I have conquered Zumba! OK... well, not so much conquered it, as was conquered by it. But there is nothing in my 45/45 Challenge rulebook that says I have to be good at everything I try... I just have to do it, right? Right. And I did it. I took my first Zumba class this morning. I'm not going to say it was my last class (though that was my inclination), as I feel I should give it at least one more try before I write it off as an epic FAIL.
For those of you who don't know, Zumba is a new fitness craze (at least I think it's new... or I'm really behind). It blends aerobics, toning exercises, and Latin-style dance into one incredibly confusing, frustrating mess. Well, if you do it the way I do, it's messy. And pretty damned ugly. I know I've mentioned before that I have no rhythm. None. Truly. It's non-existent. My brother, who is totally deaf, dances better than I do. I wish I was kidding. I'm not. Anyway, you need rhythm to do Zumba. Well, you do if you don't want to trip over your own feet, go in the wrong direction, or look like a fool (all of which I did). Don't get me wrong, I have no problem looking like a fool (and I prove it by doing so with alarming regularity). I don't so much enjoy feeling like a fool, though. And I so did. Oh, I also found that my arms and legs are incapable of moving at the same time. My arms move. Or my legs move. They do not both move. As I say, a confusing, frustrating, ugly mess.
But the reasons behind the whole 45/45 Challenge were about getting me out of my comfort zone and trying some new things. Zumba worked on both counts... it was new and I was uncomfortable. Supremely uncomfortable. I did say I'd go back next week, though, as it's supposed to get easier with time. I'm not sure there's enough time before the world ends for me to get good at Zumba, though. We'll see.
So, #42 -- DONE! And stay tuned, as I'm planning to knock out (possibly literally) #12 on Saturday with my first ever cardio-kickboxing class! Let's hope it doesn't kick my butt the way Zumba did!
23 comments:
Well done Diane, and congratulations on the completion of your first challenge.
Way to go! The ladies here that I hang with have been trying to get me to do Zumba for months now...like you, I have zero coordination for such things! But...maybe if YOU can do it, *I* can do it! Now who's being motivational? Hmm?? :)
You go girl! And thank you so much for explaining Zumba because I thought I was the only one who didn't know what it is. I can be a little slow.
Looking forward to hearing more. It sounds like tons of fun.
Hang in there girlie - and just have fun with it! I go with a couple of my good girl friends and we all laugh most of the way through it. Especially during the shimmies and hip rolls. :)
While I spent most of the class trying not to fall down myself, the very few times I glanced in your direction you were doing just fine! I felt the same way at the first class, but better this class. I think it gets easier as you do it.
Apparently Zumba is not new (according to the other lady at the place we took the class) it's just now making it's way to our area. Leave it to us to be behind.
Hey! Good for you! You did it!! And that is all you can ask of yourself...to try and you did! Well done girl!
Hugs
SueAnn
So the tattoo will be of a Zumba scene?
Oi, you gonna come and undertake my literary challenge?
Wow, GOOD for you! I am a great fan of my comfort zone, and stepping out of it is terrifying. I'm so inspired that you just went ahead and DID it! Yay, YOU!!! Congrats!
I just read Heather's post about the same thing! You two are in sync .. or out of sync as the case may be!!
I have never heard of Zumba, but it sounds like something i could enjoy.;) Perhaps.;)
Good luck with the rest of the 44.;))
xo
Zuzana
Off topic and I apologize. Just noticed that you're from Pigsknuckle, VA. Until 2 yrs. ago we lived in roanoke. Where is Pigsknuckle? Love the name. :)
You're an inspiration - I'm attempting to compile a list of 65 challenges to start in March. I can now cross Zumba off my list since I've just tried it vicariously through you ;)
Ah. Didn't think I'd heard of it. Yours is one of my favorite towns and I miss the entire area so very much. Hoping to move back as soon as we can.
Know what you mean. I put Atlanta b/c I don't want to give too much info. when we're actually in a suburb.
Thanks for letting me know and have a great day. :)
I like the idea of the 45/45 challenge - I may steal it!
Sounds a bit painful, but glad you accepted the challenge.
Love the 45/45 challenge.
I tried a Latin dance class at he gym one time. Once was enough for me.
I actually saw a Zumba on the TV the other night Diane.
Oh no, hang on...it was a Zebra!
Mind you, I guess that riding on a Zebra would be extremely uncomfortable but rewarding to Diane!
Please don't add it to your list!
Belated birthday wishes and good luck!
I'm so PROUD of you! I'm actually working on my list and one thing on it is GETTING A ROOMMATE in a REAL HOUSE in the little town I'd love to live in! All 'cuz of you, I'm making my list and I put that on it! I've lived alone for 20 years! :-)
I even took three numbers off of a bulletin board in the coffee shop last Sunday!
I think I'd rather try Zumba!
Excellent effort!! Your account sure makes me want to try it ;o)
Or maybe I'll just stick with roomba or rhumba or just plain ol' rum.
Excellent effort!! Your account sure makes me want to try it ;o)
Or maybe I'll just stick with roomba or rhumba or just plain ol' rum.
yay! I am so proud of you! Go zuuuuumba! :) You wouldn't feel even half as bad if you were to watch me klutzing all over the place in the back of ANY aerobics class. It's why I pick the back, and kindly ask people to stay away from me. Okay, not the last part, but people are better off if they keep away while I try to move arms AND legs at the same time!
Keep it up!
Did you wear the Zumba outfit.. the baggy pants and sideways hat? I love Cardio-kickboxing. I did that for awhile in high school. Good luck!
You did it, though - that's what matters! Go Diane!
I've never heard of zumba before, and I don't think I'll be looking it up any time soon.......
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