CHESAPEAKE — The cold weather didn’t stop the dedicated exercisers as the Chesapeake Community Center held its first Zumbathon on Saturday.

For three hours Zumba instructors put classes through their paces all in the name of getting healthier and helping out the center with some upcoming capital projects.

All fees for the classes were turned over to the center that is earmarking the money for the floor and ceiling in the gymnasium.

“(The floor) has to be sanded down and refinished,” center director Ruth Damron said. “And the ceiling in the gym, there are tiles that have to be removed or replaced.”

However Damron is considering taking down the tile drop ceiling and painting the plaster.

“But the tiles are noise absorbers,” Damron said. “I am hoping we can do something that won’t be so extravagantly expensive.”

Recent major repairs have reduced the center’s funds along with a drop in memberships.

The center offers exercise classes and a gym with brand new top of the line exercise equipment. It is also the site for a food pantry for the eastern end.

Anyone interested in joining the center can contact Damron at 867-4532. Memberships can be on a monthly basis.