The Coors Fitness Center has enbraced a new fitness class called Oula (oo-la). Similar to Zumba, Oula is a dance-based class that will get your heart racing. According to the official website, it is a “high-energy, easy to learn, calorie burning, crazy-fun dance workout.” Expect to dance and sing along to the most popular songs out right now while also getting a really great workout.

Oula is an updated version of Zumba, but the dances are less inspired by Latin culture and are influenced more by modern dance. Usually, in Zumba, you’ll listen to Latin pop music to get your body moving, but, in Oula, you’ll listen to the top hits like Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.”

While most Zumba classes stick with the same routines and songs to let you perfect them, Oula is not the same. The great thing about it is that the music you dance to is constantly changing, so the routines won’t get old and you’ll be on the tips of your toes to keep up.
The exact breakdown of Oula dance is quite diverse. The moves are taken from ballet, jazz and modern dance, and transformed into an aerobic and high-intensity workout. The goal of the class is to get you moving, but also to empower the people participating, creating positive self-image and a passion for life. The empowerment comes from the uplifting workouts and the self-confidence that comes from getting in shape.

Erin Schoepke is the Denver/ DU instructor and will help guide you into this new-age fitness class. She was selected through an audition that occurs annually to ensure the instructors are always up-to-date and teaching you the right moves for the most beneficial workout.

So, why take this class? For a super, butt-kicking workout while having fun and listening to your heart-pumping music. Oula is high-energy, and the hour-long class will help burn those extra unwanted calories.

For the dancers who are in shape, the dance moves will tone your body and add definition. Don’t worry if you’re not a particularly seasoned dancer; any level will be able to participate.

The class is also a great motivator to exercise in other ways, too, by motivating you to keep exercising and to attend Oula classes every week. “You will feel inspired and exhausted at the end of each class,” says Schoepke.

By taking these classes regularly, you’ll start to form a bond with the other people in the class, which will also help you build motivation to attend. “The Oula community is like a gigantic sisterhood of dance, music and fitness,” says Schoepke.

Although this class may cater towards empowering the female crowd, men are always welcome to attend and move to the top hits. The Oula community is focused on making a non-judgemental space, so female or male, experienced or not, you will be welcomed at the Oula class every week.

Oula will be offered at the Coors Fitness Center on Sundays at 11 a.m. in Studio A&B. Registering for the class is easy, you can walk in or if you want to reserve a spot you can call the Coors Fitness Center at 303-871-3845. If you can’t make it then, be sure to check out the online videos on the Oula website: www.oulafitness.com.