May 2022 Instructor of the Month - Jackie Britton
The YMCA of Parkersburg's Instructor of the Month is designed to help you get to know the instructors that help make our Y community great, from our group fitness instructors to the coaches of our various programs. This month, we are welcoming back Jackie Britton who work as a Zumba Instructor. Let’s get to know her:
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself: what are some fun facts about you?
I’m second generation American via Sicily. I have been married for 16 years and we have three young children together. We live in the woods with an orchard, huge garden and a rowdy band of chickens. All summer long, our favorite thing to do as a family is harvest, can vegetables and make jams. If a milk goat happened to fall into my lap one day, I wouldn’t be sad about it.
2. What to you teach at the YMCA of Parkersburg? Tell us a little bit about it.
I am licensed to teach Zumba, Zumba Kids and Zumba Kids Jr.
Zumba involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. It is an interval workout that moves between high and low intensity dances. Zumba helps develop endurance, agility and balance. It is easy to modify the dances to your level of fitness and impact preferences.
3. When and why did you become an instructor? What's your teaching style?
My Zumba training took place in May, 2017. I liked it so much that I earned a specialty in teaching it to children. My style is very laid back. It’s important to me to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere because dance fitness can be intimidating. I want everyone at every fitness level to feel welcome and to leave with a sweaty smiling face at the end of the workout. It’s important to me that you feel good about what you have just achieved.
Like most people, I struggle with my weight. Instructing helps me on my own journey while also helping other people, no matter where on your journey you are. Dance lifts my spirit and makes me thankful for the opportunity and ability to work out. I did not have prior dancing experience before Zumba, and you don’t need any to do well and enjoy the class.
5. What is your most favorite part of teaching at the YMCA of Parkersburg?
I believe in the mission of the YMCA. The Y contributes to the community and I am thankful to be a part of that contribution again. My favorite part of the Y is the employee and client family. I taught at the Y a few years ago and when I returned recently, I saw a lot of very friendly faces that I have missed. I am excited and hopeful to see the people that I used to dance with. I have missed laughing and sweating with you and I can’t wait to meet new dance partners!
For more information about Zumba please visit our website. She will also be teaching a FREE Zumba in the Park class this summer at City Park by the pool. Classes will be on Tuesdays at 7:00PM starting June 7th.