturday morning Toning and Zumbatomic® classes later class this month. I am tentatively planning one for August 27th at Anytime Fitness in the 5 points shopping plaza.
For the most part, everyone is happy with the difficulty of choreography. I may add in one song every now and then that is a little more complicated, but I certainly don't want to alienate first timers. I like to make sure that everyone can catch on to the steps quickly, and then add fitness variations to work your body! Don't be afraid to take it up higher if you want a harder workout. I would love to have more people on stage with me to show various degrees of difficulty!
I really appreciate that you guys are telling all your friends about my classes! It means a lot to me that you value your workout enough to spread the Zumba® love! I will send out more surveys in a few months to ensure that you guys are happy with your classes. Your opinions matter to me! Thanks so much for taking the time to fill them out!
A few of you are unhappy with the carpet at the Valdosta Parks and Recreation location. I certainly understand this concern. The carpet makes it difficult to pivot or move side to side. I decided to teach there because it was a much larger venue than my other locations, and my classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings were too packed for everyone to get a safe and effective workout.
The Parks and Recreation Department also has a large gymnasium on site, and I have discussed moving our Zumba classes there with my contact. Now that the summer child care programs are over, it is definitely a possibility. My only concern is that there isn't a stage. I am looking into having a portable one built so that the participants in the back row can have a good view of the front. We will know more about whether we can move our class there in the upcoming weeks.
If the carpet is really bothering you, I would suggest getting some shoes with a smooth sole, or modifying your current shoes. A few strips of packing tape or clear duct tape across the ball of your foot can aid in sliding. You may also purchase some slip on dancers from slip-ons.net that slide over your sneakers to help you glide across the carpet more easily. I have also heard of others putting panty hose over their shoes, but I haven't tried this option.
I am excited to hear that you guys are interested in more Zumba® Toning and Zumbatomic® classes! I am considering changing my Friday afternoon class from a regular Zumba® class to a Toning class, and adding more weekend events. I would love to do another set of Saturday morning Toning and Zumbatomic® classes later class this month. I am tentatively planning one for August 27th at Anytime Fitness in the 5 points shopping plaza.
For the most part, everyone is happy with the difficulty of choreography. I may add in one song every now and then that is a little more complicated, but I certainly don't want to alienate first timers. I like to make sure that everyone can catch on to the steps quickly, and then add fitness variations to work your body! Don't be afraid to take it up higher if you want a harder workout. I would love to have more people on stage with me to show various degrees of difficulty!
I really appreciate that you guys are telling all your friends about my classes! It means a lot to me that you value your workout enough to spread the Zumba® love! I will send out more surveys in a few months to ensure that you guys are happy with your classes. Your opinions matter to me! Thanks so much for taking the time to fill them out!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Change of Venue in August
Zumba® Fitness is taking over Valdosta! My classes at Salsa Caliente Studio have pretty much outgrown the space, so, beginning August 2nd, we will be moving to another location.
Anytime Fitness at 5 points is currently constructing an addition. There will be a group exercise room right beside the gym, amd it's almost ready! My 8:30 am Zumba® classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Zumba® Toning on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm are the only ones that will be moving to Anytime. The other classes will remain at their current locations.
I am very excited about this change. The room at Anytime will be much wider than the dance studio, and I will have a stage up front for participants to get an excellent view of my feet. I think this room is very conducive to an exercise class, and my goal is to ensure that everyone has a safe and effective workout.
The pricing will stay exactly the same. It will be $7 per class or $50 for a 10 class punch card. You will continue to pay me and not a customer service person at the gym. You may use your previosly purchased punch cards. You do not have to be a member of Anytime to come to Zumba®, and members will pay the same fee for Zumba® classes. Class participants will not have a key, so I will let you in the door prior to class.
I am looking forward to this venue change. I think that it will help us make our Zumba® classes even better!
Anytime Fitness at 5 points is currently constructing an addition. There will be a group exercise room right beside the gym, amd it's almost ready! My 8:30 am Zumba® classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Zumba® Toning on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm are the only ones that will be moving to Anytime. The other classes will remain at their current locations.
I am very excited about this change. The room at Anytime will be much wider than the dance studio, and I will have a stage up front for participants to get an excellent view of my feet. I think this room is very conducive to an exercise class, and my goal is to ensure that everyone has a safe and effective workout.
The pricing will stay exactly the same. It will be $7 per class or $50 for a 10 class punch card. You will continue to pay me and not a customer service person at the gym. You may use your previosly purchased punch cards. You do not have to be a member of Anytime to come to Zumba®, and members will pay the same fee for Zumba® classes. Class participants will not have a key, so I will let you in the door prior to class.
I am looking forward to this venue change. I think that it will help us make our Zumba® classes even better!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Zumbatomic® coming to Valdosta!
The Zumba® fitness program has given fantastic results to millions of participants around the globe! Now they have launched Zumbatomic®, a dance fitness class aimed at children ages 4-12, and I am holding a class in Valdosta very soon!
According to Zumba®, the Zumbatomic® program increases children's focus and self confidence, boosts metabolism, and enhances coordination. Kids love it because they get to jump around to upbeat music, and release all that energy their parents and teachers are always trying to control! The whole family will love Zumbatomic®!
The next class will be Saturday July 30th at Salsa Caliente Studio at 1500 E Park Ave. We will get it started around 10 am. The first half hour will be aimed at "Li'l Stars," kids ages 4-7, and the second will be primarily for "Big Stars," 8-12 year olds. If the kids want to hang out for the entire hour, it's perfectly all right with me. There is quite a difference in the attitudes and actions of these age ranges, but if they like to dance, awesome!
The cost is $5 per child, and each one will receive a Zumbatomic® bracelet! I am also planning some fitness related games for the Li'l Stars. I know they will all have a great time!
I decided to become licensed to teach Zumbatomic® because I think that physical activity is extremely important for children. Physical Education in school is not necessarily a mandatory class at school, but there are numerous benefits children receive from regular exercise. I am hoping exposure to Zumbatomic® will inspire kids to keep moving!
According to Zumba®, the Zumbatomic® program increases children's focus and self confidence, boosts metabolism, and enhances coordination. Kids love it because they get to jump around to upbeat music, and release all that energy their parents and teachers are always trying to control! The whole family will love Zumbatomic®!
The next class will be Saturday July 30th at Salsa Caliente Studio at 1500 E Park Ave. We will get it started around 10 am. The first half hour will be aimed at "Li'l Stars," kids ages 4-7, and the second will be primarily for "Big Stars," 8-12 year olds. If the kids want to hang out for the entire hour, it's perfectly all right with me. There is quite a difference in the attitudes and actions of these age ranges, but if they like to dance, awesome!
The cost is $5 per child, and each one will receive a Zumbatomic® bracelet! I am also planning some fitness related games for the Li'l Stars. I know they will all have a great time!
I decided to become licensed to teach Zumbatomic® because I think that physical activity is extremely important for children. Physical Education in school is not necessarily a mandatory class at school, but there are numerous benefits children receive from regular exercise. I am hoping exposure to Zumbatomic® will inspire kids to keep moving!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Water!
One of the most important, yet often overlooked, methods to improve athletic performance, reduce body fat, and help you meet your fitness goals is to stay hydrated. Water makes up 75% of your body. It is essential to living, second only to oxygen, and makes your body's functions run as smoothly as possible. Not being fully hydrated has a detrimental effect on body systems and performance.
Often just substituting water for sugary beverages can cause weight loss. One can of soda has around 200 calories, so if you have a habit of drinking several a day, calories can really add up. Studies have shown that children who drink more than the recommended quantity of water have reduced occurences of obesity and bed-wetting than children who do not (Kendrick Fincher Memorial Foundation.)
The human body can still thrive after losing 40% of it's body mass from starvation, but a loss of 12% from fluid loss can cause death. Dehydration causes a reduction in the amount of blood pumped per beat, so your heart rate must increase to try to get enough blood to your body. It also decreases your body's ability to thermoregulate itself, so your body temperature goes up and sweating is reduced, increasing chances of a heat-related illness. Trials conducted by the National Strength and Conditioning Association show that dehydration has adverse effects on aerobic endurance performance and decreases aerobic power.
You may not feel thirsty until you have reached a body water deficit of 2%, so it is important to drink before you experience a thirst sensation. The average 155 pound person sweats around 1-1.5 liters per hour during exercise or extreme heat, and must be replaced so that your body will perform efficiently. You should drink .5 L of water two hours prior to exercise or heat exposure, and continue drinking at regular intervals to optimize hydration.
I felt the need to write this blog about hydration because I know I need to drink more water. I used to drink over a gallon a day, but I have been drinking more diet soda and low calorie fruit beverages and less real water lately. I recently purchased a Brita water filter to make my home tap water more palatable, and I have a collection of plastic bottles in the freezer so that I can have cold water on the go. I know that staying hydrated will improve my athletic performance and ensure my body can maintain its temperature with ease.
Often just substituting water for sugary beverages can cause weight loss. One can of soda has around 200 calories, so if you have a habit of drinking several a day, calories can really add up. Studies have shown that children who drink more than the recommended quantity of water have reduced occurences of obesity and bed-wetting than children who do not (Kendrick Fincher Memorial Foundation.)
The human body can still thrive after losing 40% of it's body mass from starvation, but a loss of 12% from fluid loss can cause death. Dehydration causes a reduction in the amount of blood pumped per beat, so your heart rate must increase to try to get enough blood to your body. It also decreases your body's ability to thermoregulate itself, so your body temperature goes up and sweating is reduced, increasing chances of a heat-related illness. Trials conducted by the National Strength and Conditioning Association show that dehydration has adverse effects on aerobic endurance performance and decreases aerobic power.
You may not feel thirsty until you have reached a body water deficit of 2%, so it is important to drink before you experience a thirst sensation. The average 155 pound person sweats around 1-1.5 liters per hour during exercise or extreme heat, and must be replaced so that your body will perform efficiently. You should drink .5 L of water two hours prior to exercise or heat exposure, and continue drinking at regular intervals to optimize hydration.
I felt the need to write this blog about hydration because I know I need to drink more water. I used to drink over a gallon a day, but I have been drinking more diet soda and low calorie fruit beverages and less real water lately. I recently purchased a Brita water filter to make my home tap water more palatable, and I have a collection of plastic bottles in the freezer so that I can have cold water on the go. I know that staying hydrated will improve my athletic performance and ensure my body can maintain its temperature with ease.
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