Sophomore Amanda Cifelli became a licensed Zumba instructor after finding inspiration through her love for the activity and an Iona alumna.

Cifelli explained that as a freshman she attended a Zumba class held by Phi Sigma Sigma and taught by alumna Gabby Farah.

“She was so passionate and energetic,” Cifelli said. “She expressed to me how she taught Zumba here at Iona when she went here a few years ago, and since she graduated, nobody ever took over.”

This inspired Cifelli to go and take an instructor class to get her Zumba license. She has been teaching in Hynes Athletic Center since the beginning of January.

“My favorite thing about Zumba is that it is fun and I’m burning hundreds of calories in one session by just dancing and having fun,” said Cifelli. “It’s also a great way to get your friends together and meet other people who have similar interests as you.”

Her passion for the workout routine began at home where she would take classes at her gym and play a Zumba video game on Wii with her family.

“I think everyone should give Zumba a try because even if they’re not the best dancer, it’s more about having fun and working up a sweat than being a good at dancing,” Cifelli said. “A single one hour session of Zumba includes cardio, a leg workout, an arm work out, [and it] works your back muscles and abs.”

Cifelli wants those who may not have taken a Zumba class, or aren’t confident in their abilities, to know that they aren’t alone.

“I would tell someone who is new to the activity that there are others in the class who are also beginners, and everyone was a beginner at some point,” Cifelli said. “It is important to step out of a comfort zone and trust the body in order to realize one’s full potential.”

Cifelli holds Zumba classes in the Hynes Athletic Center on most Monday from 5-6 p.m. and Tuesday 12-12:30 p.m. An exact schedule is available at the front desk of the Hynes Athletics Center.