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Leeds hospice set to host first ever Zumbathon
LEAP OF FAITH: Michelle Brennan is taking part in the Zumbathon, at St Gemmas Hospice, Moortown, Leeds.
It’s the hottest fitness craze at the moment, with millions of people choosing it as their ultimate fat-burning method.
And on Sunday, (February 19) a hospice in Leeds hopes that fundraisers will lose pounds in weight and gain pounds in money at its first-ever Zumbathon.
The event, from 10am until 1pm at The Grammar School at Leeds in Alwoodley, is aimed at raising thousands for St Gemma’s Hospice in Moortown, as well as encouraging people to take up the dance craze.
Participants include hospice fundraiser Michelle Brennan, who joined the charity in January and wanted to start her job with a brand new challenge.
She is also set to marry fiance Larry in April and wants to be as fit as possible for the wedding.
Michelle told the YEP she was determined to complete the Zumbathon – and after seeing the emotional struggles endured by St Gemma’s patients, she thinks a three-hour session will be a piece of cake.
She said: “I am really excited to take part in this fantastic event. I know the atmosphere will be amazing.
“It will be humbling to surround myself with fellow St Gemma’s supporters who are all pushing themselves to help raise vital funds for our patients.”
The Zumbathon is open to men and women, with St Gemma’s asking participants to simply raise as much as they can for the hospice, which is the largest in West Yorkshire and fourth largest in England.
The session will be a mixture of slow and fast dances, with lots of chances for people to catch their breath, have a drink and prepare for the next work-out.
A three-hour session is meant to burn up to 2,400 calories – enough to account for 22 Kit Kats or nine medium portions of McDonald’s fries.
Zumba is a Latin dance-inspired fitness programme created by dancer and choreographer Alberto ‘Beto’ Perez in Colombia during the 1990s.
It involves dance and aerobic elements, with the choreography incorporating hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, martial arts and some Bollywood and belly dance moves.
Squats and lunges are also included – and there is still time for people to sign up for Sunday’s event.
Entry costs £5.
For more information or to take part, visit: www.leedszumbathon.co.uk, email: francines@st-gemma.co.uk or call (0113) 2185505.
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