Anyone can hustle, says Dwayne Clemons, hustle aerobics teacher. Clemons says doing the hustle is just moving one’s body to the rhythm of the music. Clemons has taught both great dancers and people with no rhythm at all.

In Clemons’ class he uses a simple four- or eight-count beat to keep the body moving at a fast pace. He selects hustles without a lot of exaggerated movements for the group. The “Cupid Shuffle” is one of those hustles.

“The Cupid Shuffle is based on four counts to the right, four to the left, four kicks then a four-count quarter turn,” Clemons says. “That’s very simple, but when you do that repeatedly muscle memory kicks in and they can be able to do it on their own.”

These types of dances are done back to back with hardly any breaks in between them. That is where aerobic activity comes in. Aerobics are good for heart health; cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart muscle.   He says dancing is also a form of strength training, which helps to strengthen both muscle and bones.

Hustle aerobics is a popular alternative because a lot of people don’t like traditional cardio exercise, such as treadmills, stair-steppers or conventional aerobics classes. Hustle allows participants to exercise while having fun, and is good for all ages. Classes are offered free of charge to the public.

“At our Eisenhower class (Summer location, New Jerusalem COFY Center), we have had mothers come with their daughters and do hustles together, and we’ve had whole families come in,” Clemons says. “We had a mom, dad, son and daughter come. They loved it.”

Clemons teaches the classes with his wife Sonyita Clemons.

Free hustle aerobics classes are held at 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays at New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church. See the course schedule for this and other classes below.

MONDAYS; 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
BALLROOM DANCE

Brennan Senior Center

1301 Pingree

Flint, MI

Learn basic and intermediate ballroom dance steps at this popular class headed by Dwayne and Sonyita Clemons.

Ages: Seniors 55 and up

Cost: $2 per person

Learn more: Call Total Life Prosperity at 810-293-3391 or visit the Facebook page.

TUESDAYS; 6:15 p.m. – 7 p.m.
BALLROOM DANCE

New Jerusalem COFY Center (Summer location)

1015 E. Carpenter Road

Flint, MI 48505

Learn basic and intermediate ballroom dance steps at this popular class headed by Dwayne and Sonyita Clemons.

Ages: All ages are welcome.

Cost: $2 per person

Learn more: Call host Total Life Prosperity at 810-293-3391 or visit the Facebook page.

TUESDAYS; 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
HUSTLE AEROBICS

New Jerusalem COFY Center (Summer location)

1015 E. Carpenter Road

Flint, MI 48505

Get into the hustle at this advanced level workout beginning June 12, the first summer session of the nine-week series. This fun class incorporates 45 minutes of nonstop cardio with fast-paced hustle songs followed by instruction on one the latest hustle dances.  Note: Classes start June 11 and run through August 20. There is no class June 24.

Ages: All ages are welcome

Cost: $2 per session

Learn more: Call host Total Life Prosperity at 810-293-3391 or visit the Facebook page.

WEDNESDAYS; 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

BALLROOM DANCE

Brennan Senior Center

1301 Pingree

Flint, MI

Learn basic and intermediate ballroom dance steps at this popular class headed by Dwayne and Sonyita Clemons.

Ages: Seniors 55 and up

Cost: $2 per person

Learn more: Call host Total Life Prosperity at 810-293-3391 or visit the Facebook page.

FRIDAYS; Basic/Intermediate 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.; Advance 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
BALLROOM DANCE

Hasselbring Senior Center

1002 W. Home Ave.

Flint, MI 48503

Learn basic and intermediate ballroom dance steps from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at this popular class headed by Dwayne and Sonyita Clemons. When you’re ready to move up join the advance ballroom class from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Ages: Seniors age 55 and up

Cost: $2 per person

Learn more: Call 810-293-3391 or visit the “Classy Moves” Production Facebook page.

Editor’s Note: This feature is a part of our monthly digital edition of 810 Kids! sponsored by the Michigan Fitness Foundation and its supporters including the Crim Fitness Foundation, Genesee Intermediate School District and TheHUB Flint. Subscribe to receive the full issue.

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