On a recent visit to the Momilani Community Center in Pearl City, I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie Troske who was in the middle of conducting her Zumba Gold exercise class with a group of very energetic seniors.
I was impressed at the seniors fitness level and their ability to keep up with the Zumba beat. If you have ever been to a Zumba session, or taken part in one, you know that from the first beat, your body goes through a cardio blast that requires a bit of stamina to keep up.
What was even more impressive was their leader, Troske. She is the definition of Zumba. High energy, great shape, a true love for exercise and most importantly being able to help her students improve their health and overall well being. By the way, having fun ranks number one in her classes.
Also, Troske's students were decked out in the latest Zumba wear and shoes that was an impressive display of the best dressed and best looking group of fit senior's that I have ever been around.
Mahalo to Stephanie for allowing me the opportunity to take photos of the class and for the following MYPC Q&A.
Q: How long have you been involved in Zumba? Experience?
A: I've been taking Zumba fitness classes since the Spring of 2009. I had no dance experience and shyly snuck all the way in the back corner of a fitness class at Hickam AFB. I had no idea what I was walking into, "Zumba…..what's that?"
Q: Reason why you decided to take up Zumba?
A: It's a little crazy, anybody can do it AND it happens to be exercise. Typically the songs are short and if you don't like one or can't get the steps, 3 minutes later there's a new song and maybe it's one that fits your taste better. If you can stretch outside of your comfort zone and allow yourself to get lost in the moment, no inhibitions, wearing every color combination known to man, you're destined to have fun and smile.
Q: How large are your class sizes at the Momilani Community Center?
A: I have over 150 people enrolled in an age range of 11 year olds to 86 year olds. Class size, depending on the day, is usually around 60 students and the average age is around 65 years old.
Q: Any other locations besides the Momilani Community Center?
A: I also teach classes at Madalene'z Dancefit Studio in Pearl City and at the Hickam Fitness Center at JB Pearl Harbor Hickam.
Q: Anything you would like to say about your students? (improvements in their health and conditioning, positive attitude, having fun).
A: I love my students! There are widows who have found a zest for life again, students with cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, knee/hip/back problems etc. that were debilitating, but they are now able to move and function better. They now look forward to going to their doctors to officially hear the extent to which their health has improved. These ladies are inspirations and have taught me what it means to live life to the fullest and have totally confuted the limiting stereotypes of what "the older generations" are physically and mentally capable of. This has become a kind of safe haven where they can be a little crazy, socialize, have fun, laugh, smile.. and exercise!
Q: How do you see Zumba growing in the near future?
A: If Zumba fitness classes are done right and Zumba instructors stick to the formula that has been created, it can only get bigger and better. There is a "right fit" for everyone who wants to give it a try.
As far as Pearl City is concerned, the next new venture presents itself on November 27th @ the Momilani Community Center. Madalene'z Dancefit Studio and the Pearl City Foundation are doing a Free Zumbatomic Master Class for kids ages 4-12 years old. The future is to encourage the entire family to get active and healthy together, as a unit and with fitness mediums such as Zumbatomic, Zumba and Zumba Gold…. there's something for every generation.
Q: Anyone that you would like to say Mahalo?
A: Absolutely! My family who has supported every insane outfit and dance move I've impulsively put together. Most especially I'd like to thank my MOM, Gwen and my neighbor, Gail, who have been there to help me with these classes every step of the way.
Stephanie Troske Zumba Gold Class Schedule at the Momilani Community Center:
Monday 10:30am – 11:30am
Thursday & Friday 9:00am – 10:00am