Zumba Gold gets bodies moving

Patty Silva has brought an exercise party to Sisters.

Silva is teaching Zumba classes at Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) four days a week.

"Patty's classes were such a hit in March of last year that we asked her to 'Please, teach our older adult population,'" said Kelly Sheets, SPRD's adult program manager.

Zumba Gold, the beginner version of the exercise class, was the answer. It started off slowly with three to five participants until "Patty's exuberance became contagious and then took off to be a full-blown party," Sheets said.

"I love it. And I love the music," one of the regulars told Sheets.

The Monday and Wednesday Gold classes have been filling up, with up to 18 participants regularly. That includes women and often several men. Silva adapts the moves to level of ability so sitting is an option. She also welcomes participants with physical limitations. "The arm workout is important because people my age need weight-bearing activity and we don't use our arms like we used to," another participant shared.

"If you understand the mind-body connection, this class is important. Figuring out the steps and then getting into a flow is rewarding. Working on coordination is a big part of this class. Doing this class is better than doing puzzles for the brain," another class member said.

Since its inception in 2001, the Zumba program has grown to become one of the world's largest and most successful dance-fitness programs, Sheets said, adding that participants have described Zumba as a "rejuvenating" workout that makes them feel "happy" afterwards. That in part is due to the endorphins produced by the body during the workout.

"Bringing in the older community and those who are perhaps intimidated by fast-moving classes has been exciting, and watching the new friendships grow is refreshing," Sheets said. "Moving SPRD toward a more balanced community center for children and adults was our intention this year and it's happened with more adult classes like Zumba and Zumba Gold."

Currently, SPRD is the only location in Sisters that offers Zumba, Zumba Gold, and Zumba Toning, said Silva. Zumba is offered Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; Zumba Gold is offered Monday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Cost is $5 drop-in fee and first-time visitors can come for free.

In addition, Silva will teach a Zumba class at the elementary school that will raise funds for a fourth-grade field trip (date to be determined). Participants will be asked to make a $5 donation at the door.