For many students, ’Gate Fitness classes have become a popular way to fulfill Colgate University’s physical education (PHED) credit. Zumba, taught by Focus on Fitness Instructor Jenny Pennington, offers a unique, dance-inspired workout for all skill levels.
A typical Zumba class consists of high-energy music and dance choreography, motivating and engaging participants. Pennington teaches with a mixture of old and new songs, many of which fall under the salsa, merengue and cumbia genres. While there is a lot of dance choreography in Zumba, dance fitness classes often consist of repetitive choreography that is easy to follow after attending a few classes.
When asked about her motivations to teach Zumba for ’Gate Fitness, Pennington said that accessibility was a primary factor.
“I started taking the fitness classes locally in town and really enjoyed them,” Pennington said. “After I became pregnant with our second [child], I realized it might be difficult to find childcare to continue attending the classes, so I looked into how to become an instructor.”
Pennington taught her first ’Gate Fitness class in 2015 and has been teaching for the past eight years. Pennington also teaches barre fitness classes and online classes for Colgate’s PHED courses, including Nutrition and Vitamins and Minerals.
Pennington shared that Zumba’s popularity generally stems from its ability to feel more like a dance party than a workout. Several students who don’t typically enjoy working shared that they find joy in participating in Zumba workout classes.
Senior Sarah Smith shares her experience with attending Zumba classes.
“I started going to Zumba during my sophomore year because I needed the P.E. credit,” Smith said. “I don’t like going to the gym, but I love dancing, so Zumba was a great way to stay active, have fun and get some P.E. credit at the same time.”
Students who regularly attend ’Gate Zumba classes emphasize the uplifting and engaging environment Pennington creates. Smith shares that the ambiance of Zumba is a large contributing factor to her attendance.
“Even my friends who didn’t need the P.E. credit would go, too, because it was so much fun; the instructor, Jenny, is great and really engaging, and the music is really good too,” Smith said. “It’s a great workout, but it doesn’t feel like working out; it’s a super social and upbeat environment, and I think everyone should try it.”
Senior Rebecca Viner agreed with Smith’s testament.
“I started doing Zumba to fulfill my P.E. credit,” Viner said. “It was so fun and got my energy up after class.”
Viner shares that her favorite part of attending Zumba is that it became a unique way to become a happier and healthier version of herself, as it allows participants to become closer to their peers while working out at the same time.
“I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to dance and have a good time while getting exercise,” Viner said.
Attending Zumba classes is a great way for anyone, including those who don’t enjoy working out, to reap the benefits of physical activity. As current participants show, Pennington’s Zumba classes are a lively way to de-stress and hang out with friends while dancing.
To learn more about Jenny Pennington’s Zumba classes, visit the ’Gate Fitness Classes section of the Colgate website.
