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Fitness Newsletter | June 2012 | VBgov.com/Parks 
Have Fun with the Dance Fitness Craze! 

by Robert Arbogast, Recreation Specialist 

 

DancingDance fitness is everywhere! It's almost impossible to read a fitness schedule, tour a gym, or even flip channels without stumbling across some type of dance fitness class. ZumbaŽ is definitely the most recognizable, but where did the dance fitness craze start? It goes back further than you might think. 

 

Many in the fitness industry point to Evansville, Indiana and the year 1969. It was here, in a small group fitness studio, that Judi Sheppard Missett combined her love for dance and fitness to create Jazzercise. In a few short years, the program was a fitness and commercial success. The first video cassette tape was available in 1984 and classes could be found in all 50 states. By the 90's, Jazzercise had made its way into 32 countries. I still run into participants that reminisce about their favorite Jazzercise instructor and a few of them still take a class around town occasionally.

 

In 2001, the dance fitness world had another revelation. ZumbaŽ creators put together what they call a "fitness party," combining hot Latin dance steps, exhilarating sound tracks and energetic instructors. We are proud to have some of the area's top instructors teaching at our own recreation centers. ZumbaŽ classes have inspired thousands of participants to get moving, burn calories and shed pounds.

 

Within our department, we have tried to make the dance fitness craze as accessible as possible. ZumbaŽ is now offered in most of our recreation centers. We also offer Zumba GoldŽ at Bayside and Princess Anne. This class breaks down the moves and gives those new to the format a firm grasp on the basics. Princess Anne also offers ZumbaŽ Toning which emphasizes toning movements in the same dance party atmosphere.

 

We also have an exciting new opportunity at Great Neck with the introduction of FuzeCraze™. Similar in style to ZumbaŽ, FuzeCraze™ incorporates different styles of international dance and a variety of music to give you the aerobic workout you're looking for.

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Healthy July 4th Dessert Recipe

 
Bring some red, white and blue to your Fourth of July cookout! This can be made as individual servings or in one large dish. 

  • Plain or Vanilla Low-Fat Yogurt
  • Granola
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries, chopped
  • Nutmeg

1. Sprinkle granola into dish until bottom is covered
2. Cover granola with yogurt
3. Add blueberries to cover the yogurt
4. Add second layer of yogurt and cover with chopped strawberries
5. Garnish with a light sprinkle of nutmeg

Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Show Some Love for Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation! 

 

I LOVE VBPR!In celebration of July as Parks & Recreation Month, we've got three great ways for you to show (and share) your love for Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation!

 

1. Check out our activity calendar! Since 1985, Americans have celebrated July as the nation's official Parks & Recreation month. We've got 31 days of fun activities to help you celebrate with us!

 

2. Bring a friend to the rec center! Each day in July, Virginia Beach recreation center members can bring a friend to any of our centers, free of charge. As long as they are accompanied by a member, friends can enjoy unlimited visits for the whole month! Friends can also participate in group fitness classes by using a group fitness sampler or with the purchase of a punch card.

 

3. Participate in our "Show Us Some Love" photo contest! Get creative and show us why you "heart" Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation! Snap a photo showcasing one of VBPR's programs, parks, facilities or events while incorporating a heart symbol. Submit your photo (July 6-23) on Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation's Facebook page using the "I Love VBPR" custom tab below our cover photo. Be sure to include the location of the photo and a description during submission and then get your friends and family to vote for your photo!


Calendar and contest details are available at VBgov.com/iLoveVBPR.

An Inspirational Success Story
by Carol Moore, patron at Bayside Recreation Center 

 

Carol Moore"I started taking group fitness classes with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation just about one year ago. Since that time, I have dropped 65 pounds! The pants that I have on in the picture are the only pair I have kept that I wore before starting a fitness program. I can actually fit into one leg of the pants that used to be snug on me.


When I started this journey, I was getting ready to move up to a size 20. I now am down to a size six! I have not worn a size six since I was a teenager and I'm now 47. If it were not for the motivation, encouragement and just plain fun time that I get from all of the group classes I take at Bayside Rec Center, I would not be where I am today: healthy and skinny.

I would like to thank the following instructors who have kept me coming back for more: Suzanne, Margaret, Joan, Whitney, Cheryl, Cinnamon, Mady, Cristhine and Birgitt. Each of you makes working out fun and have helped me to accomplish these results."

Congratulations on your success, Carol! Pictured with Carol (center) are Joan Bastian (left) and Birgitt Kishbaugh (right).

5 Tips to Stay Hydrated All Summer 

 

Drinking WaterWhen the heat rises, so does the risk of dehydration. Here are a few tips for staying hydrated this summer:


1. Start each day with a glass of water. Add this to your morning routine before your juice, coffee or breakfast. This will get your efforts to stay hydrated off to a great start.

2. Eat more fruits and vegetables. These foods have a higher water content and also contain minerals needed to keep your body's hydration system running smoothly.

3. Use a high-quality sea salt when cooking. Like whole fruits and vegetables, sea salts contain trace minerals needed to maintain healthy cells to stay hydration.
 

4. Limit sugary sodas and fruit drinks as they can cause unwanted reactions and blood sugar spikes. Drink water routinely throughout the day. Add a slice of lemon or lime for flavor instead of chemical or sugary substitutes.


5. Limit coffee and alcohol, which can actually dehydrate, rather than replenish, the body of fluids. Caffeine increases urine output and makes you dehydrate faster. 

 

Adopt these tips to keep your body running smooth and efficient, even in the heat.

New! Month-to-Month Memberships 

Available July 1 | For Adults, Seniors & Non-Residents

 

New Membership Option!Want to join our recreation centers, but don't want to pay for a full year up front? Beginning July 1, you can enjoy all of the great benefits of a membership, without the annual commitment!

 

Our new month-to-month membership option enables you to pay a low monthly fee using a credit or debit card, with the option to cancel at any time with a 30-day notice. No commitment and no joining fees. Ever. 

 

Month-to-Month Rates
Adult | $11/month
Senior | $9/month

Non-Resident | $31/month


Sign up for a month-to-month membership at any Virginia Beach Recreation Center starting on July 1! As always, annual memberships are available for kids, adults, seniors and non-residents. Learn more about our membership options.

Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures 

 

All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers will be closed on July 4 for Independence Day. 

 

Don't forget that your membership is good at all six Virginia Beach Recreation Centers! If your usual center is closed for maintenance, take the opportunity to visit another center. Use this locator to help you find one!

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If your child requires additional support, we can help.  Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.
We welcome your comments and questions.  Feel free to email us at fun@vbgov.com.
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Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.