Action Line #91205–Zumba Class Published Jan. 29, 2010 By 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Complaint: Complaint 1: I was just writing because I was hoping to get Zumba classes free at the gym. I have been going to the class since May and I love it. It is a great workout and I love being able to work out with other people. When you have other people working out with you, it helps keep you motivated. The class is $3 a class which doesn't seem like a lot, but overtime it adds up. I usually go three times a week, so that's $9 a week, and $36 a month. I love going, but it is getting to be really expensive. If the classes were free I think it would encourage others to start working out more. There is already a big following at this base, but I think a lot more people would fall in love with Zumba if it were free. Our class is the most popular one at the gym, so I feel that it should be free. I find I have more energy now that I am doing Zumba. It's a fun way to burn those calories. The instructor is awesome, she really keeps us all motivated. Thank you for listening. Complaint 2: I really enjoy going to Zumba class and have been attending the class since April. It has been a great way for me to meet other people on base and I've made friends with woman I never would have met if I hadn't gone to the class. Jessica is one of the best instructers I've ever had; she has a great style and it is always a pleasure to attend the class and see what she has come up with this time. A concern of mine for some time has been the cost of the class. I have noticed that there are other classes at the fitness center that are free and I'm wondering why Zumba is not free. I feel that if it were to be offered to the community at no charge more people could check out the class and fall in love with it like I have. I've asked Jessica about this and she always directs us to share our concerns and comments with the gym staff or by making a comment on ICE, however, she has told us numerous times that the gym does not have the funding to add another contract to make her class free. I know that the cycling class is currently free and that the instructor is going to PCS soon. Is it possible for the Zumba class to pick up that contract? Between the two offered classes, I feel the numbers will show that Zumba is more popular, and I feel Jessica has proven herself as an instructor and deserves the contract. I know that the cycling and also cardio sculpt classes are FIP qualified; is that why they have contracts and Zumba does not? What qualifies a class to be FIP? I know I have asked a lot of questions, but basically I'd like to have a comprehensive explanation given to explain why funding is available for some classes and not all, as it seems unfair to favor one class over another and if that is the case, then I want to voice my opinion and favor Zumba! Complaint 3: The price of Zumba is $3 a class. The class is offered 5 times a week for a total of $15 a week. That means for a whole month I pay $60 just to go to Zumba...which is more than I paid for 1 month gym membership in the states, which included all classes and child care. I even have some friends that will not go because you have to pay, and one whose husband made her stop going because it got too expensive. I don't see why we have to pay for the class? Do any of the other classes charge? Also, the room is HOT! Sometimes they open the windows, if we ask. There isn't always a fan in there so we have to get that too. The one day we plugged it in and the plug actually caught on fire! Not sure what you could do about that, but just thought I would mention it. Maybe air conditioning! And the stereo they offered Jess was horrible! The music wouldn't play, or it would be in and out and stopping. (which isn't good when you are trying to keep your heart rate up!) Not loud enough at all. That is part of the class, you need loud music to feel the beat. She is borrowing a friend of mines for the time being. I have made a lot of friends thanks to Zumba. I just wish I could give something back, so this is my chance. Just offering suggestions and letting you know of any issues. Thanks for listening! Complaint 4: I'm a faithful Zumba student and would like to make a suggestion to have the classes provided to active duty, dependents and civilian personnel at no charge. I understand that this may cause a problem with the funding for fitness center actives however on average Jessica Peris' classes have around 20 students in attendance so your money won't be going to waist. I believe that providing the classes at no charge will allow one income household members to also participate. Her classes allow participants to engage in social networking as well as a fun way to get/maintain our fitness goals. I've seen the commercials that say, "Fit Focused Fighting for What's Right" please consider that when making your decision. Response: We are so happy that you enjoy the Zumba classes and that you are staying fit. Our fitness classes have developed a strong following and we are happy to have Jessica as one of our instructors; we agree she is a great asset to our team of fitness professionals. Regarding the cost of the class, I wish we could offer all our fitness classes for free. However, with decreasing budgets, we no longer have the capability of funding additional contracts. In order to offer a more diverse class schedule, some classes must be paid for by the participants or conducted by volunteers and the fitness center staff. This is the case for Zumba. With that being said, we've priced the class at the lowest rate we can afford at this time. As we develop our budget for next year, we will be happy to consider Zumba as part of the lineup. However, our budget is exhausted for this year. We hope you understand. Thanks for your input and keep up the great work outs!