Zumba

I have finally found an exercise routine that I enjoy! It is called Zumba. It is like a Spanish aerobics. I had known about it for awhile and I always thought it to be my civic duty to not present myself to the world in this fashion. I had the preconceived notion that I would not only embarrass myself but I would most definitely hurt either myself or someone else in the class. Not so. I shall now knock wood as to not jinx myself for the next class.

I will say that there are good Zumba instructors and there are not so good Zumba instructors. The class that got me started was okay but I would not call it Zumba. It is more like the aerobics of days gone by. Now, the classes I have been attending at the YMCA? Honey. I can't say enough good things. There is one teacher in particular that at the end of the class, dripping wet you are not groaning you are thinking Cool. That was fun! What is even better is you burn about 800 calories....HELLO!

I do want to tell you about my observations that I have made whilst getting to know the lay of the land.

1. Even if you have the most perfect body, you can still look silly doing Zumba. The good Lord did not necessarily give all beautiful people rhythm. It is quite wonderful to watch a twig of a woman walk in very proud of her perfect body, perfect outfit, perfect makeup and perfect hair only to find out in the first song that this is not going to be a cake walk. You know, cake, it's that stuff people light on fire at birthdays that you never touch because you are way full after eating that pea?

2. At some point in time EVERYONE gets off beat. Even the instructor can lose their place, and if it is your first time you are not expected to know every step to every song. The instructor will give you a step to always go back to when you get lost. Learn that move and then just do your arms the way everyone else is. It works great.

3. Whereas you can be too large....you can also be too skinny. I was worried about the woman behind me this morning. We are not even talking stick thin. I just wanted to tell the woman if you are trying to disappear you're almost there sugar. You are about one Zumba class away from being transparent. Come to think of it I didn't see her walk out. Poor thing might still be there not heavy enough to open the door. How sad.

4. More power to the little old ladies that take the Zumba class. It is always an inspiration to see someone stepping outside of their comfort zone. The little old men that come are also amusing because they are never ever...ever...ever on beat. I think they are just big flirts and I say more power to them too!

5. It is important to maintain personal space. If the class is crowded you are just going to have to accept the fact that your arm movements are going to have to be subdued and if the instructor says take 3 steps forward this instruction is still within the realms of personal space. Taking 3 huge steps in a crowded classroom is hazardous to those around you. I realize that you are oblivious to this fact random asian grandma but you are just going to have to deal with it.

6. In Zumba most of the movements involve shaking or shimmying generally taking that what God gave you and waving it about for all to see. In these cases, you will need the appropriate sports bra otherwise the next thing you are going to hear is a paramedic saying mam...mam...can you hear me? You knocked yourself out with your jiggly bits. They will be talking about you in class for years! No one wants that.

I am glad that I have found an exercise that I enjoy. I'm hoping it will help my pounds slip off. A weekender to the beach and Greekfest did not help me thus far but at least I am doing something.

Have a great day!