Sunday, July 4, 2010

Ditch the Workout and Join the Party!

Hola Bloggies:

So a while ago you may remember I posted about a dilemma I had – whether to attend my first ever Zumba class or go on my re-scheduled doggy hike. Well I was kind of a superstar and did both. By the end of the night, I was one tired but really happy cookie. And in the midst of it all I developed what may become a long term workout related obsession!

If you’re anything like me (two weeks ago), you may be a bit confused about the whole concept behind this latest fitness craze. Zumba is the brain child of a Colombian by the name of “Beto” Perez. One day he decided to combine his aerobics class with the fun rhythms and movements of Latin dances. The class became a hit and thus Zumba was born. The instructional videos had their North American release in 2002 – that’s when it spread like wild fire; now it seems like everyone you talk to (or every blog you read) mentions Zumba!

 

Zumba Logo

(source)

As I pulled up to my first Zumba class I was admittedly nervous. Would it all be cheesy beyond words? Would I be able to keep up? Heaven forbid – would it be like the time I tried step aerobics (never got beyond grapevine and never went back)? Would I have any rhythm at all? Turns out I had nothing to be afraid of – I loved Zumba!

When I walked in I instantly noticed that the class seemed to be made up of people of all shapes, ages, and sizes. Definitely a very inclusive aerobics class. Another thing that impressed me was the fact that everyone kept on telling me how much fun I was going to have. Surely their enthusiasm was well founded!

No sooner had we started the classes when I realized what an absolute blast I was having!!! Zumba didn’t feel like exercise, it felt like dancing around your living room. Except that I was sweating buckets and I knew I was in the zone. The hour went by way too quickly. At the end of the class I knew three things for certain: I would be back, I had gotten a great workout, and I totally had rhythm.

Thank-you Latin blood. Ha!

Since then I’ve gone back to four more classes and I’ve bought a membership of sorts. Although the classes are not cheap ($8/class if you buy a 10 class pack or $10/class if you go on a drop-in basis) they’re well worth the fee. I don’t think I’ve ever had as much fun in an exercise class in my life! Plus honestly I feel like I’m exploring my Latin roots while getting a serious workout in – score!

So now that you’ve heard me wax poetic about Zumba you’re probably wondering what it looks like. Well, it goes something like this:

Admittedly that girl has energy to spare but that’s more or less what a Zumba workout looks like – just add a bunch of people following (or attempting to follow) the instructor. Now you understand why I keep going back for more! smile_regular

 

Have you tried Zumba before? Did you love it? Are you curious?

5 comments:

Marianne (frenchfriestoflaxseeds) said...

I'm just shocked you have Zumba up in your neck o' the woods. We've only had it at our gym since the new year. We pay $129 for 20 classes, which is pretty decent. Good thing too, because that's over and above our membership fee to the gym.

I kinda want some Zumba clothes. LOL.

Kelsey Ann said...

haha she totally has energy!

Zumba, boy i really need to get in on this craze <3

Unknown said...

I loveeeeeeee Zumba (as you know!!) My zumba instructor is down and out for awhile though, so no more for me until Sept... booo (except videos!)

Kelly said...

Haha I have no latin blood and therefore no rhythm what so ever. I also have no ability to remember routines. I have no idea what my problem is. I have tried Zumba and I thought it was fun but not my thing due to the previously mentioned traits of me haha.
Glad you had fun though!

Southbaygirl said...

hmmm I dont think my hips will move like hers!! I have heard about it and know people who love it but I have never tried it....might be because I feel like I have 2 left feet-even though I have wanted to take a salsa dance class.....