含羞草视频

OMAHA, Neb. 鈥� Body positive Zumba classes at 含羞草视频 (CSM) help students improve their body image and let go of self-consciousness.听

鈥淵oung women are always managing their own image and they鈥檙e constantly worried about their image. It鈥檚 disheartening that the default is assuming that their body is not good enough,鈥� said Emily Kahm, associate professor of theology and Zumba instructor. 鈥淚t鈥檚 possibly more crucial than it鈥檚 ever been for women to learn to accept themselves. In Zumba, students go from being insecure to not caring in 45 minutes.鈥澨�

Kahm's Zumba classes take place every Friday in the Lied Fitness Center dance studio on campus.听 The classes allow students to have fun moving their bodies, which helps take the focus away from self-criticism.听

鈥淚 decided to attend the class because I struggle a lot with body image and comparison and I was looking for a place where I could just be myself without fear of judgement. Dr. Kahm is such an uplifting and positive person so I knew that being a part of her class would help me,鈥� said Becka Karnik, a human biology major. 鈥淭he class helped me realize that life is too short to be at war with your body. Instead of focusing on what I can鈥檛 do, I need to focus on what my body听can do. This Zumba class gave me an outlet that allowed me to move my body in a way that not only made me feel good, but helped me appreciate where I was on my journey of who I am becoming.鈥澨�

The inclusive environment Kahm has created in the classes has helped many students build confidence.听

鈥淚 started going to body positive Zumba because I really enjoyed Dr. Kahm's classes, and I knew that she would make them fun and comfortable no matter your body size. It is also a great way to end the week,鈥� said nursing student Carlee Hughes, 鈥淚 have started to feel more confident in my body. I also like knowing that I will not be judged by anyone when I walk into class every week. No one will judge me if I mess up or can't do the steps. Everyone is very welcoming and always come with lots of energy. We also always have fun and the room is filled with laughter.鈥澨�

Kahm received a , which provides funds for projects that enhance teaching and learning in religion and theological studies. Funding from the grant paid for Kahm to receive her Zumba certification and provide protein bars and electrolytes during classes.听

鈥淭he Zumba classes support students鈥� mind, body and spirit. It鈥檚 about celebrating bodies rather than critiquing them. It鈥檚 an important aspect of theology,鈥� Kahm said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also about community building. It鈥檚 a real opportunity for people to enjoy the sisterhood of CSM.鈥澨�

While students practice body acceptance through movement, Kahm is gaining valuable lessons that help improve her classroom teaching.听

鈥淚n a classroom I talk about a thing I am best at. I鈥檓 an expert in the classroom. Teaching Zumba gave me the opportunity to be an amateur. It was a good reminder to be a novice. It鈥檚 been powerful,鈥� she said.听

Kahm, who previously avoided gyms because she was intimidated, joined a local YMCA and began taking dance fitness classes. Having compassionate fitness teachers who provided adaptations for different abilities changed the way she regarded her own body.听

鈥淚nstead of feeling like I had to change, I celebrated what my body could do,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here was also something about being surrounded by older women who were there because they loved moving their bodies. It was the most body positive place I had been in my entire life.鈥澨�

The positive experience she had taking dance fitness classes inspired her to bring Zumba to CSM and create an inclusive environment.听

鈥淚 decided to attend Zumba since Dr. Kahm was the instructor. I knew she would facilitate a welcoming and fun environment. The classes have helped me feel more confident in moving my body,鈥� said Kira Hagan, a kinesiology and exercise science major. 鈥淚 was recently diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and was discouraged and felt like my body was not strong anymore. Through Zumba, I have learned that my body can do more than I thought it could. I can still participate in fun activities even if I have to alter them to work best for me.鈥澨�

Kahm is also gathering data on students鈥� experiences taking her Zumba classes.听听

鈥淪tudents say they鈥檙e having fun and reflecting on how they think about their bodies. But at the least, it鈥檚 a mental reset. It鈥檚 a chance to be goofy, shake and leave feeling good about what we did without being worried what others think,鈥� she said.听

鈥淚 decided to attend the body positive Zumba classes with Dr. Kahm because she鈥檚 amazing and so sweet. I went in very self-conscious and now I am so comfortable,鈥� said nursing student Mia Wilson.听

Body positive Zumba classes are at 12:15 p.m. Fridays in the Lied Fitness Center dance studio through May 9.