New Yorkers Lunge, Twist And Zumba Their Way Through The Pandemic Together

Enlarge this image

Michael Aredes teaches a Zumba class outside Prospect Park in Brooklyn. About 10 women bundled up to join the socially distant exercise class on a recent Saturday.

hide caption

toggle caption

Calla Kessler for NPR

How I Built This with Guy Raz
How I Built Resilience: Alberto Perlman of Zumba

He leans over and sets up two miniature speakers on the pavement. In these crazy times Americans are turning to little things to help them stay sane and find joy. For this group of bundled up New Yorkers, happiness comes in the form of Zumba class outside. And Aredes is here to lead the class, pandemic style. Safely, outdoors.

Enlarge this image

Before the pandemic, Aredes was a bartender at upscale New York City restaurants. He also taught Zumba a couple of days a week at the YMCA. When the pandemic hit he moved class online and then, once the weather warmed up, moved it outdoors.

hide caption

toggle caption

Calla Kessler for NPR

Book Reviews
‘Exercised’ Explains Why It Can Be Hard To Commit To Working Out — And Why We Should

And with a «let’s get the show on the road guys,» Aredes starts the music pumping. Walk by one of the classes he leads in a Brooklyn park or on the sidewalk and it’s practically impossible not to notice him. He’s a big dude — easily 6-ft-tall — with an even bigger spirit. His hair is in a scrunchie and he’s clapping his hands over his head, calling out «hey, hey» while lunging, twisting and doing graceful dance moves with his hands. It feels like you are just a few feet away from cheerleading practice or a Broadway rehearsal and Aredes is the choreographer.

Enlarge this image

Felice Tebbe (left) and Gwen Knowles (right) bundled up to attend the class. Both women are grateful for human interaction and an emotional boost.

hide caption

toggle caption

Calla Kessler for NPR

Enlarge this image

Aredes instructs students in an outdoor Zumba class. Many students say the class provides much needed joy during the stress of the pandemic.

hide caption

toggle caption

Calla Kessler for NPR

Enlarge this image

While Aredes enjoys teaching Zumba classes, his dream was always to work in fine dining, and the pandemic has put that on hold.

hide caption

toggle caption

Calla Kessler for NPR

Enlarge this image

Aredes’ students love his classes and frequently use the words words «love» and «life saver» when they talk about him. He’s grateful for the students too.

hide caption

toggle caption

Calla Kessler for NPR

Enlarge this image

Students stretch at the end of the Zumba class.

hide caption

toggle caption

Calla Kessler for NPR

Students stretch at the end of the Zumba class.

Calla Kessler for NPR

• zumba
• pandemic
• coronavirus
• music and exercise
• exercise
• New York