Belizeans keeping healthy with aerobics
For years many Belizean women have stayed in shape by taking aerobics classes, and recently the popular workout known as Taebo, which has taken the United States fitness world by storm, has also gained a following here in Belize. But like so many other things that will be affected by the passage of the copyright law, even this may be taken away. One of the instructors is already considering discontinuing the classes or modifying her routines for fear of being sued by Taebo creator Billy Blanks. But the threat of lawsuits aside, News Five’s Hyacinth Latchman wanted to find out why so many women are attracted to this workout so she suited up, did a few stretches and jumped right on in.
I visited the Body 2000 Gym and did one of two Taebo aerobics sessions and later found out that they are not as easy as they look. I asked some of the students why they like Taebo routines.
Deana Gomez
“It keeps you going through the entire exercise with little time to rest and drink water. I think it is a very good exercise and at the same time works out all parts of the body. You notice we do hands, legs, everything at the same time. It’s a good body workout.
You see results from it. It’s not too stressful on any of your joints or body parts. So it’s not like running which I love as well, or any other exercise which is straining on the knees or joints.”
Dawn Adderley
“It keeps me in shape and it gives me stamina like how you know I do dancing. It builds stamina for me and I am loosing weight too.”
Laura Thompson
“Because it kills you; it’s a good overall workout. You feel it in your arms and your body, your legs everything. It is a good cardiovascular workout.”
The instructor of this Taebo class at Body 2000 says that the girls working out at his class are now more self-assured.
Julian Fuller, Instructor
“A lot of the girls say they feel a little bit more confident about their bodies. They are able to wear something a little bit more sexy, but not too suggestive, but just that they are more confident and more sexy. Sexy is one of the words that the girls use. And the sense of energy that when they go out there after a class they can basically face the whole day that comes to them.”
Hyacinth Latchman
“Well I have to congratulate these people who do this on a regular basis. This isn’t easy. As a matter of fact this is hard. I’ll have to see if Jackie Aguet’s class will be easier.”
Jackie Aguet, who has been an aerobic instructor for two and a half years, says that while the fitness aspect is important to her students she also finds that their confidence soars after they attend workouts.
Jackie Aguet, Instructor
“Everyone is concerned about looking good, being slim and also the self-esteem you gain from exercising regularly and maintaining a beautiful body is very important to Belizean women now. I am proud of them.
Everyone is enjoying my class so far and they have seen great results. So I encourage them to keep up the good work, to have a very good diet and to maintain the weight with regular exercises.”
Anjali Vasquez
“Being overweight puts a down on your self-esteem. To workout makes you feel good and relieves stress and gives you more energy.”
Evalee Skeen
“She gives me a lot of energy. After I leave from her class I feel great. I could do anything after this class.
You lose the weight. Whatever you want to lose you will lose because she works the entire body and it’s great and fun.”
Beverly Gallathy
“I like to try and stay in shape as much as possible. I like to feel agile. It’s good for my age. I enjoy exercising. I love exercise. I’ve been coming to Jackie for a total of two years and I found out she was here in February and then I started back.”
Jackie Jones
“I’ve been working out since February of last year and I lost over thirty-five pounds. I enjoy it because it’s healthy and it keeps you fit. It keeps you going for the next day. So I intend to continue and don’t stop.”
Hyacinth Latchman
“Well Jackie’s class was not easy. But I definitely give two thumbs up for a heavy workout and she actually made me sweat. Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.”
Both instructors say that they would like to encourage men to attend aerobics classes as it is not only for women. Another Taebo course is also being offered in Belize City by Rick Bateman at Riverside Hall. Several men attend the workouts regularly. It’s not clear at this point how Belizean aerobics instructors are going to deal with the potential for a lawsuit if they continue to call their courses Taebo. But one instructor did call Billy Blank’s Gym in Los Angeles to find out about becoming certified as a Taebo instructor and was told that this was impossible and that Blanks would sue anyone using his routines without authorization. If this is true, Belizeans may only have a few more months to enjoy Taebo. And in case you’re wondering, Hyacinth has recovered from her workouts, but has refused to comment on whether or not she will go back to the gym.
