Face the Music, Shake the butt, and Feel the Endorphines
I remember when I started thinking about doing zumba. One of the secretaries in our department was going, and I asked her what it was and she showed me. I thought: that is like very provocative and a little ****ty. I know. I thought that. But, she said it was a lot of fun and only chicks were there and I should come and watch.
It took me a good two weeks to work up the courage to go. My god. There were some parts of the class that bothered me like mirrors everywhere, the music was so loud and fast, and there were no breaks for water. But, the instructor was very nice, even though she talked to me like I was a little old lady who had trouble thinking. Then, she said, we have a remedial class. You should come. Well, the remedial class was way too boring and the dancers were not smiling nor looking like they were having fun, so I dropped that class and went to the real zumba dance class. I have not regretted my decision.
I am the oldest in the class, and in the beginning, I had a really hard time doing those complicated hip movements. Even though I had taken some belly dancing classes, I could not do those butt bounces. Every day after zumba, one of my classmates would try to teach me how to do the hip bounce and the thrusts. It took me months but finally I was able to do a somewhat decent bounce and thrusts.
I walk to the class, which is on the other side of campus, down a very large hill. I walk back up the hill after class. I consider the walk to and from as much a part of my exercise as the one-hour, non-stop dancing. Since I have been doing the zumba, many young kids have come and gone, the three of us who are the through thick and thin loyals: the teacher, the secretary, and me.
So, what are you going to do today? Would you step out of your comfort zone and do a dance class or a yoga class?
Your first assignment: check the local ads and see what types of out-of-your-comfort-zone type activities that are being offered. Pick one and respond to this thread with what the activity is, when is it scheduled, why it is out of your comfort zone, and how you might work it into your routine?
Susan,
They have various levels of zumba. There are times when I cannot do the moves that the other gals do because of my back or knees or hip, so I wil just walk in place and swing my arms. It really isn't feet impacting because you are basically using your hips and waist, which makes it very abd friendly. But, walking and biking are very good exercises and nothing to be ashamed of.
Love zumba, can't do it right now, nor much else because of the bum back, even lifting weights hurts right now, this too shall pass and I will get back in my groove, I wake up every day as if I'm still leaving at 5 to go to the gym, wearing my gym clothes to bed (a little trick I read somewhere, to help you get up and out the door quicker, though I don't sleep with the bra or sneakers on (lol)), as I did before, hoping that this is the day I can go, so far, no, but I miss it and that is a new feeling for this gal. Stretching and yoga stuff is what I'm doing for now, not that it works up a sweat, but it's something.
Glad that you and Susan have taken up the baton and are leading a march against this awesome foe, called obesity.
Hugs, Laureen
My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . . It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . . Laureen
"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland
Laureen,
I love sitting in the floor and stretching my back and arms and legs. I even do stretching exercises at my desk. One of my student workers spends a good deal of time in the gym, and she is always stretching. My goal is to stretch my arms and back like she does.
You are doing good and will get back on track as soon as your back gets better. Remember to take care first.
