New, Moving or Expanding: Fitness Instructor's Arthritis Diagnosis Leads to Zumba Studio


Read about Caryn Locke, a fitness instructor who discovered Zumba and benefits from it.

Caryn Locke has been a group fitness instructor for 23 years. About a year and a half ago, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

It didn’t spell the end of her career. It helped launch a beginning.

Locke, 44, who lives in Sartell and has a master’s degree in exercise physiology from St. Cloud State University, discovered Zumba. The trademarked exercise program with an extensive associated line of clothing and DVDs is touted as a Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness party.

It’s easier on my joints,” Locke said. “It’s high intensity, but it’s fun.”

Locke has found many others who think so, too. This fall, she opened Caryn’s Studio at 1305 Second St. S (www.dancingwithcaryn.com) and now has Zumba classes going as often as seven days a week.

I was the first one in the area to teach Zumba and for a while I rented space at Just For Kix,” said Locke, who is from Grand Forks, N.D., and worked at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D., before moving to Central Minnesota. “Before long, I needed my own studio because it was getting so popular.”

The studio has a 2,400-square-foot dance surface. Classes range from 30 to 75 people.

It’s different from any other space in town,” said Locke, who previously was a coordinator at Midtown Fitness in St. Cloud. “I call it my happy place because we worked hard to make it bright, inviting, well-ventilated and a place where people would feel comfortable to come and have a good time.”

Locke pays a monthly fee to be able to provide the music and choreography, which includes cumbia, salsa, reggaeton and merengue. She says her students range in age from early 20s to 70s.

Classes typically last about an hour. The first one is free. After that, you can walk in for $8.59 per session, buy a 10-class punch card for $64.42, a 30-day unlimited pass for $42.95, or a 90-day unlimited pass for $118.11. CentraCare employees are eligible for a discount, Locke said.

Locke, who has been married for 25 years and has three children, also has American Council on Exercise certification as a yoga instructor and personal trainer.

Article Source:  http://www.sctimes.com