Zumba

Couple of quick things: (1) If you haven't entered to win a $50 gift card to Beachwood Place, you should totally do it here! Contest ends at noon on Thursday. If you did enter, remember to check back tomorrow evening to see if you won! (2) If you would like to try spinning, this Friday is a great opportunity to start, and support dogs while you're at it. There are only TWO spots left, but even if you do get wait listed, feel free to show up- there's usually a couple of no-shows on a Friday. If you did sign up, but aren't going to make it, please make sure you cancel so others can take your spot! 


So, now that I'm done with my quick notices, its onto normal business. I've been trying out some different workouts this week, in an effort to keep things interesting. Saturday was Barre, and today, I tried Zumba at Be Studios, conveniently located a stone's throw from my house. Be Studio typically offers pole dancing classes (these are REALLY challenging), and belly dancing, but started offering Zumba this week. If you're not familiar with Zumba, its effectively coordinated dancing without alcohol. Sorta like jazzercise, but with a more salsa/merengue twist, and no jazz-hands. Needless to say, it requires some coordination, something I have in short supply. Since its the first week, I had the benefit of being the only person in class, so personal Zumba training!!

The good:
1. The music is fun.
2. Not only will you get some cardio, but it also works your brain, because you have to memorize steps!!
3. You will sweat. I was not doing the arm movements (see previously mentioned coordination issues), but I got sweaty. I imagine even more sweat with arm movements.
4. Since I was the only one in class, the instructor Jeanne really broke down the movements. I expect the classes will be a little small until the end of July, so I'm sure she will continue to do this.
5. You can do this barefoot if you like.

The could-be-better:
The studio is super cute, but is in the process of an expansion, which is expected to be completed in mid-July. So, the music comes out of a little boom-box. Being a patron of pscyle, I'm used to BIG BOOMING SOUND COMING OUT OF SOME BIG-ASS SPEAKERS, so the boom box was a little underwhelming. Also, since the Zumba class is being held in a transitional space, there is only one mirror, which makes it a little difficult to see yourself and what the instructor is doing. Again, I expect these issues will be addressed with the renovation, so I'm going to give them a break here.

Since the Zumba class is introductory, Be Studios is offering a Zumba special of 8 classes for $60, including something I'm very excited about- a FREE hoop dance class!!!! Call the studio/facebook them if you're interested in details, or want to try a drop in Zumba class before you commit! And if I can do it, YOU can do it. ( I didn't say anything about doing it well, but I expect I will get better with practice!!)