School Solutions: Teachers & Students Zumba

Just a few weeks into the program, teachers have already seen some major weight-loss.

WFMY News 2's Tracey McCain shows us how a combination of aerobics and dance became their school solution.

You won't find any books in this after school program. Just a fast beat and Latin dance moves. All this moving around is called Zumba.

"The goal is to get everybody up, get them moving and just try to focus on some healthy habits," said Stoneville Elementary and work-out instructor Molitha Spencer.

The 5th grade teacher started the class to help her co-workers and it quickly caught on. Now even kids are doing it.

"I think they forgot to turn the air on," said teacher Marly Joyce-Nelson. "It's a little hot," laughed another teacher.

Teachers meet three days a week after school and work-out with their students every Friday morning right after the first bell. They already see a big difference in students.

"They seem more motivated. They seem more excited. They don't seem as restless. So I'm seeing a big difference in their energy level and how much their paying attention in class," said Spencer.

And they also see a change in their own bodies. "Since Easter I've lost 30 pounds," said Spencer. "I've lost about 25 pounds. Zumba class in addition to walking and I'm just trying to get fit at home also," said Joyce-Nelson.

The Pre-Kindergarten teacher added exercising is about more than just losing weight. "I've got high blood pressure and I've got a 10 year old daughter and I want to be around to raise her," she said.

Students have their own idea about what the program is all about. "It's fun!" said Sydnee Vaden, a 4th grade student. "I'm glad that Ms. Spencer taught us because it's really fun."

"It's involving you and it's like you're moving something," said 5th grader Callie Lovell. "It's like you're playing."

The Zumba class is working on losing about 200 pounds. The group also follows a nutrition program. They swap healthy recipes and snack ideas at every meeting.