Mitchell gets into a Zumba groove

Fitness fan Sally Whittaker wants everyone in Mitchell to get active.

FIT AND FUN: Sally Whittaker has started teaching Zumba in Mitchell. Picture: Jorja McDonnell

FITNESS: Mitchell's first-ever Zumba classes were held at the Great Artesian Spa last week, and welcomed all to join the movement.

Sally Whittaker is spearheading the fitness class in town and her first week teaching the workout was a resounding success.

"I did my instructor course in December and Tuesday was my first time instructing a class,” she said.

"Getting up there for the first time was quite nerve-wracking, but I've done sporting events in my past career in the Australian swimming team, so I'm used to being up in front of people.

"We had a few more people than I expected at the first class on Tuesday morning, with about 10 adults and five kids coming along.

"It was really nice and, considering it was the first session, it was really good to see people here,” she said.

Mrs Whittaker's goal is to make it inclusive for people of all ages and abilities in Mitchell.

"I wanted to give something to the community that everyone could do, including kids and teenagers,” she said.

"I find Zumba is for all ages and athletic types and there is nothing else out this way that can cater to everyone.

"I just thought that Zumba would be good for everyone, from the non-athletic to the super-fit.

"And I can personally do it without getting out of breath too.”

Mrs Whittaker also hopes the classes will get more people trying Mitchell's other fitness options.

"We have the free gym here too, so I think bringing people here and showing them our facilities is a great way to get people involved.

"Down the track, I want to eventually do more fitness class certifications to run box-fit and things like that and we also have Zumba Tone coming up, which is Zumba with added weights.”

Zumba is held in Mitchell every Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening.

Cost is $8 per person.