When it comes to fitness, I’m not self-motivated. I’m not the kind of person who can go for a run or go to the gym for an hour. For some, the view of Anderson Cooper on the television above the spin machine is motivation in itself. Unfortunately when I work out by myself, I make excuses and don’t get the best workout. However from this lack of self-motivation, I have discovered something fantastic.
One Tuesday night near the beginning of last semester I decided to try a Zumba class. I had heard from so many people about how much they loved Zumba and how they would never go a week without it. I was skeptical, partially because I had no idea what Zumba was, but decided try it anyways.
The room was packed. When the instructor asked if anyone was new to Zumba, I was the only one who raised her hand. She walked over to me, calmed my fears and said, “Just watch my feet.” I soon learned that Zumba, is a “blend upbeat world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, for a total-body workout” (according to their website). In my words, it’s kind of an hour of supped-up, high energy line dancing.
I had a blast! However, what I loved the most about the experience was that everyone feed off of each other’s energy. The instructor kept going like the energizer bunny, the girl next to me had a smile on her face, and in turn, I felt like I worked a little harder and had a lot more fun than just going to the gym. In one night I had found my fitness niche – a place where I could dance with 20-30 other people and call it a workout. Now I rarely go a week without going to a Zumba class. I actually love Zumba so much that after this Saturday, less than a year from my first class, I will be certified to teach Zumba.
Moral of the story: Find your workout niche and it won’t feel like work!
P.S. Be on the lookout for a post about the certification workshop sometime next week. Can’t wait!