Zumba

Okay, so I didn't get to the second kickboxing class this last week. BUT, I did go to a Zumba class. I've heard about Zumba a few times and read about it in a couple blogs out there but never saw or tried a class myself. I noticed a class added to the schedule at my gym this week so made plans to try it on Friday.

When it got to Friday, I did not want to go. I was just tired. My body just felt totally spent. But, I didn't do the second kickboxing class and I said I would do Zumba anyway. So I went. I was really proud of myself for doing it. But I'm just not impressed with it.

I wear a heart rate monitor when I'm working out so I can estimate how many calories I'm burning more accurately than the stupid machines show. I put my HRM on and the final number was not impressive. I had an average HR of 105 for one hour. Maybe that's fine for some people but for me...not so much. My fat burning zone is at 140 which is already considered low intensity. 105 is barely exercise. I think I get a better "workout" vacuuming my house.

I will say this though, I don't think I'm big on the dance exercise classes. I tried a hip hop class a couple weeks ago and hated it. Again, not a good work out. And I just don't appreciate anything from the hip hop lifestyle. I hate the music. I hate the clothes. I hate the language. I hate the attitude. I just hate it. I tried to be open minded about the hip hop class but I thought it was just a joke. But I tried. I was actually excited for the Zumba though because I've heard great things about it.

The teacher was great. I walked in and saw her standing at the front of the class and didn't realize she was the instructor until she started greeting people as they entered the room. I would guess that she is in her early 40s. She is very obviously obese too. Okay, I'll admit it. I judged. First thought in my head was "how in the hell are YOU gonna help ME lose weight?". I know, I know. I'm an asshole sometimes. We can't control our thoughts but we can choose what to do or not do with them. So, I noticed the thought and responded to myself by rolling my eyes and added an appropriate statement I think: "shut up, you don't know what you're talking about". I sure told me. :)

She started the class by just jumping right into it. It's very specifically choreographed moves to predetermined songs. There seems to be about 4 or 5 moves for each song that you do over and over and over. Then the next song comes on and there are a different set of moves. Half way through the class, the instructor interjects a little tidbit. She shared that she had as of that day lost 100 lbs doing Zumba over the past year. She brought a picture to show everyone too. Very inspiring for anyone.

All in all, I was glad I went but I doubt I'll go again. I just enjoy much higher intensity stuff. I'm down for the kickboxing or the Punk Rope any day. The dance stuff, not so much.

Here, check out some Zumba: