A runner in Zumba!

At my core, I am a runner and a yogi. I love everything about it. The workout I get; the way it sheds off my days, and that it's my therapy. But I promised to try new things and tell you about them, so off to ZUBMA I went.

This was the first class I've been to in a while where you just show up; you don't have to bring anything but yourself (in workout clothes/shoes, of course). It was nice to not have to carry yoga mats and resistance bands, or whatever else. Before class started, there were about 30 women and 1 man, and everyone was chatting and welcoming the new girl (me). Its like any other group fitness class I've done, you build a bond with the others that love your activity as much as you do.

Class started, and off I went to figure out what ZUMBA was. This instructor was Latin and played ALL salsa music. I salsa danced for an hour. Lets just say that I am not the best Salsa dancer. (omg I was so lost for a while.) But I eventually caught on.  And it was salsa... so there was definitely some shaking of all my parts going on. I'm going to guess that other instructors play different kinds of music, but that will take me trying another class to figure that out.

The instructor did a couple of warm up songs, and then got into the workout. She played them as songs, and at the end of each one you got a breather before the next one started. There were "micro-breaks" throughout the hour so you could get water or towel off. The music in this class was really a tool to help manage your workout, unlike yoga where the music is more of a distraction to take your mind off your muscles catching on fire.

The workout itself was fundamentally based on old school aerobics that has been moderized with dancing. If you have ever done Jazzercise or aerobics in the 1990s you know what you are getting yourself into. There was some old school moves mixed in with a lot of dancing.They have done a good job of updating it and making it fun and new. If you love dancing, you'll love this.

It's a great cardio workout with a little bit of toning. I was sweating pretty good at the end of class, and a good cardio workout can help melt off the pounds. I'm going to stick with running and yoga, but ZUMBA was fun.

Have you tried ZUMBA lately? What's your take?