SUNY Cortland students looking to break a sweat and relieve stress, have a fun new option on campus.
Zumba classes are held at the Student Life Center (SLC). The classes take place on the second floor in the Center Group Exercise Room and provide students with an energetic way to stay fit and decompress from the pressures of college life. Organized by the campus fitness program, the Zumba classes are offered on a drop-in basis, allowing students the chance to get active without the commitment of a long-term class.
This fall semester, students can look forward to Zumba sessions led by Megan on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Abby on Thursdays at 5:45 p.m. Both instructors bring their own flair to the classes, creating an exciting, upbeat environment that blends dance with fitness. SUNY Cortland offers a membership plan for those interested in regular access to all Student Life Center classes. Students can join for $45.00 per semester, while faculty, staff, their spouses, partners, and dependents can join for $65.00 per semester. For anyone interested in trying out a class or attending only occasionally, the “per-class” fee is available at $5.00 per class. Membership allows students and staff to attend not only Zumba but also a variety of other fitness classes, such as spinning and yoga, held in different rooms throughout the SLC:
Mind Body (MB) Room, 2nd Floor: Provides a peaceful setting for yoga and mindfulness classes that encourage relaxation and flexibility.
Group Exercise (GX) Room, 2nd Floor: Hosts Zumba and other group classes designed to maximize movement and high-energy workouts.
Spinning Room (SR), 1st Floor: Equipped with stationary bikes for indoor cycling sessions that focus on cardio and endurance.
SUNY Cortland’s email system notifies students about upcoming free Zumba classes and other fitness events. These free offerings are intended to make fitness accessible to everyone, with the hope that students who try out a session will enjoy it enough to keep coming back. The classes have become a popular way for students to take a break from studying and let loose in a supportive, high-energy environment. College can be stressful, especially with assignments and exams. Zumba provides a mental break and physical outlet.
Designed for all skill levels, the classes blend high-energy dance routines with rhythmic Latin-inspired music, making fitness feel more like a party than a workout. For many students, it’s also a chance to learn from their peers. Some of the Zumba instructors are fellow SUNY Cortland students who work at the SLC as certified group exercise instructors. These student-instructors are trained specifically to lead Zumba and are eager to share their passion for fitness with the campus community. “A lot of students come in feeling nervous, especially if it’s their first Zumba class, but by the end, they’re all smiling and sweating,” says a SUNY Cortland student.
The SLC’s fitness program strives to create a welcoming environment that encourages students of all fitness levels to get active. The free Zumba classes are a key part of this mission, offering a group workout that is not only fun but beneficial for mental health as well. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can reduce anxiety and improve mood, making Zumba an ideal stress-relief option for students juggling a busy schedule. Students interested in joining a Zumba class or learning more about the fitness program can contact Kate Jensen, the Graduate Assistant for Fitness/Group Exercise and Wellness, through her SUNY Cortland email. Whether they’re looking to make new friends, try something different, or simply unwind, students are finding Zumba to be a valuable addition to campus life.