A Samoan exercise instructor is seeking to help those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through Zumba. 

Niusulu Ale Fruean, a licensed Zumba instructor from Toamua, Faleata and Lelepa participates in a global movement to provide meals through Zumba classes via her virtual “Zumba Love from Samoa” sessions. 

(Zumba is an exercise fitness routine mixed with dance that has surged in popularity since its inception in 1998). 

The virtual sessions are part of a broader global movement designed to address the economic impact of the pandemic.

The Zumba Fitness company, in partnership with The Global FoodBanking Network, undertook to donate one million meals to people in poverty because of COVID-19 every time someone joins a virtual Zumba session. 

“We have reached our goal of one million, delivered meals since July 2020,” she said.

Mrs. Fruean is also a licensed instructor for Zumba Fitness and Zumba specialties such as Zumba Cold and Zumba Kids and Junior.

She told the Samoa Observer that the number of people who participate in her Zumba classes will help feed those made the most vulnerable because of the pandemic. 

“One class is equal to one delivered meal,” she said. 

“The more people that [move or workout] with [me as their] Zumba instructor [...] the more meals to be delivered. Donations? [There will be no donations to this] specific global movement. Only [people’s] participation and their [movement] matters,” she said.

Mrs. Fruean currently hosts Zumba Fitness classes virtually three times a week from Monday to Saturday with people from Samoa, New Zealand, Australia and America.

Mrs. Fruean said the goal had been achieved in affiliation with the Zumba Home Office in Miami Florida in America. 

She believes she is the only Samoan Zumba Instructor.

Mrs. Fruean said her virtual sessions currently help the Samoan community in America by helping them to reach their fitness goals.

“want to be [a] role model in fitness, wellness and health for our Samoan Community to look up to,” she said. 

“I want to be that great example of working out, exercise daily, is the best solution to their mental and health issues, such as hypertension and diabetes, especially”..

Mrs. Fruean explained that during the pandemic, people should continue to take care of their health by working out daily and maintain their good healthy eating habits.