THIS SUMMER, HPPC’S FREE ZUMBA CLASSES, LED BY LAURA WAGNER ARE RETURNING TO HUNTER’S POINT SOUTH PARK! FOR THREE NIGHTS - AUGUST 23RD, 30TH, AND SEPTEMBER 9TH - AT 6:30PM LAURA WILL TEACH HER BEGINNER ZUMBA CLASS IN THE PARK. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO REGISTER.
Laura currently teaches in-person Zumba and STRONG Nation (HIIT) classes every Tuesday at Next Level Fitness located at 992 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221. More information can be found at the links below on her social media channels and Zumba Instructor Page.
Instagram: @laura_marie_wagner
Facebook: Laura Wagner Facebook
Alternatively, you can find a list of upcoming Zumba classes on Laura’s Zumba Instructor Page here: Laura Wagner Zumba Instructor Page
READ ON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LAURA AND HER PASSION FOR ZUMBA!
First off, quick background info. Tell us your name, where you're from and what you do.
My name is Laura Wagner. I grew up in the Midwest and New York City has been my home since 2008. Fitness is my PASSION! I’m a 3rd generation fitness professional, and the first to take the family talent to the Big Apple.
How'd you get into Zumba? How long have you been a Zumba instructor?
I fell in love with Zumba 11 years ago during my travels, and I began teaching after a trip to Honduras, where I danced with Latin locals and connected with their passion, music, and culture. Zumba was a “gateway drug” for me, as it opened my eyes to the incredible world of health and wellness, including additional fitness formats (HIIT, strength, abs) and wellness topics (nutrition, coaching, etc.). Zumba is where the magic happens.
What's your favorite thing about what you do?
What I love about teaching Zumba (and Group Fitness in general) is that it gives me a platform to connect with people from all walks of life and, for even the briefest of moments, put a smile on their faces. To be successful in Zumba, you need to be in an environment of pure positivity and as a result, stress and worries melt away, allowing you to escape into a state of pure JOY. This experience is outside of yourself and in a way, larger than life. As a student you can’t help but leave feeling happy, and as an instructor you can’t help but feel proud of what you’ve accomplished for others in a short 60 minutes.
How is teaching in the park different from teaching in a studio?
Dancing in the park is a different experience than in a studio. I highly recommend the outdoors! In a studio environment, students might be tempted to spend time analyzing themselves in the mirror and forget to let go and have fun. Did you know studies show that being outside makes people happier? Nature is a natural stress reliever, and it helps people feel connected, while providing some much-needed Vitamin D, along with sweeping city views! What could be better?
When you're not teaching, what is your favorite thing to do in the parks?
When I'm not teaching my favorite thing to do is be active! Sometimes I’ll take a walk in the park while sipping my morning espresso to collect my thoughts. Other times I’ll just hop on my bike and see how many miles I can ride! As long as I’m moving outside in the parks, I’m happy.
Lastly, how do you motivate/energize yourself to be active when you're feeling lazy?
Mind over matter. JUST DO IT. We all struggle with feeling lazy at times. In my personal experience, I ALWAYS feel better after I’ve moved my body in one way or another. Intuitively I remember how amazing it feels to get up and walk to get my coffee, or simply take a leisurely stroll in the park. (Even when I’m tired.) So, I just do it because the delayed gratification is worth the effort.