Let’s Zumba!

So last night I tried Zumba for the first time. Usually I don’t do classes. I don’t know why, actually I do. It’s usually because I feel like people are looking at me and critiquing my every move. I know that is not the case but still.

When I took my son to camp this week I noticed my community center was offering a Zumba class and I swear it was written in the stars. I had literally just read Bitch Cakes blog (Check her blog out it’s seriously great!) about her trying Zumba for the first time. I thought to myself “hmm maybe I will try Zumba someday”. I asked the woman at the front desk about the cost and she said a word that made me insanely happy FREE. I said “excuse me” because I had obviously heard wrong. She told me the classes had been going on for about 4 weeks and were to continue (FOR FREE) until September 2nd!!!! How great is that. Apparently it’s part of the YMCA’s (which is around the corner being renovated) initiative to get the neighborhood healthy over the summer. They offer numerous FREE classes all week for children all the way to adult.

I immediately jumped in the car and told my mother that she was coming to Zumba. She said “uh, maybe”, yea that’s as far as that went because  I told her she has no choice. She always begging me to start Jillian michaels again so I told her this would be like live action Jillian michaels with some Spanish flair. We tried to go Tuesday night but apparently I read the board wrong and the next class wasn’t until Wednesday.

I was soooo amped that I announced the class on my twitter, told people I would be attending and asked them to come along. A few people inquired but no one agreed to go (I’m gonna try again next time to see if I can reel some people in).

Here is my mother & I right before we went to class (photo courtesy of my son).

Wait first of all can you believe my mom just turned 50 2 weeks ago! She doesn’t look it at all. I love my mama!

Ok enough of that..onto the class review:

All in all the class was absolutely fantastic. I forgot to start my HRM when the class started but for the 45 mins it was on I burned about 958 calories, Amazing! Whats even more amazing is that I actually had fun. While some of the foot work was a bit too fast when it got deep in the latin steps a majority (90%) of the steps were super simple. I loved it and I cannot wait to go back. I wish I could remember the teachers name because she was a beast. She made it fun though, reminding us to keep our abs in and doing the steps in slow motion (not really slow motion but slower than they were performed at regular speed) before going full speed. We had a few breaks to get water (which we didn’t bring…We eventually found a fountain right behind the stage) and the music was great. The hour flew by.

My mom and I have already made plans to attend next week! I cannot wait. I encourage any and everyone to try the class at least once it really is like a dance party. For us youngins (who only just grew out of the club stage) it’s like the club with out the darkness and nasty sweaty guys! I am so happy I decided to step out of my comfort zone. I think even after the free sessions have ended I will still pay to take the class.

photo courtesy of lizszumba.com

If you don’t know what Zumba is here is a little blurb from the official site:

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!

~Randi

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