Bringing Zumba to all

Jamie Achrazoglou, who has worked at the University of Iowa for more than 30 years, is involved with many UI projects. For the past six years, one of her more visible roles has been in Recreational Services, where she teaches Zumba.

“I’m not a dancer or ‘typical’ dance-fitness instructor, but I’ve always enjoyed fitness classes and DVDs, and I love swimming and world-music rhythms,” says Achrazoglou, who currently works as a project manager at UIHC Capital Management. “When the CRWC first opened, I attended Zumba classes and loved them, but I couldn’t find friends or coworkers to come with me. ‘It’s too hard’ or ‘I can’t dance’ were reasons they gave.

“I read about Zumba Gold and Aqua Zumba, and I knew there was a need for the lower-impact, more-accessible Zumba formats in our area.”

So Achrazoglou did something to address that need. In 2011, she used money from a $500 liveWELL drawing to attend Zumba-instructor training. She has been teaching for Recreational Services ever since.

Matt Stancel, assistant director of fitness and wellness, appreciates all that Achrazoglou brings to group fitness at the University of Iowa. “Jamie is a person who lets you have total freedom to be yourself,” he says. “She brings the best out of the people she serves.”

One of Achrazoglou’s favorite parts of teaching Zumba is meeting the diverse group of students that come to class: college students, staff members, retirees, international scholars, families, special populations, among others.

“It’s a great way to network and meet people.” Achrazoglou says. “Good energy is contagious, and I’m glad to help others meet their fitness goals. Each class helps students build confidence and community. Regular students often become friends with fellow students.”

Achrazoglou says selecting music and choreography for class is one of the best—but sometimes hardest—things about teaching Zumba. The activity provides excellent music resources, but music and moves often need to be tailored for each particular class to meet their likes and abilities. Seventy percent of the music is Latin or world rhythms, and 30 percent is up to each instructor.

Achrazoglou likes to encourage others to try her class. “Exercise shouldn’t be dreadful or difficult, or you won’t enjoy it and keep up with it,” she says. “Give Zumba Fitness a try—you’ll love the music and be amazed at how fast the time passes. There is no wrong way to Zumba, so join the party.”

She smiles when she thinks about her journey with Zumba. “My grown kids have told me Zumba is my midlife crisis. I guess there are worse things!”