ZUMBA®!

I actually don't know if there's a registration mark for Zumba but it sure seems like there could be. I first tried this workout in the late spring, just for fun with a friend of mine. If I remember correctly, I included it in a post that was all about my fitness hubris: during a week off between weight training sessions, I thought I'd "take it easy" and "just do classes at the gym."

Man, was I brought low. I've never been more sore in my life than I was after experimenting with a few new classes. And Zumba was the most illuminating of all. I'd seen people in the class at the gym and, based on what they looked like (mostly older, not particularly athletic looking), thought it would be a cakewalk for me. I even tried to make time for a 5-mile run beforehand so I could be sure to get a good workout. Thank goodness that didn't happen. Zumba knocked me flat and jumped on top of my crumpled body, cha-cha-cha'ing all the while. I literally thought I might pass out during the class. What's worse is that it was also quite hilarious because the class's reportedly simple dance moves were far beyond my extremely limited abilities.

What is Zumba, you may be wondering? Here's what the official website says (http://www.zumba.com/us/):

The Zumba® program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Our goal is simple: We want you to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. Zumba® Fanatics achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!

The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Add some Latin flavor and international zest into the mix and you've got a Zumba® class!

Aha! There is a registration symbol! And now my text is indented and I don't know how to fix it.

Anyway, Zumba. Although the class was hard and embarrassing, I also kind of liked it. Or maybe that's why I liked it. I talked my husband into trying one with me. And then a couple friends started taking it of their own accord. Before I knew it, I'd fallen into a Zumba rhythm: I take classes two or three times each week, usually right before my weight workout. It really does feel like a full-body workout. I like that I'm getting tons of cardio at levels that vary from moderate to super intense -- because what I'm reading lately says that cardio intervals will burn fat more quickly than steady-state cardio. (More on that in another post.) I also like that I can feel muscles working all over my body, especially my core. That's something I don't particularly notice when I'm doing other forms of cardio -- like the elliptical trainer or running.

I've now gotten comfortable enough with my Zumba moves that I did something that was either brave or really stupid this past weekend: I went to an outdoor Zumba class at the opening of a big new park here in Seattle. Not a lot of people participated, but there were definitely plenty of folks watching. Including, as it turns out, two of my friends, who came to see me and laugh along. I admit, it's funny. I'm never going to be graceful or fluid or a dancer in any way. I have terrible rhythm. But I also have a great time, and get a great workout. And if it helps me get comfortable in my own skin and accept one more of my many shortcomings, what's better than that?