When the pandemic closed the gyms back in 2020, fitness instructor Elizabeth Moakler had a dilemma on her hands.

“How can I keep my gang moving?”
“Would online classes work?”
“Am I willing to commit to teaching free LIVE classes online?”
“What if nobody joins me?”

Thankfully, she wouldn’t have to wonder for long. At first, the online classes were small. Just a few ladies from her nearby Del Webb community danced along at home in front of their computers. Today, participants from 6 countries join her classes 4 times per week from her home studio over Zoom. According to her students, she plays her favorite songs from yesterday and today. Students agree there’s a real sense of community in the group.

“I just love putting the energy out there. We stay positive and share a real sense of caring,” Elizabeth said when I asked her more about her Zumba journey recently. “Today, so many are still facing loneliness and isolation. We welcome and celebrate everybody.” 

If you’re an older adult who’s interested in Zumba, Elizabeth’s classes are always open—and free! Here are SEVEN benefits of Zumba Gold for older adults.

1. It keeps your brain sharp.

By following Elizabeth’s moves, you’re doing mental exercises, fending off forgetfulness and dementia. As a matter of fact, cardio workouts lead to overall better cognitive function! Zumba is the perfect exercise to keep your heart pumping and your mind working.

2. It gets your heart rate up.

Speaking of hearts pumping, Zumba will keep your ticker’s BPM up! Plus, it increases blood flow and has wonderful aerobic benefits for the lungs. If you’re worried about this exercise being a little too strenuous for your ticket, put those fears to rest. Zumba Gold was designed with the older adult in mind.

3. It moves your joints.

I doubt I need to tell you about joint stiffness. The good news is, Zumba Gold can get those joints moving and reduce stiffness, pain, and inflammation! Plus, it promotes muscle tone and strength. Zumba Gold is also low-impact—and gentle on the joints.

4. It will burn calories.

I won’t sugarcoat this. For a lot of us, time has not been kind to our waistlines. We’ve all packed on some unnecessary pounds. The good news is, Zumba Gold will help you burn more calories and shed a little body weight! Who knows? Maybe you’ll be able to fit into your favorite jeans again.

5. It promotes joy.

Trust me on this one. Zumba Gold is a lot of fun! In fact, moving to the Latin beats and disco hits may be the most fun you’ll have all day.

6. You get to enjoy human connection.

The pandemic hit a lot of us hard. A sense of community is more important now than ever. When you take a Zumba Gold class, you get to be part of a group. Part of a community of fellow older adults. You have time to interact with others before and after class. It’s the perfect opportunity to make new friends!

7. No commute to the gym.

Commutes are no fun, whether they’re to work or the gym. Battling traffic and noise and construction zones to get to the gym for an hour-long workout hardly seems worth it. With Zumba Gold, the only commute you’ll have to make is the one to your living room. No parking. No membership fees. You can throw on a pair of shoes and your grungiest workout clothes and get moving.

If you want to try Elizabeth’s free classes, just send her an email to: emoakler@carolina.rr.com and say, “I want to try Zumba at home”.