Zumba another word for pain

Zumba Fitness^® is the only Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and contagious steps to form a "fitness-party" that is downright addictive.

That's the propaganda.  here's the real scoop. Wow.  I have been thinking about this ever since I heard about it about six months to a year ago.  Okay, yes, I was late to the party.  Isn't that always the way?  No matter.  And no matter that I guess it started here in Miami.  Oh well.  I was thinking that it looked fun and what better way to exercise that to do something fun.  I did have a moment's pause when I think back to those step aerobics days and how much I enjoyed it but how hard it was sometimes to actually follow the steps.  It doesn't seem like it should be hard but if you've ever tried it you'll know that sometimes the brain and the feet just don't communicate well.  Maybe it isn't the quality of the communication but the speed.  Not sure.  But I knew that there were times when I would just get off the pattern and would have a hard time getting back on.  No problem.  I was undaunted. 

A friend, trying to be supportive, I think, suggested I start with something easier and work my way in.  Now what fun is that?  I'm an all or nothing kind of gal so off I went to my first class.

There is a tiny little gym right around the corner from my house.  Convenience is everything, right?  So I put on my little exercise clothes and wandered over.  They were very nice and very encouraging. I asked about the classes and asked if I would die. The woman at the desk was very helpful.  Between her limited English and my limited Spanish (I don't definitely don't have a large vocabulary in the exercise area) we were able to communicate.  I guess its hard to miss -- "muerte?"  with a hugely concerned look in my face.  She assured me that I would not die and that there were many older people in the class.  I am going to just ignore the fact that I was lumped in with the "older people" because its exactly what I wanted to hear.  I wasn't sure that I could handle the physical challenges of the class as well being surrounded by lithe 20 yr olds.

I went home to get my water bottle, and was ready to dance the night away.... or so I thought.

Let me reiterate, wow.

First of all, I took a spot in the front of the class so I could see and hear the instructor well.  Not so much on the hearing because she didn't give that many instructions.  It was a follow along if you can, kind of class.  And I'll pick a different spot next time because of a column on the wall, I couldn't really see her in the mirror.  No matter.  I spent the hour watching a strange woman's butt.  Now don't be insulted, I'm not getting dirty here.

This woman moved in ways I can only hope to achieve.  We samba'd, we mambo'd, we salsa'd and who knows what else we did.  I kept up as much as I could but didn't want to hurt too much today.   I think back on a Jazzercise class I took and went full bore -- its only dancing, right?  I was in pain for days and needless to say I didnt' go back.  But I had a great time and was very respectful of my body as they had cautioned.  Maybe this is the upside of being one of the "older people."   

There is absolutely no doubt that my heart rate was way up there.  No worries about getting cardio benefit. And that's the point, right.  So awesome.  But here's the whipped cream on top:  if I can ever get my rear end to do half of what the instructor's can do, wow.  How fun will that be!  I'll be ready for one of those dance halls in Brazil.  Okay, fine.   Maybe just a club in Miami, but still, its a goal!

Today, I can feel the workout.  I can feel all that twisting and turning in my waist, and the workout of my thighs and arms too.  Now that's a cool workout.  I'm psyched.  After just one class, I'm still the gringa with only a modicum of rhythm and no moves but I'm on my way.  Watch out Zumba, I think I might even be up for the challenge!