Yes, I know you fully expect me to go off on a tangent about how my day is not complete, that I can not truly relax without my Gimlet/Champagne/Wine/Beer (insert your choice here.) While it's lovely to be able to unwind at the end of the day in such a fashion, I will not fall to pieces without my precious cocktail. I know you find this hard to believe!
But to me, the greatest joy comes from a hot Latin dance craze called Zumba.
I started taking a couple of classes last fall and really enjoyed it. Even though I had many years of ballet as a child this new form of dancing didn't come so naturally to me in the beginning. I found that either my arms or my legs could follow along, and I was not quite coordinated to put the two together. I have grace and flexibility but seemed to lack some of that Latin rhythm.
Despite the initial difficulty I had keeping up, or in step, I was truly enjoying myself. The music was invigorating and there was an energy in the room that I hadn't felt for years. Despite my clumsiness I could not quit. I simply could not. After a little while I found my groove and all the pieces of me started to work together. Suddenly I felt alive! (I still, admittedly, tend to go left initially when others go right and I will blame that on my left handedness!)
Zumba is, for all intents and purposes, a party on the dance floor. It's fun, it's exercise and it's a huge stress release. This amazing total body workout is pure genius. I have joined gyms, taken up running, tried various forms of boot camp, swam and played tennis. I have never participated in any workout program that has left me feeling so satisfied, so good about myself and so invigorated. I can see and feel the difference in my body since I started. Like my morning cup of coffee, I need my Zumba to kick-start my day. I leave my class, dripping with sweat, with a sense of promise, accomplishment and calm. Yes calm.
There's something about the high energy and the music that leaves me with a sense of calm. This work out is so incredible, using every muscle in my body, I can feel the weight of the world melt away from my shoulders. I feel lighter, freer and ready to take on the world.
The girls above are all in my class, many of which I am happy to call my friends. I do not appear in this video which was taken a day or two after my back went out.
It's been a couple of weeks (more?) since I've set foot on the dance floor. I can not begin to describe how much I miss it. I miss the exercise for sure, but I miss the ambiance,the camaraderie and excitement that helps to shape my day. Without it I do not have the same energy. Without it I am not able to shake the stress which has taken a new toll on me. Without it I really feel as though I am not... well, me. I am being good and listening to my body this time. I tend not to and tend to push too hard... but the better I am about taking the time to heal the better I will be when I can get back out there.
I urge you all to get out there and give it a try!
The girls in my class range from 60 to high school age.
You can tailor your workout to meet your health needs - as I do with my neck, shoulder and now lower back)
For more information you can also check out the official Zumba website
But to me, the greatest joy comes from a hot Latin dance craze called Zumba.
I started taking a couple of classes last fall and really enjoyed it. Even though I had many years of ballet as a child this new form of dancing didn't come so naturally to me in the beginning. I found that either my arms or my legs could follow along, and I was not quite coordinated to put the two together. I have grace and flexibility but seemed to lack some of that Latin rhythm.
Despite the initial difficulty I had keeping up, or in step, I was truly enjoying myself. The music was invigorating and there was an energy in the room that I hadn't felt for years. Despite my clumsiness I could not quit. I simply could not. After a little while I found my groove and all the pieces of me started to work together. Suddenly I felt alive! (I still, admittedly, tend to go left initially when others go right and I will blame that on my left handedness!)
Zumba is, for all intents and purposes, a party on the dance floor. It's fun, it's exercise and it's a huge stress release. This amazing total body workout is pure genius. I have joined gyms, taken up running, tried various forms of boot camp, swam and played tennis. I have never participated in any workout program that has left me feeling so satisfied, so good about myself and so invigorated. I can see and feel the difference in my body since I started. Like my morning cup of coffee, I need my Zumba to kick-start my day. I leave my class, dripping with sweat, with a sense of promise, accomplishment and calm. Yes calm.
There's something about the high energy and the music that leaves me with a sense of calm. This work out is so incredible, using every muscle in my body, I can feel the weight of the world melt away from my shoulders. I feel lighter, freer and ready to take on the world.
The girls above are all in my class, many of which I am happy to call my friends. I do not appear in this video which was taken a day or two after my back went out.
It's been a couple of weeks (more?) since I've set foot on the dance floor. I can not begin to describe how much I miss it. I miss the exercise for sure, but I miss the ambiance,the camaraderie and excitement that helps to shape my day. Without it I do not have the same energy. Without it I am not able to shake the stress which has taken a new toll on me. Without it I really feel as though I am not... well, me. I am being good and listening to my body this time. I tend not to and tend to push too hard... but the better I am about taking the time to heal the better I will be when I can get back out there.
I urge you all to get out there and give it a try!
The girls in my class range from 60 to high school age.
You can tailor your workout to meet your health needs - as I do with my neck, shoulder and now lower back)
- Zumba may contain one or a combination of all of the following dances: the Merengue, Cha-Cha, Salsa, Tango, Flamenco, Belly Dance, the Cumbia, Reggaeton, and Hip-Hop.
- Zumba can burn between 500 and 1000 calories an hour
- Zumba is a different type of workout that is fun, easy and effective that appeals to all fitness levels.
- Zumba uses interval training techniques to burn excess calories. During a one-hour Zumba session, you have the opportunity to work at a higher intensity, increasing your cardio endurance. Zumba is an efficient workout for someone with limited time.
- Zumba is a dynamic core workout requiring high control of the midsection, translating to a tighter, more defined torso. Zumba enables you to learn new dance moves in an easy-to-follow, party format. You can lose weight if Zumba is combined with a proper nutritional program and performed on a regular basis (three times a week).
For more information you can also check out the official Zumba website