Start the weekend off on a healthy note with free Zumba in the Park

We all know that one self-motivated person who exercises rain or shine, heat or cold, weekday or weekend. Most of us, though, need a little push now and again to keep us moving when we really want to be sitting down.

Friday, Palmetto Health, the town of Irmo and the YMCA of Columbia have joined forces to get our weekend off to a heart-healthy start with Zumba in the Park, a free exercise class that’s so much fun you won’t even realize you’re exercising.

The theme of this month’s program is “Shine Bright,” so feel free to bling out your exercise gear to your heart’s desire.

Practiced to sassy Latin music and based on classic merengue, salsa, flamenco and other Latin dances, Zumba is a dance-cardio workout that’s all about grooving to the beat. There are no aerobic steppers to climb, weights to lift or exercise balls to manage. You won’t have to memorize complicated routines or understand any kind of dance basics, either.

Instead, you’ll spend your time swinging, swaying and spinning to tunes spun by a live DJ – and torching calories by the minute.

In addition to the free class, Palmetto Health representatives will present mini-classes on hands-only CPR and early heart-attack care. There also will be staff on hand to answer any heart-health questions you may have and the chance to win door prizes like gift certificates from Healing Waters Spa and the YMCA.

Zumba in the Park runs from 7-9 p.m. and will be held in the Palmetto Health Amphitheater at Irmo Community Park, 7507 Eastview Drive, Irmo.

For more information, email tammie.epps@palmettohealth.org

Katie McElveen, Special to The State

This story was originally published June 16, 2016 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Start the weekend off on a healthy note with free Zumba in the Park."