Special to UM News

Geydis Pupo teaches beginner LA-style salsa classes with John Salerno on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Herbert Wellness Center. LA-style is the classic version of salsa dance most recognized around the world.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (March 3, 2016) – University of Miami students, faculty, staff, and alumni come together at the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center to teach the UM community how to live healthier lives. Registration for the second session of the Herbert Wellness Center’s group instructional fitness classes, often taught by UM’s own, begins Tuesday, March 8 and ends Sunday, March 20. The classes are open to members and non-members of the facility.

As dance instructors at the Herbert Wellness Center, John Salerno, Geydis Pupo, and Maru Geist are leading the way. Salerno is a research training and education core coordinator in the School of Nursing and Health Studies, Pupo is a senior in the School of Nursing and Health Studies, and Geist is an alumna from the School of Business.

“We are fortunate to have an instructor team that is comprised of UM students, faculty, staff, and alumni in that it allows us to foster a supportive and healthy community at UM,” said Michelle Kasparian, assistant director of group exercise and community classes at the Herbert Wellness Center. “Canes are teaching their fellow ’Canes how to live healthy and well.”

Learn how to be a showstopper by taking salsa classes with Salerno and Pupo, or strengthen your core, posture, and flexibility with ballet-inspired barre fitness classes taught by Geist. If you are looking for fun and easy ways to get moving and connect with fellow ’Canes, sign up for an instructional dance class—no experience necessary.

“Our members and students are so interested in learning about fitness and bringing healthy changes to their lives, that for me as an instructor, they are a dream come true,” said Geist. “Our members are committed to their goals, disciplined in their routines, and serious about challenging themselves every time they come to class.”

In addition to dance classes, adult aquatics, martial arts, tennis, and Aqua Zumba classes are offered. A free trial week of the first meeting for these instructional fitness classes is also offered beginning Monday, March 14. Registration is not required for the free class, and spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Herbert Wellness Center also offers youth aquatics classes available to members and non-members. Registration for youth aquatics opens on Tuesday, March 8 and closes on Monday, March 14. A free trial for these classes is not offered.

Register for instructional community classes online or call the sales office at 305-284-5433, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.