Published: September 13, 2009 03:41 pm      

Fitness courses offer something for everybody

Submitted by Dalton State College



The James E. Brown Center at Dalton State will be rocking with a variety of fitness classes to satisfy people of all fitness levels and interests beginning next week. From new classes to familiar favorites, the offerings provide a diverse course menu from which to choose.

“Continuing Education truly has something for everyone this fall,” said Kelly Snyder, personal enrichment program coordinator. “Whether you are just beginning a fitness program or consider yourself a fitness veteran, we’ve got what you’re looking for in CE. Our instructors are top-of-the-line, and the programs they instruct are designed to contribute to whole health and well-being. You’ll feel better, inside and out, by joining one or more of these programs.”

New to the CE fitness lineup are Beat It! Fitness Lunch Express; Zumba Fitness Lunch Express; Pilates & Yoga Fusion; and Tai Chi, according to Snyder. Returning popular classes include Introduction to Belly Dance-Levels I and II; Adult Swimming-Level 1/Overcoming Fear of the Water; Adult Swimming-Level II; Zumba Toning; and Traditional Yoga.

Beat It!

“Beat It! is one of the coolest fitness classes that we’ve offered in awhile,” said Snyder. “It’s new. It’s awesome. It’s fitness. It’s stress relief. Beat It! combines boxing and kick-boxing techniques set to music, and the music accents guide the punches, kicks and drills. Students will develop stamina, strength, muscle definition and killer abs if they stick with the program.”

As students progress, they'll add hand wraps for added weight resistance and difficulty. Hong Trimble will teach this course, and she is a big presence in a small package, Snyder said. “Hong is extremely professional, while at the same time creating a fun atmosphere for her students,” she said. “And her credentials are impeccable.” Trimble is certified through the American Council on Exercise and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

Introduction to Belly Dance-Levels I & II

Instructor Lauryn Peterson returns to teach Introduction to Belly Dance-Levels I and II. Belly dance is an art form that celebrates the joy of womanhood, Snyder said, and Peterson welcomes women of all sizes and ages to join in this popular class designed to introduce students to the basics.

No previous dance experience is necessary for Level I, but students must have completed Introduction to Belly Dance-Level I or get instructor approval prior to enrollment in Level II.

In Level I, emphasis will be placed on proper body alignment, identifying simple Middle Eastern rhythms, increasing overall strength and flexibility, understanding muscular isolations, strengthening posture and developing body movement awareness. Building on what has been learned in Introduction to Belly Dance-Level I, students in the Level II course will learn short combinations of dance moves and basic choreography and be introduced to more complex technique, such as the 3/4 shimmy. Basic rhythms of Arabic music will be explored, and students will be exposed to a variety of belly dance styles.

“Lauryn’s training is extensive and includes studying at the prestigious Bard College Belly Dance Collective in New York, as well as the Zanzibar Studio in Chattanooga where she is currently a popular instructor,” Snyder said. “She also is a member of two professional dance troupes. Lauryn is an extremely knowledgeable and accomplished teacher.”

Pilates & Yoga Fusion

Certified fitness instructor Hong Trimble combines the best of two worlds in Pilates & Yoga Fusion. By blending the benefits of traditional yoga and Pilates, students will build a lean and healthy body without bulky muscles while reducing stress and anxiety and bringing serenity to the soul. This course is designed to help students develop a strong core, tighter muscles and a more sculpted physique.

This course is appropriate for beginner-to-advanced levels.

Zumba and Zumba Toning

As the Zumba junkies say, “Ditch the workout and join the party!” Zumba is a sizzling aerobic craze that is sweeping the globe. Set to the driving rhythms of Latin and international music, Zumba provides full-body exercise with its combination of unique routines and movements. Male and female fitness fanatics and newcomers alike are going wild for this exercise class that looks and sounds more like a celebration.

Instructor Hong Trimble will lead students through a series of dance movements that will leave them laughing, sweating, building muscle and burning fat.

“People who haven’t yet heard of Zumba must be living under a rock,” laughs Snyder. “Zumba has taken the fitness world by storm. In some parts of the country, there are entire studios dedicated to Zumba. It is designed for people who are bored by regular fitness regimes. Zumba Toning adds more components to the basic program, and boy, are you going to see and feel the results. Zumba makes fitness fun. Grab some friends and register together.”

Adult Swimming-Levels I and II

Many adults who can’t swim harbor a lifelong fear of the water, and Red Cross certified water safety instructor Joyanna Summers understands. She will patiently guide her adult students in this course as they learn basic-to-intermediate swim skills including swim strokes, floating techniques and how to enjoy the water instead of fearing it. Adult Swimming-Level II will continue and enhance basic-to-intermediate swim techniques. Summers will work with students as they refine their swim strokes and learn additional water safety skills as they become more comfortable and adept in the water.

Tai Chi and Traditional Yoga

David Nazar, a 39-year veteran in the practice of yoga and certified yoga instructor, will teach both Traditional Yoga and Tai Chi classes.

“Chi” is a holistic concept of energy and well-being. The gentle, slow-moving stretches and exercises of tai chi strengthen the body while emphasizing flexibility and control. These movements have been shown in scientific studies to give the benefits of both exercise and meditation, and tai chi is often referred to as “meditation in motion” because of its flowing movements.

“Tai chi is an excellent fitness program for those desiring low- to no-impact motion,” said Nazar, who has been practicing tai chi for more than 27 years. “It combines elements of exercise and meditation and focuses on gentle movements coupled with slow, deep breathing. No special equipment is needed and people can participate in tai chi well into their later lives. It is powerfully relaxing and calming.”

“Traditional Yoga is always a well-attended class,” said Snyder. “Yoga is a physically- and mentally-centering activity and helps increase energy and flexibility. It is an effective stress-reducer and David is very good at adapting the program for people with different ability levels and fitness needs.”

All fitness courses begin next week. If you need more information or want to register, please log on to www.daltonstate.edu/cce or call (706) 272-4454.