By Binu Dhindsa, mother of 3 who has found her passion in teaching  Zumba Fitness in Oakville for moms and their kids. 8 week classes start October 15th.  More info at  www.fitness4lifecanada.com.  Register any time bd.fitness4life@gmail.com.  

Since before I had my three kids, fitness has been a large part of my life. I spent countless hours playing many sports and the trips to the gym with my brothers were a normalfamily activity.  So no wonder I have ended up teaching fitness to adults and now to kids.  I have slowly learned how rewarding it is to be part of getting kids active especially when they are doing something they enjoy....for me, this is Zumba.

It all started at a fundraiser for my kids school called the “Healthy Heart Challenge”.  I was asked to lead some Zumba songs for the kids to enjoy. Little did I know how we would all feel after this experience.  The hook was starting with a popular song the kids could relate to and it worked! Right off the start I had the kids dancing to “Waka Waka” by Shakira and for the older kids “The Time” by Black Eyed Peas.  They were singing and dancing and having fun. It was just incredible! At one point, we had 100 kids in a gym moving to the top-40, Latin and African songs I had prepared. After 20 minutes the kids and teachers were shocked at how much they were sweating and having fun! The energy in the room was so incredible I was close to tears....seeing all the children getting active with their teachers and parents. Some comments I received from Zumba participants in grade 2 included “Zumba was great! You should keep on doing it!” “It was easy to follow. Anyone can do it!” “I really liked the moves!” “I really liked Zumba because at the end I was sweating!”

It wasn’t just the kids getting active that struck me; it was the kids along with the teachers and moms....the smiles, the chuckles, the fun!  This has led me to create a Mom&Kid class - a class that moms can do with their kids.  This is definitely a class you won’t find in any gym.  Moms that are active have kids that are active, won’t you agree?

 “Be a good role model...your kids are watching you!” ParticipAction

Zumba and Zumbatomic (official name for Zumba for kids) are great classes to get kids moving. Zumba is dance fitness, moving our bodies to fun music. Girls and boys love it!  Each song has 3 or 4 moves that are repetitive and easy to follow.  Kids get their heart rate up, sweat and are cheering in between songs. It’s a fabulous feel good activity that will keep exercise in their lives. Zumba has a goal to spread the philosophy of health and happiness and of loving everything you do, especially your workout.  Wouldn’t you love to have your kids love their exercise?

Parents love Zumbatomic because of the effects it has on their kids, increasing their focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing coordination. Getting Mom involved in the class makes Zumbatomic a fun family experience.

The best part is that my own kids love to participate with me, and even have their own favourite Zumba songs.