Adam Moyet

Dancing to Latin American rhythms as a form of fitness gives a new meaning to the term ‘working out.’

Zumba, an upbeat aerobic fitness program which combines salsa and merengue music with Latin dance moves, is now offered downtown for those wishing for a new type of weekend workout.

“It is important to have fun and I encourage students to do the best they can when they come to class,” said instructor Melanie Strawn.

The Zumba workout is held Saturday mornings at Dance Crazy dance studio, 888 S. Mission St., and lasts for one hour.

The class involves constant movement. Different dances and Latin American moves coincide with each song.

“I just show a few basic steps at the beginning of class because I want people to have fun and be themselves,” Strawn said. “I tell them that if they are having fun they are doing it right.”

Strawn, a 33 year-old Mount Pleasant resident, has been dancing for as long as she can remember.

“I have experience with flamenco, salsa and African dance, which are many of the dance moves used in Zumba,” she said. “It’s my background and it’s where I feel at home.”

Strawn became certified to teach Zumba in September and has been instructing since October.

“I heard about Zumba on a TV infomercial while I was on bed-rest – pregnant with twins.” Strawn said. “I did research and found out how to get involved,”

Strawn teaches Zumba at Dance Crazy three times a week and said classes are usually full, but she encourages regular participants to bring friends.

“My mom brought up the idea of going to Zumba, so we went and I really liked it,” said Sacred Heart Academy senior Alexandra Maldonado.

Maldonado and her mother attend Zumba regularly with her friend Maria Sych, also a Sacred Heart Academy senior.

The 17-year-old girls agreed that Zumba is fun and a good workout at the same time.

“We find ourselves doing Zumba moves all the time, to all kinds of music,” Sych said.

Strawn said she has never had any male participants – and would not turn them down – but wants the women that come to Zumba to let their hair down and be themselves.

“The most satisfying thing about Zumba is that (it) allows participants to take out a couple of hours a week for themselves,” she said.

Classes for Zumba at Dance Crazy are Monday and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday at 9 a.m.

For more information on Zumba go to zumba.com, or Strawn’s personal Zumba Web site, zumba48858.homestead.com.

metro@cm-life.com

Surprise! Next week are finals.

Given that, counselors and campus faculty and staff suggest preparation and prioritization in order to achieve that last ‘A’ of the semester.

“It is important to look ahead,” said Counseling Center director Ross Rapaport. “Review material right away.”

Concentrating and preparing is easier when students can anticipate what will be on their tests, he said. Going to review sessions and class during the waning weeks is important.

Rapaport believes studying is more productive when students review for finals in blocks of time, rather than cramming at the last minute.

Communication and dramatic arts graduate assistant Chelsea Kloss of Livonia has found that study groups with classmates have helped her through graduate school.

“Getting everyone else’s perspective on the material helps immensely in understanding and retaining the information,” said Kloss.

For freshman and other exam first-timers, Kloss recommends getting together with other students from class to study in groups.

“Going to close places on campus such as the library or U-Cup are good spots,” Kloss said.

Plan study sessions in advance to help to ensure that all test material is understood, she said.

“Removing distractions while studying is important. Writing down notes, using flash cards and doing study guides really help to retain information,” said Saint Clair Shores junior Kristina
Gwinn, who has been on the President’s List for three semesters, and the Dean’s List for one semester.

She has maintained an extremely high grade point average by making sure she is fully prepared, especially for exam week.

Gwinn also said working with classmates works well.

While it is imperative to prepare for finals by studying, students should remember to take care of their personal health too.

“Remembering to eat well, sleeping regularly and working out are important too,” Rapaport said.

One last piece of finals week advice from Kloss: It’s normal to feel anxiety and remember that other students feel the same way.

“I think that being with your peers, even just to study for what could be a stressful exam, provides a little extra stress relief,” she said. “You realize that everyone gets a little stressed about finals, and it helps you to calm down a little … realizing you’re not alone.”

news@cm-life.com

When Phi Sigma Pi honor fraternity president Jennifer Travis thought about what the organization should do for its annual risk management event, she considered incorporating a personal experience.

She sought Brittany Floer, fellow fraternity member and active member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Floer joined after her younger sister was killed by a drunk driver in 2007 and Floer wanted to include her passion about the organization. A committee of fellow group members started planning The Truths about Drunk Driving event.

“We usually do events focused on sobriety, and I thought of Brittany and her experience. Drunk driving is preventable and we wanted to support MADD,” said Travis, a Flushing senior.

On Monday in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium, Phi Sigma Pi members handed out packets of information as guests arrived. The packets included MADD statistics from the state campaign to eliminate drunk driving, and four letters addressed to Gov. Jennifer Granholm asking that more laws be passed to help prevent drunk driving from occurring.

The attendees were asked to sign the letters, and Floer would mail them to Granholm’s office with hopes that their messages will be heard.

Floer wanted to convey her passion for MADD and spread awareness about drunk driving to others.

Floer said “We started planning the event over the summer. At first it was going to be an event just for our chapter, but then we decided to open it up to all students on campus”.

Floer has dedicated much time and effort to raise awareness about drunk driving and the mission of MADD.

The event began with a video titled SADD Realities of Drunk Driving. The video was a collection of personal photos and descriptions about Floer’s younger sister, including photos from the car accident and clips from Floer’s family during court trials. It explained the accident and the heartache the family experienced.

The program continued with a speaker on behalf of MADD. Homer Smith, the executive director of MADD in Michigan, helped explain the steps being taken to eliminate drunk driving.

“People are being killed in a way that is completely preventable,” Smith said. “Why do people drink and drive? Because they can. Take action and make drunk driving unacceptable.”

Attendees found the event emotional and gained a better understanding of the effects of drunk driving and the seriousness of this issue.

“I found the event very educational. It really opens peoples’ eyes to how serious drunk driving really is, especially in Michigan,” said Mecosta senior Mandy Marshall.

Floer blieves the event was successful and hopes students will spread the word and inform others and make an impact. For further information, visit madd.org.

news@cm-life.com