I did a very brave thing last night. I went to a Zumba exercise class.
It was a brave act on many fronts. First, I probably haven't done any real cardio exercise since Ms. Kemp's aerobics class at Burleigh Junior High. Second, I attended the class with my sister-in-law who is a decade younger than I am. Third, the class was open to anyone 16 or older, so there was the nagging fear that I would be Zumba-ing amidst people more than two decades younger. Fourth, have I ever mentioned that I have an artificial hip joint?
What is Zumba? Zumba is best described as latin dancing aerobics. Here's a clip from The Today Show, featuring the man who created Zumba. The first few minutes of the clip showcase testimonials. If you want to just watch the demonstration, you can skip ahead to about 3:45 in the video.
Needless to say, I was a bit nervous about the class. I had only two goals:
1. To Not Hurt Myself; and
2. To Not Throw Up
I am proud to say that both goals were achieved.
Both my sister-in-law and I really enjoyed the class. We both like to dance, and it was a lot more fun than regular aerobics. What I really found beneficial was that I could "tone down" the intensity of the moves to a level that was comfortable for me and still work up a pretty good sweat. Apart from a few twinges on either side of my waist, due to all the hip-swiveling action, I emerged relatively ache-free, although I do admit to downing some Tylenol as a preventative measure before I went to bed.
Interested in giving it a try? I know that a few health clubs do offer Zumba classes, but the instructor who taught my class will soon be opening a studio in Brookfield on Bluemound Road. It will offer yoga, pilates, and dance fitness classes, in addition to Zumba. The studio is still undergoing construction, and the website is not up and running yet. I'll post the information when I confirm that the studio is open.
As with any other type of exercise, check with your physician before beginning an exercise program, especially if you have any health problems or concerns.
I did, and my ortho doc gave me the greenlight, so long as I didn't do any hardcore jumping. I of course was happy to comply. :-)
