Aiming to get started on that particular New Year’s resolution early — very early — is Dunedin Zumba instructor Paola Miraglia-Hill.
Also a practice nurse at the Roslyn Health Centre, Mrs Miraglia-Hill is aiming to conduct the world’s first Zumba class — if not the first fitness class full stop — for 2022.
The class is set to take place at 1am tomorrow morning, outside the Dunedin Railway Station.
Mrs Miraglia-Hill would be on the grass in front of the railway station from just after midnight, she said.
"I’ll be there setting up the Zumba flags, getting the music pumping, and generally preparing for a dance party."
Zumba, a fitness programme that combines Latin and international music with dance moves, was a passion for Mrs Miraglia-Hill.
Routines often incorporate interval training — alternating fast and slow rhythms — to help improve cardiovascular fitness.
Mrs Miraglia-Hill said her goal for 2022 was two-fold; to "get people moving, helping them to become fitter, healthier and happier," but also to provide support to her favourite charity, Dunedin Cat Rescue.
A Zumba session usually costs a $5 donation or a can of pet food to help her achieve that goal.
However, the New Year’s morning class would be free, to assist Dunedin residents to "create healthy habits" going into the new year, she said.
"This class is just for people to have a good time.
"Zumba is just a wonderful way to exercise because it’s so much fun.
"It’s exercising with happiness."
