Wherein I discuss my love of zumba.

Zumba crowd

I live in the South. We have about 6 weeks a year when it is actually bearable to be outdoors. It’s either ridiculously hot or just plain cold. Humidity is a horrible thing in the summer as well as the winter.

About a year ago, the woman who owns the dance studio in our little hamlet started a zumba class. I had seen the infomercial (all those high energy, really skinny, toned and tanned ladies and gentlemen making it look really simple) and was pretty skeptical. I mean, I hadn’t ever exercised like that in my life. I was a smoker, a drinker, an eater of really fatty, fried foods; in other words, I generally loved living my completely unhealthy lifestyle.

I was hooked after the first class. It was actually fun. I got to hang out in a room with a bunch of women who I adore (colorful, eclectic group, those ladies) and dance to popular music that I love. It took a few classes to get the routine down, but after that it was smooth sailing (unless you count the fact that I could barely breathe after it was over).

Once I quit smoking and learned that not eating crap and drinking Cherry Cokes all day before class was a terrible idea, it just got easier. And I loved it even more.

I fractured my foot recently and haven’t been able to attend in a few weeks, but I’m aching to get back to the fun. I hear my instructor has added a few new songs and I’m excited to learn them. I never thought I would enjoy exercise as much as I enjoy zumba.

And the best part? I get to exercise in AIR CONDITIONING in the months when the heat index is 115. That alone it worth the cost of the class. If you live in the South, you know how wonderful that is.