Moving through Zumba
Cameron Chapter
My name is Denise McClennan, but many people know me as Neecee Mcclennan. I am a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, cancer exercise specialist, and local business owner. I have been teaching fitness for more than 16 years, and my goal is to get people moving, bring communities together, and help people make their health a priority.
I currently teach group fitness classes, with an emphasis on Zumba, at Gap Chapter and am working toward bringing classes to Cameron Chapter. I also teach at local fitness and wellness centers, including the Healthy Promotions and Diabetes Prevention Wellness Center, also known as the HPDP program. Throughout my career, I have worked with the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and the Navajo Nation Special Diabetes Program. I have also built connections with instructors both within and outside the Navajo Nation, allowing me to share my passion for fitness with different communities.
Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness program that combines music and movement in a fun, social environment. A one-hour class gives participants an opportunity to exercise while dancing and moving together. I enjoy creating a space where people can come together, stay active, and feel comfortable participating at their own pace.
Recently, we held our 16th annual Western Navajo Fair Zumba event, which brought together close to 100 participants. With the help of sponsors and community supporters, we were able to make the event a success and continue encouraging people to stay active. Seeing so many people come together for fitness is a reminder of how important these opportunities are for our communities.
Bringing activities like Zumba into our Navajo communities is important because physical activity plays a role in maintaining our overall health. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities. Zumba can be one way to work toward those goals while enjoying music, dancing, and spending time with others.
Beyond the physical benefits, Zumba can also support mental and emotional well-being. It gives people an opportunity to build confidence, challenge themselves, and connect with others in a positive environment. Dance-based activities may also benefit people experiencing depression and can be used as part of movement programs for people living with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Dance engages both the body and the brain, making movement an important part of staying active as we age.
After more than 16 years of teaching, I continue to believe in the importance of helping people find ways to move that they enjoy. Fitness does not always have to feel like a chore. It can be an opportunity to dance, laugh, build confidence, and connect with others. Through my work, I hope to keep inspiring individuals and families to take care of their health and discover the benefits of being active together.
For me, it is about more than teaching a fitness class. It is about bringing people together, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and creating opportunities for our communities to support one another. I hope to continue sharing my passion for fitness throughout the Navajo Nation and helping more people discover that taking care of themselves can be both meaningful and fun.
Denise McClennan, Oct 2026, Cameron Chapter
