subject: Feel the Zumba Beat [print this page] Feel the Zumba Beat Feel the Zumba Beat
The hottest fitness class on the planet right now is Zumba, and for good reason too. With loud, pulsating and addictive Latin rhythms, Zumba is drawing closet party animals out of the nightclub and onto the dance floors of local gyms and community centres across the nation.
A friend of mine is a Zumba convert, and after much pestering she convinced me to give Zumba a try. I fronted up, and although I was stood up by my friend I stayed for one hour of hip-flicking, shimmying fun. However upon practice I soon discovered that not only was my midriff not made the Latin way but my feet were definitely dyslexic!
The music started and I gave it my all but by the end of the warm up, certain parts of my body still had not come to the party - literally. Never before had I I been asked to get my midriff region to shimmy like warm spaghetti slicked in olive oil. Mine was more like the uncooked variety, rigid and ready to snap! But there's something about the pumping latin music that just makes you want to move, even if you do feel like you move with as much finesse as a chicken in gumboots.
Surely, I thought, if I go along to a few more classes, I'll get to know the steps and feel less dysfunctional. It turns out that I was right and through perseverance I also discovered the secret to Zumba. It's all about fun. When I relaxed and didn't over-think every single step my movements became more fluid. You might think Zumba converts are a bit crazy, but there is a reason why the instructor has a big grin on her face and it is because she is enjoying herself!
So no matter what your age or ability, grab your girlfriends, sisters, mothers and neighbours and head down to your nearest gym that offers group fitness classes to give Zumba a try. You may feel like a chicken in gumboots- albeit a hip-flicking, shimmying chicken, but that's okay because Zumba may just become your new favourite thing. Areeeeba!
