Zumba in the Park: getting active, finding your ‘right tribe’ in Redondo Beach
Zumba in the Park!
With over 1,600 people participating in the Beach Cities Health District’s free event, Zumba in the Park, you can’t deny that this truly is an amazing community to be a part of. With the slogan, “Come Join The Party,” Zumba has quickly become one of the most fun and exhilarating workouts out there.
With the Blue Zones Project theme of the month, “Right Tribe” in mind, we decided it would be a great idea to interview Zumba Instructor, Monica Griffin, to learn a little more about Zumba and how it personifies this “Power 9” principle. “Right Tribe” is all about surrounding yourself with positive, energetic, like-minded people so that you, yourself, can live a healthier lifestyle and in return you will inspire and motivate others in and outside of your “tribe” or group. A self-proclaimed Zumba lover myself, I was excited to find out more about it from an instructor’s perspective.
Monica Griffin’s family is from Lucedale, Mississippi, the state and city with the highest obesity rates. Growing up with her own weight issues and seeing her family struggle, Monica decided to take her health into her own hands. She has now been in the wellness field for a while and has been teaching Zumba for close to 3 years. She firmly believes that Zumba has changed her life. Monica now teaches an average of 7 classes each week at BCHD, Adventure Plex, Spectrum, and at other events like Zumba in the Park.
HM (Courtney Hermann/HealthyMakovers.com): How would you describe Zumba?
MG: Exhilarating, contagious, fun, exciting…I can really only think of action words like these to describe it. Zumba is truly a movement.
HM: What are the benefits?
MG: Cardio, core work, toning. Zumba helps you to lose weight, maintain weight, let loose, and gives you a chance to dance! Everyone loves to dance. It’s really a win win all around.
HM: Do you have to be a good dancer to enjoy Zumba?
MG: You totally do not have to be a good dancer. You don’t even have to have rhythm! All you have to do is feel the music and let yourself go. You can do your best to follow the instructor but the movement in general is what’s most important.
HM: What would you say to someone who might be embarrassed to try for the first time?
MG: Don’t be! Everyone is there to have a good time and move. You have to try it, and possibly try a couple times. Usually if you put yourself out there you will end up hooked on Zumba. There is absolutely no reason to be embarrassed. The Zumba slogan is “Come Join the Party” after all….and who doesn’t like a party?
HG: The Blue Zone’s theme of the month is “Right Tribe.” How would you say Zumba relates to this Power 9 Principle?
MG: Zumba allows people to have fun together in a group environment and promotes health. You don’t even realize that you are working out! We have classes at the Adventure Plex for kids and I teach classes at BCHD to some 80 year olds. Zumba is for anyone who likes to dance! Grab a group of girl friends and come to a class. You can make it a weekly event! You’ll probably end up wanting to do it more.
Monica Griffin leading Zumba in the Park in Redondo Beach.
HM: If you could convince one person who is hesitant to try Zumba, what would you say?
MG: Zumba or not, find something you ENJOY doing that is active and stick to it. If you enjoy music, you will love Zumba. That is why people stay consistent with Zumba. They love and enjoy it!
Monica wanted to add that she feels incredibly grateful to be a part of this community. Organizations like the Beach Cities Health District and the Blue Zones Project really care about this community and she feels honored to contribute.
Zumba in the Park is held every Tuesday at Alta Vista School on the Julia field from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for the next six weeks! Make sure to come out and join the party! Please be sure to take the Blue Zones Project Pledge to join our Beach Cities community in becoming a healthier place!