Zumba-Thon Planned at Pleasant Dale Park District Friday

Dozens of people will gather together at the in Friday to work out for a good cause. The Park District will host a Zumba-Thon from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. to raise money for Lyons Township High School's Relay for Life event.

"My son [who is on a Relay for Life team] was orginally going to raise money the conventional way—going door to door and asking for donations, so I suggested holding a Zumba-Thon," said Martha Strawbridge, a fitness instructor who has held classes at the Pleasant Dale Park District on Thursday and Saturday nights for the past three years. "They loved the idea."

No registration is required for the event. People just need to show up and pay $15 at the door of the Walker Recreational Building.

Strawbridge said that music and dancing will run continuously between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and people can jump in as they please. No pre-instruction or experience is needed.

"Zumba is an exercise that, psychologically, is more like dancing at a party or a club or wedding. It resonates with people on a very basic level. Even if you are a more reserved person, dancing together with everyone can be very freeing," said Strawbridge.

All instructors that will be teaching Friday are volunteering their time to lead the exercises to music. All proceeds for the event will go toward the Relay for Life of Lyons Township High School June 9 - 10.