RiverZumba

Cancelling RiverZumba

2010-12-31T08:11:00.000-08:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends
My thanks to those who replied. Unfortunately, I did not get the needed commitment from enough of you to continue our RiverZumba classes in Chalk River.
Thus, there will be no RiverZumba classes in Chalk River this winter or spring.

Thanks for your involvement in RiverZumba. I had fun while it lasted. I hope you did too.

Best wishes for a safe and happy new year.

Please pass this message on to others who may not get this message via this email.
Thanks

PS
There are great classes in Petawawa this winter. I recommend the X-fit on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:45 pm in the Army Fitness Center. I attend as a student and may teach this some day. Feel free to contact me if you want to learn more.
As always
Your friend
Ed

I need a commitment from you to continue RiverZumba (deadline 2010Dec31)‏

2010-12-23T18:24:00.000-08:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends

I sent out the email below on 2010Dec21. I've got two commitments so far and one maybe. Not the six commitments I need yet but still time, so please respond soonest to email "riverzumba@gmail.com". Thanks.

Email:
Thanks for being part of RiverZumba last year. I had fun despite all the hard work involved. I trust you did too. Best wishes of the season to you and yours.

Now to consider next year….please bare with me while I cover some details… So sorry to press you at this time of year, but my deadline is near and I must make a decision before we start again in new year.

To continue this winter and spring I need to renew my fitness instructor liability insurance, hall rental, and Zumba Instructor Network subscription. Plus I plan to update my program to not only include two new dances, but to also include a new warmup and cool down. I planned a video night, last night, to get your input on the next two dances, but that didn’t work out.

As I mentioned above, preparing and doing these classes, while a lot of fun, is also a lot of work and commitment on my part. Now I need you to do your part. As per my handout, I need a firm commitment from at least 6 of you to cover RiverZumba expenses. The pricing is based on just covering the major expenses; I’m not getting any compensation for my effort other than the experience and fun. Any profit would go towards new equipment.

Please get back to me soonest. Also please pass this message on to any others who you think may be interested.

Thanks.

Deadline for my insurance is Dec 31. This is also my decision date on whether or not to continue providing RiverZumba classes. Please get back to me before then.

Pricing:

Pass for 24 classes = $120.00. ($5/class, Jan 10 to June 27.)
Alternative: Pass for 12 classes = $80.00. ($6.67/class, Jan 10 to April 4.)
No class during March break.

PPS
Would you prefer our first class in new year to be a make up Video night to select the new dances, or do you want me to pick for you?

Change of week day for this week only

2010-12-01T06:47:00.000-08:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends

1) Usual classes remain on Monday 6:30 pm at Chalk River Legion. "C'mon and have fun".
2) Class this week changed to Wednesday 6:15 pm. (Note class starts a bit earlier.)
3) Next "Video" class is on Dec 20. Come and pick the next two new dances.
4) I'm considering the following for winter/spring. Please let me know what you think.
- Group winter and spring in one term.
- Price per class with pass same at $5/class.
- Price per pass to be $120 for 24 classes.
- Drop in fee same at $8/class.
- Schedule below: Please let me know if any adjustments are required.

Jan 10, 17, 24, 31
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
Mar 7, 21, 28 (No class during March break)
Apr 4, 11, 18, 25 (another video night proposed)
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Jun 6, 13, 20, 27

Getting ready

2010-08-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends
Another step closer to resuming classes this Sept 13th (Chalk River Legion, 6:30 pm). Just sent out the email below to my mailing list. I trust this is useful.

PS
I did a check on my pricing for last year. I didn't cover my costs then and this year my costs are higher. I'm hoping the increase does not deter anyone from coming and having fun. I think the pass method will keep things simpler too. Note: no class on Oct 11, which is Thanksgiving.
As always
Your friend
Ed

Dear RiverZumba Friends
I hope your are all enjoying this great summer. I had a long list of things to enjoy this summer and I made some progress.

Did you do lots of active stuff to keep yourself young? I did and I'm also refreshing my Zumba class too.

Looking forward to seeing you all again soon. We'll Zumba party!
See http://riverzumba.blogspot.com for more info.

Class pricing for 2010-2011
Drop in fee =$8.00 per class.

Special offer: Pass-signup (not punch card) for 14 classes = $70.00. ($5/class, Sept 13 to Dec 20. No class on Oct 11.)

Any unused punches from last year, can still be still used.

Enjoying summer and planning for restart in fall

2010-08-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends:
Classes to resume at Chalk River Legion, Monday September 13 at 6:30 pm. Petawawa classes yet to be determined. Working on new dances and plan to do a video every other month to review new available dances. The videos I did last month seemed to be great as variety and to select new dances.

How are you this summer? Enjoying the warmth? I'm just finishing my second week of my vacation. I had hoped to be all "de-stressed" at this point, but I seem to have too much to do to allow that to happen.

I went to a local restaurant, Tree Top, with my usual gang yesterday, and again experienced being a "freak" considering my "Primal Blueprint" diet. (I've lost just over 10 lb and feeling great.) What I ordered should have been common at truckstops, steak and eggs and TT is a truckstop. Some complaining, but provided. Now if only I could get them to replace the fries and toast with a salad! I had a salad when I got home to balance it out.

When travelling, I find that Wendy's are great as they have an assortment of chicken salads with the extras, such as bread croutons, optional and on the side, so I don't have to pick them out.

I had a bill to pay at the legion for my Zumba class hall rental, so I dropped in there after lunch. Of course, one has to have a beer when dropping in with the "lads" on a weekday afternoon. So I had a 0.5 which I thought would not do me in. Wrong! The amount of sugar in that bottle gave me a buzz about the same as a regular beer or two! Now, I understand why excessive beer use can result in a "beer belly". (On a PB diet, adults minimize poisons like sugar, grains (gluten) and milk (lactose), so one probably becomes more sensitive to excessive glucose/insulin in blood when such are consumed. One eats one's fill with lots of animals and plants.)

Note that my breakfasts used to be sugar coated grains floating in milk. No wonder I was gaining about a pound a year over the last 10 years even despite my very active life style. Yes, one is not doomed to gain weight as one gets older.

I'm getting a bit of a feel what it would be like to be retired, but I can't do that for another 2 years and 1 day. But who's counting eh? I'm sure I would have lots of non-work related things to keep me busy, just like now. Perhaps there would not be the pressure to "get it all done right now", but maybe not. There are still deadlines, that if missed, can devalue your work.

For example: If I miss a personal deadline, such as getting ready for the start of my new Zumba classes this fall, the entire year could be off to a bad start and that would spoil the fun. But at work, having a project go late, seems to have little effect other than a missed "ticky" box. For example, NRU being late caused what? Hear about any firings? I haven't.

This morning, I plan to go outside and just "tinker around a bit". I have a fallen tree in my back yard that I have been gradually cutting up for firewood. I'm going at it slow to minimize what has to go to the dump. I'm keeping the smallest twigs for kindling and the leaves for compost. While my main heat will soon be gas, I still have a need for the fire wood as I'm retaining a wood fireplace in my living room and a wood stove in my garage.

I'm still trying to sell my Sable and Majesty (Old car and scoot). I've had occasional nibbles, but most contacts were fraudulent. Either outright scams or people just trying to make a buck. I don't mind people offering to help me sell my bike and I'm even willing to pay for such a service. But all contacts to date just screamed "SCAM".

Yesterday, I put my Majesty on my trailer and put it over at my x's place on the highway. She offered to let me show the bike there as it will be seen by hundreds if not thousands of passer-bys each day. My ads on Kijiji and Autotrader have been futile other than directing the scammers my way. My asking price now is less than average on internet and almost $2000 less than I paid for it last fall. This area does seem to be very depressed financially. On the good side, I did get my new scoot, at nearly $2000 less than internet average asking price.

I'm also going to work out a plan for being my Area Governor for Toastmasters. I'm to review my training notes and manuals and start it in motion. I also committed myself to getting my DTM this year using my AG experience as the method. DTM is the highest "distinction" in Toastmasters. So more planning. Should be do-able but perhaps I should "just get committed". Being AG is a growth challenge, in managing others and myself, so I think worth the experience. Meeting people and making/maintaining contacts is always beneficial in many ways.

Please feel free to comment or contact me if you want to discuss any of the above.
Have a great and safe summer.
See you all again soon.
As always
Your friend
Ed Nicholson
Certified Group Class Fitness Instructor (CanFitPro)
Certified Older Adult Fitness Instructor (CanFitPro)
Official Zumba Instructor (ZIN)
Certified CPR, First Aid, and AED.

2010-07-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends

Thank you for your interest in my class this last year, I had fun and I think you did too. I feel more fit for it as well - how about you? Please respond to let me know how well I'm doing. Thanks in advance.

What did you think of my special "non-standard" class last week? I plan one more like that tomorrow. This is more than just for fun. I also want to show you some of the new dances, I can add to start next season. So let me know which you liked the most.

No worries about not keeping up....it will come...and sooner than you expect too. Just enjoy the basics including the fun. Ok to bring a friend.

Special thanks to my Chalk River friends who wanted me to continue classes throughout the summer. My current plan is to resume classes Sept 13.

For my PSP friends: I'm not sure what PSP has in mind yet, but I'll let you know soonest. Watch for me at the Leisure show in Petawawa.

A little extra that was not in the mass email:
I'm investigating "The Paleo Diet" and "Cross Fit". Both are exciting adventures. With the former, I've lost 10 lbs over the last three weeks. It has always bothered me, that being really fit I still had this spare tire around my middle that was hiding my "six pack". Tried for decades to lose this and now over the last few weeks this looks like finally success.

Cross-fit is an amazing workout that is over in a half hour including warmup and cool down. A new way to fitness that is very compatible with the Paleo Diet lifestyle.

One may ask, where is Zumba in my future? So long as you students want to come out to my classes and have fun with me, I'm willing to keep giving these classes. Yes, Zumba is more than just a fantastic cardio and core workout; it is a lot of fun too.

My best wishes, for a safe and fun summer, to you and yours.
Bye for now.

Great turnout last night - Thanks.

2010-06-08T03:25:00.000-07:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends
Great turn out last night. Really gratifying to have a full class.
My new "song" seemed to be well enjoyed. It was a salsa with some new and some old dance moves in it.
I'm glad it was well received and enjoyed.

Success of last nights class was my third accomplishment, I set for myself, this weekend. Last week, I was wondering if I had taken on too much. But with success, I say "Wow".

Last Friday, at my Advanced Toastmaster Club in Renfrew, I took on the challenge of presenting a "Valley View". This is a short five minute presentation on something interesting or important in the Upper Ottawa Valley. I described history, current status and the plan now in place to return NRU Isotope production to normal. I was pleasantly surprised to see the interest that far away from Chalk River. My speech was well received and I was invited to present a longer speech later describing the remaining return-to-service efforts that my branch and myself will soon accomplish.

Then Sunday, I wrote my Older Adult Specialist exam. This is the final part of an additional CanFitPro certification, I have been studying for. I aced the exam and yesterday, I got confirmation that I passed.

Then last night, my challenge was to introduce one more new song at my Chalk River RiverZumba fitness class. I wasn't sure I could accomplish all three. But I did and it felt great.

Chalk River Class this Monday and classes continuing into summer.

2010-05-22T05:17:00.000-07:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends

Thank you for your interest in my class this last year, I had fun and I think you did too. I feel more fit for it as well - how about you? Please respond to let me know how well I'm doing. Thanks in advance.

No worries about not keeping up....it will come...and sooner than you expect too. Just enjoy the basics including the fun.

Special thanks to my Chalk River friends who want me to continue classes throughout the summer. My current plan is to continue classes through to the end of July like I did last year. Perhaps similar to last year we will try some special "non-standard" classes or such experimentation just for fun.

For my PSP friends: Sorry, but due to poor turnout, my RecPlex classes have been suspended until fall. You are welcome to drop by my Chalk River classes if you like. In any case, I hope to see you again at the RecPlex in the fall.

My best wishes, for a safe and fun summer, to you and yours.
Bye for now.

PS
Chalk River class this Monday is on (not canceled) as per your interest expressed during last week's class.

Zumba classes at PSP (Petawawa RecPlex) may not continue past end of May

2010-05-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Zumba Friends
Do you want to do Zumba for a few more months at PSP before summer break? If so, you will have to demonstrate that interest by coming to class and / or calling PSP management to express your interest.

Current plan is for my last Zumba class in PSP this spring to be on May 26. However, if attendance shows enough interest, classes may continue according to PSP management.

So up to you guys. Please "C'mon and have fun".

PS
My Chalk River "RiverZumba" classes are planned to continue through July as per last year.

My very sincere thanks to those who come out regularly and who encourage others to come and have fun too.

I'd like to know what you think of my class and your suggestions are most welcome.

PPS
Some quotes from that new training I'm now preparing for: (Reason to exercise now!)
The compression of Morbidity.
Morbidity is defined as the absence of health and is a condition that is common with frail older adults as they live in a situation where they are dependent on the care of others. Morbidity is frequently caused by chronic or terminal illness whereby the individual becomes disabled and in some cases immobile. The loss of independence for an older adult is critical.

Research has shown us that the major factor that affects an older adult's ability to remain independent is their cardiovascular functioning. Physical activity is therefore a critical part of the lifespan as an investment in both long term health as well as the reduction of loss of function late in live (reducing morbidity).

Being physically active over the lifespan is an excellent investment in developing quality of life in old age.

Class now moved to Monday evenings.

2010-03-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends
Due to a scheduling conflict at the Legion in Chalk River, our Zumba class is now on Mondays until about mid May.

I asked the class tonight, if they would rather use the downstairs hall on Tuesday or the upstairs hall on Mondays. Mondays won as the upper hall is a better place for our class. In mid May, we may stay on Mondays if that is working out best or return to Tuesdays if that is best.

A class is scheduled for this Monday. Best wishes to you and yours for a great and safe holiday weekend.

Older_adult_fitness specialist

2010-03-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends

We all have busy lives and many exciting and/or compulsory demands on our time. But we should set aside sufficient time to look after our physical fitness or we will get old and feeble while still young at heart.

I spend a lot of my spare time between my various physical fitness activities with practicing for my Zumba class high on that list. Another priority is to keep my skill set up to date and suitable for all my RiverZumba Friends.

Soon I will also be a Older_Adult_Fitness Specialist. Thus I will be able to provide a better and perhaps safer work out for my older friends. Hay, I'm not so young myself chronologically, but I don't ever plan to be "old"; just "older" and "better". ;)

Please feel free to respond to this email with suggestions. (Thanks - it is good to know that this email is not being lost in spam filters.)

I look forward to seeing you-all at my classes. 'Bye for now.

Monday Zumba class has been suspended for now at RecPlex. Please let RecPlex and myself know if you want this resumed in a few months.

Circuit for the Cause Fundraiser (over $8000.00)

2010-03-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

RiverZumba Friends

I'm happy to say I survived the Circuit for the Cause. This four-hour fitness class, contained 8 half hour classes of Military workouts. It was a great challenge for me even though I am a part time fitness instructor. Most there were very fit members of our military.

I also saw very brave and determined people there who were not very fit, but they stuck to it to the end.

I'm happy that I was able to help the Military Families Fund which helps the families of those who work to defend our way of life.

My thanks again to those who sponsored me.

If only there was a Saturday Morning Zumba class

2010-02-21T16:07:00.000-08:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends

Zumba can be a lot of fun, and a great cardio and core workout. But it is also a lot of work for the instructor to keep it fresh and exciting. Please let me know what works for you and what doesn't and I'll be able to make it even better for you.

I've had many come to me and ask for a Saturday morning Zumba class in Chalk River. Since the Saturday morning class in Petawawa was cancelled, I've had even more such requests from new potential clients.

So I decided to offer some trial Saturday classes in Chalk River, which is my home area. I'm already teaching a Tuesday class there at 6:30 pm in the Chalk River Legion. (I also teach in PSP in Petawawa on Monday and Wednesday.)

Now it is up to you if there are to be such Saturday classes in the Chalk River area. One trial class left on 2010Feb27.

If Saturdays just don't work for you, then you have so decided. Perhaps another of my classes is better timed for you?

PS
Your support is greatly appreciated. Without you, these classes will be no more.

Fundraisers I'm participating in

2010-02-04T03:39:00.000-08:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends:

Last night was another great night. It was a pretty full class but still room for more. No one has been turned away yet because the class was full. But always a good practice to arrive a few minutes early to get your favourate spot and to ensure you don't miss part of the warmup.

News about a special class coming up this next Wednesday at 10 am: This is a fund raiser at the RecPlex for the Heart and Stroke foundation. Both RecPlex Zumba instructors (Michelle and myself) will be there to give you two different flavours of Zumba. Yes, it is a fundraiser, so rather than a fee just make a small donation for this good cause.

Plus, I'll also be in the "Circuit for the Cause" fundraiser on March 05 from 0645 to 1230. This will be a "fun" four hour circuit to help the "Military Families Fund". This is another great cause I believe in especially considering the role now played by our military friends and their families. I've submitted a request to officially represent my day job employer (AECL), but I plan to participate anyway. To make this worth my effort, I need pledges. Please consider pledging me for say $5 each.

2010-02-02T03:49:00.001-08:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends

A reminder of our class tonight at the Legion in Chalk River. Plus, I'm giving three trial Saturday classes this month. The first one is this Saturday at 9:30 am again at the Legion in Chalk River. Please plan to attend to let me know you want this local service. "C'mon and have fun".

RiverZumba on Saturdays in Chalk River

2010-01-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends
After some requests for additional classes in Chalk River, and for a Saturday class, I've decided to try a few Saturday classes in addition to my regular Tuesday evening classes.

When?
Saturday: Chalk River Legion at 9:30 am (Starting Feb 06) (no class on Feb 13)
Tuesday: Chalk River Legion at 6:30 pm (Starting Jan 05)(This class is continuing.)
(Also see PSP schedule.)

Why Zumba?
To have fun and get a great cardio and core workout too! Lets face it, working out can be healthy, rewarding, and beneficial. Working out can be lots of things, but it's never been known to be much fun UNTIL NOW! Come dance and let the music move you. I’ll show you how to move. No previous experience required. Dress: Light Gym clothes.

Saturday?
Yes, Saturday is being offered in February. C’mon and have fun.
Cost? $5/class or buy a card for $20 and get 5 classes.

Saturday Zumba classes in Chalk River?

2010-01-22T15:05:00.000-08:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends

I've had some ask me about resuming the Saturday morning Zumba classes in Petawawa at the RecPlex. I understand they were cancelled because of poor attendance. I have no say about resuming classes at the RecPlex, but I do have such for my own classes in Chalk River.

So please let me know if you want classes on Saturday mornings and are willing to come to the Chalk River Legion for them. Time of class to be determined by hall availability and your interest. Probably start about 10 am but to be determined.

As always, I'm also interested in what songs in my class you like best. Those I'll keep longer and the rest will be gradually replaced with new ones. So please feel free to let me know what works for you. I try to determine which you like by how you respond, but I would like your opinion too.

I filled in for another Zumba instructor last week. So I taught a whole class that never saw my moves before. I think it all went well.

My bathroom scale is broken.....

2010-01-12T14:31:00.000-08:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends

My bathroom scale is broken. It must be. I couldn't have gained that much weight over the Christmas Break.

Yes, I'm in denial. But no problem. I'm back into my fitness routine again and all will be well soon. For sure! Right?

So my Christmas break story has a happy ending. I hope your break was great too.

Anyway, I hope to see you all out again soon. Not only to help me fix my problem above , but to have fun too.

I have some new songs since December, and I've just about got them done pat. I got some more new songs also just about ready. As mentioned earlier, I plan to continue adding new songs and keeping favourates. So let me know what you like and I'll keep updating the rest.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-20T10:48:00.000-08:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends
To you my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year.

My Chalk River classes continue through break (Classes On for 2009Dec 22 and 29th) and first class of new year is on Jan 05th. However, my Petawawa classes pause until Jan 04 as per PSP Christmas shutdown.

Have fun and be safe. Looking forward to seeing you-all again soon.

Chalk River classes continue through Xmas break.

2009-12-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends
My Tuesday evening classes (6:30 pm Chalk River Legion), classes will continue throughout the Xmas break.
However, my PSP classes will take a break as the RecPlex is closed from 2009Dec19 to open again on 2010Jan04.
Anyone from my PSP classes is welcome to attend my Chalk River classes.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

PS
Please feel free to call me if you are interested in special Zumba entertainment for your party.

I need your opinion

2009-11-30T13:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends
I've asked for feedback on which of my dances work best for you. I understand it is hard to say which is best or otherwise without knowing the names. So here is the lineup I used last class. Please let me know what you liked the most or least. Thanks.

1) This is tha song (Warm up)
2) Boro Boro (Warm up)
3) C'mon and Dance
4) La Ventanita
5) 1,2,3
6) Mi Libertad
7) Como Si Ma
8) Calabrina
9) El Pito
10) Tengo un Amour (Cool down dance)
11) Aromuzak (Cool down stretch)
12) Zumba-Lluvia (Cool down stretch)

Thanks for a great turnout last night.

2009-11-11T04:37:00.000-08:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends

Thanks for the great turnout last night in Chalk River. Really gratifying to see so many having fun in my class. My two newer dances are now working out well. I hope to add yet another for next week. Part of the challenge of adding a new dance is to decide what old dance to drop. I'm thinking of bringing back some of the dropped dances to provide additional variety, plus some have asked about those older dances.

My two Petawawa classes are doing well too in terms of numbers and in terms of the happy faces I see in my class.

Thanks again for being there.

Whops, I forgot the free demo to start the new season.

2009-10-13T17:21:00.001-07:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends

Whops, I forgot the free demo class to start the new season. I was so excited about my new Petawawa classes that this slipped my mind. So next week, 2009 October 20, 6:30 pm at the Chalk River Legion, will be the free introductory class.

Bring a bottle of water, gym clothing/shoes and plans for a fun hour of Zumba. Please pass on this invitation for a free demo of Zumba to any of your friends that you think may be so interested.

Hope to see you-all and have fun with Zumba!

The Petawawa classes are going great!

Request for Input

2009-10-06T03:43:00.000-07:00

Hi RiverZumba Friends

Another great class tonight. Please plan to be there.

I'm gradulally changing my routine. I know you want me to give you a chance to catch on and enjoy the songs, so I won't change them too quickly. But I also want to keep the program fresh and fun.

I plan on a new song or two each month. I need your input to decide what you want me to keep and what to go. Sort of like the "survivor" TV shows.

I know that some songs are just great and I'll keep those. But let me know your favorates too, ok? I post the songs at the front each class. Feel free to see me after class to discuss.

If you find some of the moves too difficult or painful, please let me know. I'll suggest some alternatives. Plus any move can be done at half time. Remember, the number one thing of Zumba is to have fun. Getting fit just happens as we all have fun.

Finished first week of Zumba in PSP (AquaZumba?)

2009-09-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends
Been quite a week. I taught three classes of Zumba this last week. Monday and Wednesday at PSP and Tuesday in Chalk River. I had a great time. Great turnouts that greatly motivate me to keep at it.

I plan to keep introducting new songs and or choreo as often as I can. I've asked my students to let me know what works for them and what doesn't. The idea is to replace what doesn't work and to keep favourates. I can see that some songs seem to be getting more smiles and grins than others, so I do have that feedback to work with.

Been quite a workout this week. But I'm loving it.

I heard that AquaZumba was announced at the last convention. This is great as PSP is looking for something for their Aqua fitness program. I tried some of the training for their regular aqua fitness class and I'm not impressed with it. Perhaps I'm just spoiled by Zumba?

Anyway, if I can management it, I understand PSP would love to have me do AquaZumba for them. So....another adventure awaits.....

As always
Your friend and Zumba Guy
Ed

Fall Leasure and Health show in Petawawa

2009-09-13T05:36:00.000-07:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends
I helped out at the fair this year. I've done that before but this is the first time as an employee of PSP. I was at the PSP booth in the old (smaller) gym in DDH. Many stopped by to ask about the program and many of them were interested in my Zumba.....Great....I meet a lot of new friends there yesterday.

I'm so happy to have this opportunity to teach Zumba at PSP this year. My Deep River and Chalk River classes were a business enterprise in addition to a fun activity. The business side was an awful lot of bother. At PSP, I don't have to do any of the business side so HORRAY! Plus, I'm amazed at how much interest seems to be there despite what should be huge competition from my original Zumba instructor.

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to this.

I'm continuing my Chalk River classes as that was a commercial success last year and Chalk River is my "home town". I'm sorry to disappoint my Deep River students, but I really didn't do well there financially. I lost a lot of money there that I really could not afford to lose. Plus they have the option to attend one of the many alternative classes there in Deep River, or preferably to come to my Chalk River or PSP classes.

Photos of the fair are here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=119719&id=731441652&l=43f041da9f

Correction to schedule: I got the Monday and Wednesday PSP classes a bit confused in my earlier post.
Monday: Petawawa PSP RecPlex at 7:10 pm (Starting Sept 14)
Tuesday: Chalk River Legion at 6:30 pm (Starting Sept 08)
Wednesday: Petawawa PSP RecPlex at either 6 pm. (Starting Sept 16)

Class starts next Tuesday / Pricing of classes

2009-09-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends

I'm getting excited about my fall schedule. I'm working on new songs and refreshing my existing workouts. I'm looking forward to meeting again my returning and new friends in both Chalk River and PSP. I plan to introduce new songs this fall as often as I can.

A note about the pricing. My Chalk River class pricing remains the same as last year and any unused punches can be used there this fall. Price is $5.00 per class or 5 for $20.00 if a punch card is purchased.

Anyone from my former Deep River class can use any unused punches at my Chalk River class or ask for a refund.

But my Petawawa classes are different and pricing there is determined and operated by the PSP personnel. The good news is, assuming you are a PSP member, the price at PSP is far cheaper at only $2.00 per class. Please understand that my RiverZumba punch cards cannot be used in PSP.

Thanks for your support
Ready to Zumba?
As always
Your Friend
Ed

I'm also in Petawawa PSP on base this fall.

2009-08-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

Dear RiverZumba Friends
Schedule update:

Monday: Petawawa PSP RecPlex at 6 pm (Starting Sept 14)
Tuesday: Chalk River Legion at 6:30 pm (Starting Sept 08)
Wednesday: Petawawa PSP RecPlex at either 7:10 pm. (Starting Sept 16)

Sorry, no plan for Deep River this fall. I invite my Deep River friends there to come to my Chalk River class.

Please pass on this email to your friends who you think may be interested in attending. Since my emails may get caught in spam filters, please also pass on this message by other means such as "word of mouth" . I'm grateful for your help. 'Bye for now. Hope to see you soon and "C'mon and have fun".

Thanks.
As always
Your Official Zumba Instructor
CanFitPro certified Fitness Instructor Specialist
First Aid, CPR and AED trained and certified
Ed Nicholson
RiverZumba

Summer Break

2009-08-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

I'm now currently on my summer vacation from both my main job and from holding my Zumba classes. But I still have lots, maybe too much, to do.

Last year I became a Zumba instructor. Zumba is a fitness class based on Latin and international dance and music. It is a lot of fun. I've always been involved in fitness, but only after experiencing Zumba, was I interested enough to become a fitness instructor. To do so, I became a CanFitPro Fitness Instructor Specialist in addition to an official Zumba instructor.

This is an extra "free time" hobby activity for me. I have a full time day job that has nothing to do with physical fitness. Zumba is just something I do for fun. So far it has only paid for itself in terms of fun and fitness. I've had a lot of fun and I'm more fit than I've ever been. But as a business, I've lost thousands of dollars. However, perhaps I'm being too harsh as few businesses can clear start up costs in first year.

I've to decide if I want to continue this next year. I will have to prepare a new program and keep updating it more often than I did last year. My survey at the end of the year was poorly responded to, but what I did get, demanded that I update the dances more often. I know my more experienced competition does this.

I did a public event for charity in Deep River last year and it may have helped to get more people involved next year. However, Deep River is where I had the most disappointment and heart break this last year. My class in Chalk River was much more successful. I was thinking about only doing Chalk River this fall, but I've recently been asked about classes in Deep this fall. Plus my survey said that my Deep River class would not come to Chalk River.

I've also been asked to provide a class in Petawawa at the PSP. This has yet to be determined and there is some confusion about just what it is I am to provide. But it is nice, very nice to be so asked. I will be getting more details soon.

For now, for the next week, I plan to unwind, to de-stress, to vacation...

Successful classes in both Deep River and Chalk River

2009-03-15T07:38:00.001-07:00

Fellow Zumba Lovers.
I feel great knowing that both my classes are a success. I really enjoy to see so many people having a great time and getting fit at the same time. That is the great thing about Zumba. You have a great time and it is good for you. Hard to believe eh?

So what can one expect from my classes in addition to just having fun?
Assuming you have a healthy diet you will loose weight. That has been my case. Take a look a the photo. In 2007 April on left, I was 166 lbs. Now in 2009 March on right, I am 151 lbs. By the scale, I've lost 15 lbs, but to me it looks like I've lost about 20 lbs of fat. So the difference is probably more muscle, which feels right.

I plan to continue both classes to end of May. If there is enough interest, I'll continue through June and perhaps some special classes during the summer. Please ensure I've got your email or phone number and I'll keep you informed.

2009-01-29T16:44:00.000-08:00

First commercial night a Success.
Tonight's class had enough students to more than cover expenses, so it was a success. Thanks for the feedback on my demo night. Based on that, I simplified my dances, and I also concentrated more on my class rather than my dances. So there was better contact between the class and myself. There were lots of smiles and grins. Everybody seemed to be having lots of fun. Most came to me and said they would be back next week. Music to my ears. Now I also can relax and have fun.

Did you know that I met Beto, the inventor of Zumba? I met him at my first Zumba training session in Toronto. See photo:

Success! I did it! First full class done!

2009-01-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday I did my first full evening class. During the class, many seemed to have a great time based on the laughter, applause and grins. Many congratulated me after the class. This felt really great considering the effort, stress and worry leading up to the class.

Last Saturday, at my CanFitPro class, I had the opportunity to further demonstrate and develop my instructor skills. A lot is happening in my life now. A big effort and challenge and best yet: it seems to be working out OK.

RiverZumba - The beginning

2009-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi. I'm Ed Nicholson and welcome to my blog. I'm a brand new official Zumba instructor. I will start to lead my own classes on 2009 Jan 22 in Deep River, Ontario. I've been involved in Zumba for about a year now and I find it great. I'm sure you will too, if you give it a try.

Zumba is an exercise class based on Latin and international music. You do not have to be a dancer to attend; just to love dancing. I will show you the steps and it doesn't matter how well you do the steps. The idea is to have fun and incidentally, get a great cardio and core workout.

To find out more about Zumba please check out this link:
www.zumba.com

Becoming an official instructor was just my first step from student to instructor. Following that was to set up a business to handle it, which includes meeting rooms, insurance, advertisements and etc. But all that was easy compared to the training.

The training, includes CPR, Group Fitness instructor and the ability to get up in front of a large group of people and lead them. Fortunately, I have the latter from my Toastmasters experience.

The training also includes learning enough detail of about one hour's content of Zumba. This includes about 10 songs. Each song needs a minimum of three movements to use at the appropriate times. Then to transition between them smoothly and keep the whole thing fun.
I've been practicing about one to two hours each day now for months. I'm also planning variations and new songs for the upcoming months of classes.

Did I mention that one has to be very fit to be a good Zumba instructor? Well, there are methods to take a break during each dance, but this is a very advanced technique. And too often the class just stops when the instructor does. I may not be using this method for a bit.

If you check out the link I provided above, you will see "Beto", who is the inventor of Zumba. He has some very advanced techniques that include moving around and in the class. I get a lot of my dance ideas from him.

Ok. Now that I've introduced myself, I'll get on with the second purpose of this blog. This blog is to keep in contact with my students. Please let me know what you think of my class and what you would like to see. I'll also make posts of any special events or class changes.

mailto:riverzumba@gmail.com