MIAMI: Alberto Perez started out as a street performer and then an aerobics teacher in Colombia, making extra cash on the side teaching the wives of businessmen how to dance in nightclubs in his hometown, California.

Today, he stands at the centre of the Zumba exercise craze, having helped transform Zumba Fitness, a private company, into a rapidly growing fitness empire with heavyweight investor backing.

"I'm not a businessman, but I knew this had the potential to be something special," said Perez, who along with two Colombian associates founded the Miami-based company. Zumba, a Latin dance-inspired aerobics workout, has exploded from a Miami-gym phenomenon to infomercial and DVD smash hit into a global craze with some 12 million people taking classes every week in at least 125 countries. Zumba Fitness now boasts being the largest branded fitness programme in the world.

Started on a shoestring budget in a Miami garage nearly 11 years ago, Zumba Fitness now has more than 200 employees, and a pair of New York investment firms are betting the craze has staying power.

What began as a company focused on fitness has evolved into a lifestyle and entertainment brand combining e-commerce, apparel and music, and a sought-after outlet for stars like hip-hop artists Pitbull and Wyclef Jean and reggaeton singer Don Omar who have turned to Zumba to promote their music.

THE ACCIDENTAL INSTRUCTOR

Zumba got its start by chance in the 1980s. Perez, who is known as Beto, was eking out a living as a street performer and salsa and merengue nightclub dancer known for his boyish model looks and muscular physique. One day the owner of a nearby gym called and asked if Perez could stand in for an injured aerobics teacher. He agreed but did not mention he had never done aerobics and rushed out and bought a copy of Jane Fonda's Workout Book. His fitness career was born.

Then a technology entrepreneur, Perlman lost his job in the dot-com bust two years later and was struggling with what career move to make next. Perlman said growing instructor and student base is the firm's top priority, with a goal of reaching 100 million students. The company has also launched its own line of brightly colored clothing, Zumba footwear and a glossy magazine named "ZLife", all designed in its Miami office.

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Zumba no longer just an aerobics workout, it means big business

SPOKANE, Wash. -

Tomi Wheeler may be the unsung hero of the deputy shootings on Tuesday, being the first one to arrive on scene to help wounded Spokane County Sheriff deputies Matt Spink and Mike Northway.

"The whole time I was like I can't let him die, I can't let him die," Wheeler said.

Gunshots, blood and sirens didn't stop Wheeler on June 19.

"I just hopped out of my car and did it. He's lying on the ground bleeding, there is no other option," she said.

It began as a "plain" day, as Wheeler calls it. She had cleaned and organized her home and then in the afternoon it was time to head to the YMCA in North Spokane where Wheeler teaches aerobics.

"I always cut through the cute little neighborhoods in that area, it's just kind of a thing I do," she said.

Wheeler always takes a different way to work. She never knows where she'll end up but she never thought it would be here. At first, Wheeler heard gunshots and then saw an SUV come racing through, she ducked and then dove right in.

"If I died doing something like that, I know my family would be proud of me," Wheeler said.

Wheeler found deputy Northway lying on the ground. Matt Spink was still standing and calling for back-up. Wheeler isn't a deputy, but for a few minutes she was their back-up.

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Aerobics instructor turned lifesaver in deputy shooting

DALLAS, TX--(Marketwire -06/21/12)- Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas, a Cooper Aerobics company, today announced a $6.5 million renovation to its facility. Cooper Fitness Center helps Dallas-area residents Get Cooperized! by making good health a habit to live better, both sooner and later. The facility will remain open throughout the renovation, which is expected to be complete in March 2013.

"It has been an incredible 40 years since we first opened Cooper Fitness Center," said Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, Founder and Chairman of Cooper Aerobics. "We have proven the health benefits of physical activity and at Cooper Fitness Center we help people live a long and healthy life to the fullest."

The new facility will expand to 54,000 square feet and include a new main entrance, cycle studio, two mind/body studios for Yoga and Pilates, men's, women's and family locker rooms, retail boutique and a new restaurant. The facility also offers cardio and strength equipment, a three-lane indoor track, a basketball court, a heated 25-yard, six-lane pool and a full day spa. The entire building will offer free high-speed Wi-Fi to members.

"My father changed the face of fitness, and today we are revolutionizing the industry again with a significant renovation to Cooper Fitness Center," said Tyler Cooper, MD, MPH, CEO of Cooper Aerobics Enterprises. "Our expertise, service and programs are unmatched, and this investment to provide an exceptional facility will give members the ultimate fitness experience for the future. Cooper Fitness Center is going to be in the best shape of its life."

The Aerobics Activity Center opened in 1972, helping the public achieve the recommended aerobics points for health. In 1981, a fire sparked overnight and destroyed the original building. The Coopers rebuilt the facility in 1982, opening what is today known as Cooper Fitness Center.

"I am honored to have been a part of the Cooper Aerobics team for more than 40 years," said Roger Staubach, The Cooper Institute Board Member and former NFL Dallas Cowboys quarterback. "I can't imagine Dallas without Dr. Cooper and this exceptional facility. The 'Father of Aerobics' revolutionized fitness and has developed the ultimate health and wellness resource right here in Dallas, Texas."

In addition to a new fitness facility, Dallas residents will also be able to enjoy a new restaurant: Cedars Woodfire Grill. The fast-casual restaurant serves freshly grilled food in a warm, family-friendly setting. Carefully chosen ingredients lead to inspired flavors in the salads, bowls, sandwiches and soups that cost under $10 each.

"There couldn't be a more natural partnership than Cedars and the Cooper organization. We share a mission of wellness, which is why we are opening our first Dallas location at Cooper Fitness Center," said Randy Gier, Founder and CEO of Cedars Woodfire Grill. "At Cedars, we are committed to not only supporting active lifestyles, but fueling them with great tasting, healthy food. You won't find any freezers, fryers or microwaves at Cedars. We cook everything from scratch, using high quality, fresh, natural ingredients."

Cooper Fitness Center's renovation partners include Beck Group as the general contractor, Hudson Lockett as the architect and lauckgroup as the interior designer.

Get the latest updates on the Cooper Fitness Center renovation on the Cooper Aerobics Facebook page. To learn more about Cooper Fitness Center, visit cooperfitnesscenter.com or call 972.233.4832.

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Cooper Fitness Center Begins $6.5 Million Renovation, Giving Dallas the Ultimate Fitness Experience

A High Bridge couple were arrested Monday after authorities traced a purse theft to a vehicle parked behind the Clinton Community Center, according to police reports.

Brian Meyer, 34, faces theft charges after allegedly stealing a woman's purse while she was taking an aerobics class in the center. The purse, left in the center's lobby, contained more the $700 worth of items, reports say.

Clinton police found Meyer and the purse in a vehicle near the rear of the building. Also in the car was Kelly Dixon-Meyer, 29, who was found with drug paraphernalia nearby and suspected heroin stashed in her bra, according to police. Three children ages 6, 5 and 3 years old, were also in the car.

Meyer was arrested on charges of theft and held in Hunterdon County jail in lieu of $2,500 bail. Dixon-Meyer was charged with drug possession and drug paraphernalia possession, and was held in jail on $5,000 bail. The children were released to the Division of Youth and Family Services.

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High Bridge couple arrested after Clinton police allegedly find stolen purse in car, heroin in woman's bra

Visual impairment does not stop Preeti Monga from motivating others

We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision.Helen Keller

A trauma counsellor, corporate trainer, writer, aerobics trainer, public speaker and director of Silver Linings Human Resource Solution Private Limited all rolled into one, Preeti Mongas achievements are inspirational for any youngster. Interestingly, that she lost her vision early in life could not deter Ms. Monga from living up to her dreams.

With a staff size of eight girls, Silver Linings is a Delhi-based executive search and talent development consultancy. What makes us different from typical recruitment companies and sundry providers of standardised training modules is the fact that we go beyond a transactional relationship with our clients to be their Human Capital Custodian, Ms. Monga said. She recalls the motivational workshops she has conducted for workers in Maruti when they were going through a difficult labour phase. I have addressed workers at the mines as well. Being a positive person I enjoy motivational workshops. We have a master list of 140 active clients. Our business model is simple. We share 10 per cent of the profit with our employees.

Preeti started the consultancy with her brother Sandeep Singh. We got Silver Lining Trust registered in 2006, and then thought about starting Silver Lining Solutions. We started Silver Linings in the dining hall of our house in 2010 and now our bedroom, too, is annexed into the office area. We will have a bigger office soon she said. My brother left his job for this venture. Convincing him was my first victory, she smiled. While Mr. Singh looks after the operations of Silver Linings, Ms. Monga handles the business development part.

Ms. Monga was only six years old when doctors diagnosed her deteriorating vision as a condition due to optic atrophy. It was difficult for me since my childhood. And by the time I was able to accept my disability, my school had already thrown me out. It affected me greatly, she said.

In a place like India, where even the birth of a girl child is not welcomed, being born with an extreme physical disability is almost unacceptable to the society, Ms. Monga said. But I have been fortunate enough to have supportive parents. They stood by my side in every adversity. They have made me what I am today.

She decided to leave her studies after completing Class X. I found it meaningless! At that point of time, I failed to understand that I would need certificates and degrees to survive in this difficult world Soon after ending my first marriage, I realized that I needed to be economically independent. That brought me in touch with Veena Merchant of U.S.A. Shapes. I received proper aerobics training and started my own training class. I had a class of 40 people, she said.

Simultaneously, she got involved in computer and English teaching, sales and marketing management, freelance journalism, public speaking and most of all trauma counselling; all this without completing her formal education. I always believed that one can learn from every day experiences. For me, life was the biggest teacher and troubles, lessons of the book, she added.

Today I am a proud mother of two independent children and a very happy grandmother too. I dream of building Silver Linings into a global entity. I want to tell the world that if a blind person can do it in spite of ever increasing adversities, everybody can. I want to be the light that can eliminate darkness from the lives of people, she asserted.

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Holding up the sky

ST. LOUIS When children enter one of 10 city schools even when classes are not in session, community education supporters want them and even their parents and neighbors to find a hub of activities, support and resources for more than just academic needs.

For decades, a long-standing program in the St. Louis Public Schools has provided that, offering programs ranging from academic tutoring to dental exams to aerobics classes. But money for the effort, called Community Education Full Service Schools, has dwindled from about $1.2 million to $500,000.

It's unclear exactly how the cuts will play out in the next few weeks, but without funding for full-time staff at all of the centers, five could close, officials say. The district recently notified four full-time staffers that their jobs had been cut.

Typically, the centers remain open during the summer, but as of last week, just those at Vashon High, Walbridge elementary, Clay elementary and Yeatman-Liddell middle schools were to continue offering services during June and July.

More than a dozen people told the district's Special Administrative Board this month that they fear that without additional funding, beneficial programs and services through the community education centers will be dismantled.

"It just provides so many things to so many people," said Rachel Delcau, who is on the council at the Bevo-Long Community Education center.

At the meeting, a teenage girl said she repeatedly got in trouble at school for fighting and being disruptive, but that changed when she started attending the after-school program at Bevo-Long. Now, she attends Carnahan High School but continues to return to Bevo-Long to volunteer.

Sherry Parris, 41, said she was depressed and had given up hope of getting her GED until her pastor told her about classes at the community education center at Clay elementary.

"In other classes, I got frustrated and left. Now, I see that I can learn," said Parris, who passed the test and is now taking community college classes to become a dental hygienist. "There was a love and a passion for students there."

St. Louis Public Schools has matched the city's funds for the program, which began in 1968.

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St. Louis schools may close community resource centers

Bossier Council on Aging uses new lift to help with summer water aerobics class

Senior citizens are making a big splash this summer.The Bossier Council on Aging is offering local seniors a full-body, low-impact water aerobics class three days a week at the Ft. Smith public swimming pool. Jackie Conner of Bossier City has been an instructor for 20 years now and said her 45 minute class reaches everything from the eyes to the tips of the toes.

I do this for the benefit of the seniors and for those who may have health problems, Conner said. It's something that will move every part of your body.

Donald Oakley of Bossier City is a newcomer to Conners class this year. In his second summer with the BCOA, Oakley said he is enjoying time in the pool thanks to a new lift installed this year.

Oakley, who had his right leg amputated at the knee two years ago, is one of two seniors using a remote controlled automated handicap chair lift to get safely in and out of the pool.

According to Clay Bohanan, Director of the Department of Parks & Recreation, the new lift was installed this year to meet state and federal law.

The lift we had there originally was outdated and old, Bohanan said. We went ahead and installed a new lift there and at the other two public pools also.

Last summer, Oakley wondered if he would ever get the chance to get in the water.

Gee, I wish I could get in there, he recalled thinking as he passed by the pool.

Oakley said the new lift is a God-send.

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Lift helps seniors make a ‘splash’

Fazillah Hussain (right) with Che Mansor Mat (left) and Jeorge Subramaniam checking out the aerobics session T-shirts. Pic by Ramdzan Masiam

GEORGE TOWN: TO commemorate George Town as the host city for the fifth Tourism Promotion Organisation forum (TPO), the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) will organise a mass aerobics session at the Esplanade on Jul 1.

Currently, over 1,000 people have already signed up with MPPP and the organisers are hoping for another 1,000 more to join in the free two-hour session which will begin at 7.30am.

MPPP recreation, tourism and international affairs department assistant director Fazillah Hussain said free T-shirts bearing the TPO logo will be given to participants.

"This would be a great time for everybody to get together and stay fit and celebrate Penang as the host for the upcoming TPO."

She added that paramotor experts will fly into Esplanade with the TPO, MPPP and state flags on the day as part of the grand celebrations.

The aerobics session will be led by Penang Physical Fitness Association vice-president Jeorge Subramaniam and Senam Seni Aerobik instructor Che Mansor Mat.

Those interested to join can come to the front of the City Hall building next to the Esplanade by 7am on the day or call the instructors at 016-411 2205 (Jeorge) or 012-432 3324 (Che Mansor).

George Town was selected earlier this year to host the TPO, beating many other cities in the region which had lobbied hard for the honour.

The TPO forum will see 200 people, including mayors, government delegates and industry players getting together to talk about the tourism industry at large.

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Aerobics at Penang Esplanade

Posted: Jun. 17, 2012 | 2:04 a.m.

Chances are, everyone in the Las Vegas Valley knows someone who is taking Zumba fitness classes. At the Zumba.com website, 554 classes are listed within 25 miles of Las Vegas. Classes are offered at fitness and athletic clubs, gyms, YMCAs, senior centers, Strip hotels, schools, dance studios and even Opportunity Village.

Zumba is the current big thing in fitness. In the mid-1990s, a Colombian named Alberto "Beto" Perez forgot his aerobics music when scheduled to teach an aerobics class. He improvised using his personal collection of Latin music and found his class had new energy. An idea was born.

Zumba came to the United States in 2001. Fitness classes with a party atmosphere and lots of rhythmic Latin music have since spread to 110,000 locations in 125 countries. DVDs are available, as is Zumbawear and even a Zumba-branded video game.

According to Bret Fitzgerald, vice president of corporate communications for Las Vegas Fitness Clubs, Zumba classes are the most popular classes his organization offers. One student noted that some classes are so crowded, participants are urged to arrive a half-hour early to "get a good spot."

Although most Zumba classes in the Las Vegas Valley follow the basic fitness format, an instructor can be licensed in eight different levels of classes, including classes geared specifically to the active older adult, classes for children ages 4 to 12 and even water-based workouts using the Zumba formula.

Local entertainer Elisa Fiorillo, currently on tour as a backup singer with Prince, says Zumba classes are the only workouts she enjoys. Fiorillo was on a seven-day-a-week Zumba schedule before going on tour.

"I'm happy when I'm in class. I get lost in the music," she says. "Also, the more I can develop my lung capacity, the better I can sing and move onstage."

The teacher who first sold Fiorillo on Zumba fitness is 74-year-old Ginny Jones, almost a legend at the Las Vegas Athletic Clubs, having taught for them since 1984. Jones is a former ballet student, skater with the Ice Capades and the "Lido" shows in Paris and Las Vegas, a dancer in Las Vegas shows such as "Viva Les Girls" at the former Dunes and an aerobics teacher.

Jones typically teaches eight classes a day at the Green Valley Las Vegas Athletic Club. Her schedule recently was affected by a tendon issue. "Such a bother," says the tiny blonde, still retaining a hint of her British accent. "I teach a number of different classes, but Zumba fitness is by far the most popular. We typically have classes of 60 to 70 people."

Originally posted here:
Zumba Beat Helps Keep Residents Fit

AEROBICS enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to take part in mass aerobics session at the Esplanade in Penang on July 1.

Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) assistant director Fazillah Hussain said the aerobics workout was one of the activities to promote the Tourism Promotion Organisation (TPO) Forum for Asia Pacific.

The fifth biannual forum, which is hosted by MPPP, is scheduled to be held from Sept 18 to Sept 20 at the Shangri-Las Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa in Batu Ferringhi.

A total of 68 city mayors and 32 industry players are expected to attend the forum, which is aimed at creating an inter-city network besides boosting the tourism industry in all member cities in the Asia Pacific region.

Fazillah said there would be a paramotor show during the aerobics workout with paramotor pilots flying at some 0.3m above the ground and carrying small TPO banners.

Ten paramotor pilots will take off from Esplanade for a 45-minute spin around the island in the bid to promote the event, she told a press conference.

She added that 2,000 free TPO T-shirts would be given away to the participants.

The aerobics session is jointly organised by the Penang Physical Fitness Association.

Registration is free. The deadline is on June 24. Those interested to join the event can call Che Mansor at 012-4323324 or Jeorge Subramaniam at 016-4112205.

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Mass aerobics session to attract 2,000