By: Erin Moore, BSU Office of Community Engagement—
Muncie, IN—Twice a week, Muncie residents and Ball State College of Health faculty and students come together at Harvest Christian Church to develop healthy habits through a unique combination of exercise classes, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition classes. The Cardinal Zumba program – which includes health assessments, food samples, and child care – is absolutely FREE to all participants and meets year-round on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:45 pm.
Cardinal Zumba is adding strength and conditioning sessions to complement the cardio-focused Zumba classes and nutrition education. The new sessions are made possible by grant funding from the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA) and Hoosier Beverage Association (HBA). They join current funders Ball State University; Indiana Minority Health Coalition; IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital; Indiana Society for Physical Health, Recreation, and Dance; and Purdue Extension.
“This grant program is designed to further the goals of Indiana beverage companies and bottlers to promote health, nutrition, and physical activity in our communities,” said Diane Masariu Carter, HBA representative. “Ball State University is of vital importance to Muncie, Delaware County, and the entire Hoosier state and we are excited to support their service to local residents who strive for a healthier lifestyle. Special thanks to the ABFHA and HBA board of directors for their generous support of this worthy cause.”
A special Cardinal Zumba session will be held on Thursday, September 26 at 6 pm to officially announce the ABFHA and HBA funding and showcase various elements of the program. All members of the public are encouraged to attend.
The announcement will include comments by Mayor Dennis Tyler, College of Health Dean Mitch Whaley, and Christina Jones, assistant professor of health science and program co-creator. A fitness class taught by a Zumba-certified instructor starts at 6:30pm followed by a cooking demonstration and food sample will be followed.
“Cardinal Zumba was developed to provide free fitness and nutrition resources for individuals who might not have access otherwise,” said Shannon Powers, Ph.D., associate teaching professor of Kinesiology and program co-creator. “We are proud to partner with the ABFHA, HBA, and all of our funders to provide free, high quality programs to improve the health outcomes in Muncie and Delaware County.”
For more information about Cardinal Zumba, visit www.facebook.com/cardinalzumba.
