Windsor Rec. and Leisure Relieves Stress One Program at a Time

When the words Town Recreation and Leisure come up, the first thing that pops into the mind of most folks is town-organized youth sports, events and activities. While Windsor does provide a variety of programs for town youth, staff also makes an effort to provide a number of activities for adults looking get physically active.

The adult programs are there to provide residents with a way to become healthier, reduce fatigue, get away from the stressors of work or family life, and lose weight if needed, says Windsor Recreation and Leisure Programmer Debbie Anderson.

"A lot of people have gym memberships so they take classes there. [Our programs] are more for the people who are looking to try an activity and get involved in it at a low rate," she said.

On any given night during the week, adult classes are held in venues across town — the gym at Roger Wolcott; L.P. Wilson's Green Room; the pool at Windsor High.

A variety of programs are offered, including yoga, cardio mix, tai chi, water fitness, dance, open basketball, open volleyball and Zumba.

Programs offered are determined by resident feedback, according to Anderson, who is responsible for program curation.

The feedback provided by residents have given life to newer classes, such as the two yoga programs and Zumba, which has taken the entire nation by storm.

"This is my time out to take the stress away," said Helga Finlay of the town's Zumba class.

"I have three kids, so this is just an hour away without the kids, being able to dance; I love to dance. This is one part of my working out. I'm not a gym rat, but this is for me," she said.

"I started a year ago and noticed my legs and my arms kind of toning up, and that's fine with me."

Zumba has been particularly popular for its fun factor — something that has captured the attention of millions, including Windsor's resident and certified instructor Andrea Javarauckas.

Javarauckas, who teaches Zumba at Roger Wolcott, was introduced to Zumba years ago when a friend invited her to a class. 

A fitness enthusiast at hear, she wasn't too keen on spending an hour following an instructor's dance moves, but ten minutes into her first session she was well into an intense, full-body workout, she recalls.

"I was dying, but you don't realize it because you're having so much fun," she says of her first experience with the dance and fitness hybrid exercise.

"From that point forward, I never missed a class."

She has been certified since 2010.

Zumba's foundation is dance and one's need to move to the up-tempo music that's played, but it's physical benefits are many, says Javarauckas.

"It's highly aerobic; it's a really a wicked cardiovascular workout," she says.

"It works everything. Your arms are up - it's part of your dance - and any time your arms are up, your heart rate is elevated. It's a full-body workout."

Programs organized by the Recreation and Leisure Department are offered throughout the week, including a lunch-time dance class.

Those interested can register for classes on the department's website or in person at the department's office at L.P. Wilson.

For more information on programs offered visit the Recreation and Leisure Department's website, or call 860-285-1990.