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Community Corner

Zumba Crazy Hits Nathaniel Witherell

Wheelchairs and All!

If you’re at Nathaniel Witherell any given Thursday morning, it’s impossible to miss the morning group activity. The zumba craze has swept the town-owned rehabilitation and nursing center and it feels like a party. Just follow the music and cheerful voice of Wendy Rosa, certified Zumba Gold instructor, as she calls out, “Roll your wrists! Wiggle your toes! Lift your foot! Now the other foot! Raise your arms and each for the sky!” and you’ll see this is where the fun is.

From their wheelchairs the seniors get an amazing workout, and according to recreation director, Mary Bruce, and aide Sandy Heath, they’ve seen significant improvements in the rehabilitation of several residents including one resident recovering from a stroke who, with the help of zumba, is starting to regain movement. Why? It helps that they these seniors are having so much fun.

Who wouldn’t? With a playlist of all-time favorite hits like the Beer Barrel Polka, Mambo Itialiano, and the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B, everyone feels included.

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Probably the peak of excitement is the Chicken Dance and it’s impossible to feel silly when everyone is having so much fun. The familiar tunes evoke collective memories and make for a social bonding experience that everyone in the room can share. Add to that light-up batons, beach balls and optional hats and silly glasses, and people are dancing in their seats.

The residents may not be craving a workout but after an hour that’s exactly what happens. The instructor herself found out about the joys of zumba by happy accident one day at her gym. “I was in spinning class and in the next room over they sounded like they were having way more fun,” Rosa said. “That’s when I found out about zumba and there was no turning back.”

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In addition to Rosa at the helm, recreation aide Sandy Heath models the exercises and works the room, helping people individually. “Sandy Heath has incredible energy and she’s an awesome dancer,” said Mary Bruce. The observation was duly noted. Heath is also a certified healing touch provider and certified yoga teacher.

Toward the end of the hour, as the pace picked up and the energy increased, there were a great many smiles. “It’s a terrific release for them,” said Heath. Indeed. And with that, everyone headed off for lunch with a hard-earned appetite.

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