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My Hips Are A-Swivelin’ Again

bigstock-Dance-class-for-women-150114jwWorkouts are back on, baby! Zumba started, so I am now getting my uncoordinated groove on and working up a sweat. I had such a good time in the first class, although no instructor can compete with the one FBG Jenn and I had in Lawrence, Kansas, where my love of Zumba began.

I was slightly surprised at how hard it was to do 45 minutes of dance cardio. I don’t know why it surprised me, as I’ve mentioned that I feel like I’m back to beginner status. But my cheeks were flushed, and my thighs and calves were a-burnin’.

I was mostly reminded of how fun workouts can be—and how fun workouts should be! Seriously, when I do Zumba or any similarly fun group exercise class, there is not a shred of dread that I have to get in my workout. If I know I have to go running, it’s just me trying to get it over with. But with group exercise, the time absolutely flies by even if I’m begging for mercy. I think everyone has their Zumba. For some people, it’s running. For some it’s swimming or biking or sports. But for me, Zumba is one workout I’m always excited for. I’m a firm believer in finding a workout you love and sticking with it. If you dread workouts, it’s because you haven’t found your Zumba equivalent yet.

Have you found an activity that doesn’t feel like work? Or are you still looking? —Erin

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Comments

17 Comments
  1. Over the years, I’ve grown to LOVE exercise – even on mornings when I don’t feel like working out, if I push myself I end up doing it and being happy I did. It’s a habit now, and I love the feeling I get after doing it, and hate the way I feel mentally & physically if I’m not moving every day. But to get here, I had to find things I enjoyed and that didn’t feel too difficult/clumsy/stupid. I started with walking and running and with step classes (this was back in the early 90’s). I chose things that I felt confident doing and where I got to be social. As I gained confidence, I tried new things. Now I’m up for trying almost anything . . . except I’m still scared of Zumba!

  2. Ivori says:

    I truly love the treadmill !

  3. Melissa says:

    Count me in as a Zumba lover! I took a break while I was doing another program from Bodybuilding.com but soon was bored with the cardio portion. Back to Zumba! I love the music and when you have a good instructor, it’s really fun!

  4. Melissa says:

    Count me in as a Zumba lover! I took a break while I was doing another program from Bodybuilding.com but soon was bored with the cardio portion. Back to Zumba! I love the music and when you have a good instructor, it’s really fun!

  5. Emily says:

    So glad to hear you are enjoying your workout, that is so important! I love, love Jazzercise! It’s always changing with new music and choreography and awesome instructors. You should definitely try it some time!

  6. Kristen says:

    Zumba is my Zumba! I LOVE it. I look forward to Friday morning Zumba all week, and guard my Zumba hour as a “busy” time on my calendar.

  7. Zumba is great if your body is ready to crank your spine. We’ve had half a dozen clients get into Zumba only to put their back out. Not too much fun when you can’t walk the next day.

  8. Love, love, love ZUMBA Fitness as well!!!!!! Keep your hips a moving’ 😀 nothing is better than a post ZUMBA glow!

  9. Ayana says:

    I have been on Zumba Cardio Party for a week now. I have the DVD set but some were misplaced. I lucked up and found cardio party on YT.Luvs it!

    Also TiffanyRotheWorkouts has a YT channel with some quick 6- 12 minute cardio and toning workouts. I enjoy those, too!

  10. Vanessa says:

    Whoa…to Melbourne…If you have clients “cranking their spine” I am concerned about the instructor leading…I have only been teaching since March 2012 and do not have any certification other than Zumba, but safety was a huge priority in my training, and in all my classes. I’m proud to say that other than the aches and pains of being fat and getting fit (and doing a lot of squats!), NO ONE in my gym has been injured doing zumba (by me or any other instructor there). Time to investigate the style of the instructor and whether they are demonstrating modifications and creating a safe space to modify!

  11. Kiya Krier says:

    Zumba is my Zumba! Haha. I agree that group classes and Zumba in particular make exercise not feel like work at all. As a Zumba instructor, I love when I see participants checking themselves out in the mirror as they dance. I know they’re feeling sexy and beautiful outside and in.

  12. Anndi says:

    My business partner and I JUST wrote about this as guest contributors for a website. Here is our list of ways to make the time fly by while you exercise: http://health.allwomenstalk.com/ways-to-make-time-fly-while-exercising

  13. Priche says:

    Jazzercise. I was looking for a workout that would keep me motivated to keep going b/c 5 minutes using any machine, like a treadmill, felt like hours. I saw the dancing, heard the music and just had to try it. The moves & music are current and the camaraderie truly makes me feel like I’m a part of an extended family.

  14. Beth says:

    Zumba is my obsession! Started almost 5 years ago, I love it

  15. Tracy says:

    I love Spin & TRX!!! I always hated exercise and never stuck with it until I was 41. Now I truly appreciate the benefits and have found a gym that feels like home.

  16. Kathleen says:

    Jazzercise! Try it!

  17. Rhonda says:

    Jazzercise. The hour is over before I know it. It incorporates dance/cardio, and strength, all with a big dose of fun. It’s modern (no leg warmers and leotards), with fresh music, friendly instructors and classmates, and a great calorie burner.

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