This past weekend, we competed in the Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival at the Avon River.  This amazing event helps  to raise funds for Rotary community activities, and we were proud to take part in such a fabulous community fundraiser.

We were thrilled to place second in our division, coming in only 0.31 seconds behind the first place team!  With a boat full of women (with the exception of our Nutritionist, Paul) and only three practices before the event, we are super proud of how we placed.  Way to go, Team Inspired!

Special thanks to our Inspired members, families, friends and fans for coming out and cheering us on!

The cult favourite dance workout, Zumba, recently introduced a new program called STRONG by Zumba, described as “High Intensity Tempo Training”.  Instead of grooving to the music as you normally would in Zumba, the STRONG by Zumba program focuses on syncing music to moves in a way that pushes you past your limits to achieve your fitness goals faster.
 
We sat down with our STRONG by Zumba instructor, Mitisha Smitjes, to get more information on this new class…
 
Tish, how does STRONG differ from a traditional Zumba class?
Probably the most important difference is that STRONG is not a dance-based class like Zumba.  STRONG is a high intensity interval training class using more traditional fitness exercises like jumping jacks, burpees, squats and lunges.  You use your own body weight as resistance to achieve muscle definition.  There are movements inspired by dance, but these are very limited compared to a traditional Zumba class, so it’s perfect for those not comfortable in a full-out dance class.
 
How does a STRONG class differ from Boot Camp then?
STRONG combines HIIT with the science of Synced Music Motivation.  The music in STRONG was crafted to drive the intensity in a challenging progression that provides a total body workout.  When you’re moving to the music, you don’t have to count the reps because it’s tempo-based.  It’s a group fitness experience like no other!
 
What is the format of a STRONG class?
STRONG is divided into four quadrants:  Ignite, Fire It Up, Push Your Limits and Floorplay.  Each quadrant is designed with songs to move through the whole body.  For instance, in the Push Your Limits quadrant, burpees are hidden in the music, and I will challenge participants to do the most and challenge their limits.  And the Floorplay quadrant is where we work our core.  My own core is where I struggle the most, so I understand the challenge for many people.  Each quadrant is separated by a 30-second Recharge; however, there are many opportunities to recharge briefly between songs.
 
Who should give this workout a try?
Participants of all levels are welcome to attend.  You may have never been able to do a burpee before, but you may just get so caught up in the music that it just happens one day!
 
What should participants bring to class?
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes with good lateral and heel support.  Bring a bottle of water and a towel.  A yoga mat for the Floorplay quadrant is optional (but not necessary) as we will be on the floor for 3-6 minutes.
 
When will this class be offered?
This will be a weekly core offering beginning on Wednesday, September 5th from 7:10 to 7:55 pm.