Health professionals have a good reason for students to shake it.
Tammy Kresge, the assistant director of Health Promotions for Weigel Health Center said
she believes exercise does not have to be a structured routine at the gym.
“Dance is definitely a great alternative and break from the normal structured exercise
routine,” Kresge said.
MarCe Zerrate, a certified Zumba instructor and professional dancer, said she believes
dancing is all you need to get into great shape.
“You can burn up to 600 calories per hour dancing,” Zerrate said.
According to www.Zumba.com, Zumba is a dance exercise that combines upbeat
international music with a fun and effective workout.
According to Zerrate, dancing is especially a great form of exercise because you’re moving
your whole body. It’s good for your cholesterol with all of the cardio and especially good for
your abs and core.
Zerrate said she developed asthma when she was 26 and noticed that dancing was really
putting a strain on her breathing. Her doctor told her to keep exercising and dancing to
build her strength in breathing.
“My breathing got stronger,” Zerrate said. “I was at 70 percent breathing capacity and I am
now at 100 percent and it’s all thanks to dance.”
Participating in certain dance classes, going to the club one night for a couple hours, or
turning on an iPod and dancing in front of a mirror in your room are all examples you can
do.
Zerrate teaches a Zumba class from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30
p.m. Wednesdays in Campus West room 209. The classes are free to all Buffalo State
students and faculty.
Zerrate said that dancing is one of the only ways to work out and not realize you’re
working out.
“It’s a fun, non-painful way to burn calories and get your heart pumping,” Zerrate said.
“All you need to do is turn on your radio, get in front of your mirror and start moving,”
Kresge said. “As long as you’re working up a sweat and getting your heart rate going that’s
all you need.”
Another opportunity for some dance exercise on campus is the Dance Dance Revolution
tournament at 6 p.m. Nov. 30. It’s sponsored by United Students Government and the
Campus Role-Playing Anime Gaming Group.
“It’s free to compete for all Buffalo State students and there is a $25 gift card prize for the
winner,” said C.R.A.G.G. President Jennifer Monheim.