Karen Claudio owns the company BellaFIT, which provides in-home personal training and fitness services through the western suburbs. She has brought her expertise to Brookfield and runs a class called Zumba where participants engage in Latin dance while working out.
Q What is Zumba?
A In general, it is Latin dance and international dance moves and putting that to music. I take the salsa, meringue and add fitness moves to it. It takes the authentic moves to music and adds the fitness. Participants have noticed the tone and strength in their bodies.
Q Can anyone do it?
A Anyone can do it. I have a wide age range; the youngest person I had was 16 years old. I have had a couple women bring their grandchildren. The oldest person I had was 72.
Q How did you become a fitness instructor and how did you get started with Zumba?
A I started teaching fitness classes in 1989 and taught at a few local health clubs and just always had a love for fitness. I opened a small fitness training facility and did that for quite a few years. I got away from the group fitness, everything was cookie-cutter, and I didn’t feel like the clients I was recommending always fit in.
The great thing about Zumba is no matter where you are, if you have danced before or not, if you have worked out before or not, my goal is to make everyone feel comfortable. I love the way it allows someone to get a great workout in without thinking about working out. They feel like they went dancing with a bunch of girlfriends.
Q What other classes do you teach?
A I do a wide range. I noticed there was a lot of people who came to Zumba; now I teach a wide array of classes. Rock Bottoms is 45 minutes and targets lower body and hips; a 30-minute abs class. Hula Hooping is the newest one. On the ball, we use a big exercise ball and use that for toning and cardio workout; that is 45 minutes also. I teach some outdoor bootcamps and a couple indoor in the winter time.
Q Why did you offer these classes in Brookfield?
A I decided to open the classes in Brookfield because I grew up there. We were noticing the only thing offered was yoga. Residents had to go to a different town, and residents would enjoy having classes in town to attend. There has been a great response, so we are committed to get fitness activities going.
