Zumba

So, I know you are wondering what is Zumba or you may know what it is. I will tell you it is not the latest new Tex-Mex dish. Actually, it is a form of aerobics which involves Latin dance moves. There is loud music and a really energetic instructor making the whole thing seem kind of like a one-hour party. I think it is one of the most fun forms of aerobic exercise that I do. Why? Because I have discovered that there is absolutely no way to hold on to a bad mood while doing something that makes you look that silly. Now you may be an expert dancer in which case, I applaud you and you should go and enjoy the dancing. For the rest of us, go and enjoy being a little foolish for a while.

I have had several people tell me that they have tried Zumba or considered Zumba but did not think that the class would be sufficiently difficult or that it would be too difficult. I also have some thoughts on that. A good aerobics class (or instructor) will help you tailor some of the moves to your ability. For instance, marching instead of jumping. Or, in the reverse, adding some bounce to a march to increase the intensity.

Second, you get as much out of the class as you put into it. So, it can be as hard or easy as you need it to be. I had a week where I needed to hold back because my body was just getting tired. I actually went to a spin class and barely broke a sweat because I just didn't put that much into it. On the other hand, most weeks when I come out of Zumba, the back of my t-shirt is soaked. I have to say the same is true of any aspect of your workout, but right now, I'm just thinking about classes. Please note that I have also left a number of spin classes have left a small puddle of sweat under my bike.

Last, I like to go to aerobics classes as part of some of my workouts because the other people in the class motivate me to work a little harder than I might on my own. I like to work out on my own because it gives me a chance to think and put my day in perspective. But a class can really get me motivated to work harder as I see others working hard. Maybe you are not a competitive person and so this might not work for you, but I am a bit competitive and it really does motivate me. And even when just the site of someone doing something doesn't motivate me, I have a number of friends who often dare me into pushing harder.

So go find a class and give it a shot.