Body positive Zumba classes at CSM aim to help women improve body image

OMAHA, Neb. – Body positive Zumba classes at College of Saint Mary (CSM) help students improve their body image and let go of self-consciousness. 

“Young women are always managing their own image and they’re constantly worried about their image. It’s disheartening that the default is assuming that their body is not good enough,” said Emily Kahm, associate professor of theology and Zumba instructor. “It’s possibly more crucial than it’s ever been for women to learn to accept themselves. In Zumba, students go from being insecure to not caring in 45 minutes.” 

Kahm's Zumba classes take place every Friday in the Lied Fitness Center dance studio on campus.  The classes allow students to have fun moving their bodies, which helps take the focus away from self-criticism. 

“I started going to body positive Zumba because I really enjoyed Dr. Kahm's classes, and I knew that she would make them fun and comfortable no matter your body size. It is also a great way to end the week,” said nursing student Carlee Hughes, “I have started to feel more confident in my body. I also like knowing that I will not be judged by anyone when I walk into class every week. No one will judge me if I mess up or can't do the steps. Everyone is very welcoming and always come with lots of energy. We also always have fun and the room is filled with laughter.” 

Kahm received a Wabash Center grant, which provides funds for projects that enhance teaching and learning in religion and theological studies. Funding from the grant paid for Kahm to receive her Zumba certification and provide protein bars and electrolytes during classes. 

“The Zumba classes support students’ mind, body and spirit. It’s about celebrating bodies rather than critiquing them. It’s an important aspect of theology,” Kahm said. “It’s also about community building. It’s a real opportunity for people to enjoy the sisterhood of CSM.” 

While students practice body acceptance through movement, Kahm is gaining valuable lessons that help improve her classroom teaching. 

“In a classroom I talk about a thing I am best at. I’m an expert in the classroom. Teaching Zumba gave me the opportunity to be an amateur. It was a good reminder to be a novice. It’s been powerful,” she said. 

Kahm, who previously avoided gyms because she was intimidated, joined a local YMCA and began taking dance fitness classes. Having compassionate fitness teachers who provided adaptations for different abilities changed the way she regarded her own body. 

“Instead of feeling like I had to change, I celebrated what my body could do,” she said. “There was also something about being surrounded by older women who were there because they loved moving their bodies. It was the most body positive place I had been in my entire life.” 

The positive experience she had taking dance fitness classes inspired her to bring Zumba to CSM and create an inclusive environment. 

“I decided to attend Zumba since Dr. Kahm was the instructor. I knew she would facilitate a welcoming and fun environment. The classes have helped me feel more confident in moving my body,” said Kira Hagan, a kinesiology and exercise science major. “I was recently diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and was discouraged and felt like my body was not strong anymore. Through Zumba, I have learned that my body can do more than I thought it could. I can still participate in fun activities even if I have to alter them to work best for me.”     

Kahm is also gathering data on students’ experiences taking her Zumba classes.  

“Students say they’re having fun and reflecting on how they think about their bodies. But at the least, it’s a mental reset. It’s a chance to be goofy, shake and leave feeling good about what we did without being worried what others think,” she said. 

“I decided to attend the body positive Zumba classes with Dr. Kahm because she’s amazing and so sweet. I went in very self-conscious and now I am so comfortable,” said nursing student Mia Wilson. 

Body positive Zumba classes are at 12:15 p.m. Fridays in the Lied Fitness Center dance studio through May 9.