Try Something New: February: Zumba

Last month my fitness partner-in-crime Heather and I tried a Barre class. I wouldn't call it an overall success. But it was an experience. 

So this month was Heather's choice and she chose Zumba. Old Amelia would never have darkened that doorstep. Rhythm and I aren't friends. But I've got to a point in my life with my own physical abilities that I am loving trying new things that are so far from my comfort levels. It's funny how our January and February classes were both so dance-based. 

I like to "dance like no ones watching" and have lots of fun moving about. Does it look good? Likely not. Since learning to play the ukulele I'd say my understanding of music has definitely improved. But anything is an improvement from where it started from. As a child in jazz I couldn't "hear the beat" or rhythm. At all. I thought it was a made up thing. 

SO! we decided on Zumba and my mother told me an old family friend had a daughter that taught at a small studio in town. So we agreed upon this Saturday. 

The class was 11:15-12:15. Heather picked me up and we arrived at shortly before 11. A group of small girls in leotards were in the studio adorably floating about finishing up their ballet class. We signed waivers and paid our 10 dollar drop in fee. 

The advice I was given was "stand at the back and if there are mirrors, don't look at them." Of course the whole front was mirrors. 

We did steps from different styles of dance like salsa and hip hop. All the steps started out slow and simple and would build into movement combinations. We were told to focus on the feet and not worry about much about arms if it was a challenge and that the point was just to keep moving, even if what you were doing didn't quite look like what the instructor was doing. Which I'm sure it didn't from time to time, or often. 

Overall it was a great time! It was a great workout. I was certainly sweating in a tank top and yoga pants. (This time I googled what to wear to Zumba to avoid the last class in which I just wore typical running clothes.) next time I'd wear capris or shorts. And did you know there was such thing as Zumba shoes? Less tread for more side to side dance motions. Not necessary but fun if it's something you are really into. 

It was neat to learn different dance steps and I felt like I was starting to get it. Then I'd look at Heather and she'd look exceptionally silly. So I knew I did too. It all was moving so quickly that you didn't really have time to look at the others but when I stole a glance I realized none of us made it look like the instructor did, but that's okay! 

I liked how each song was a different "workout" and style of dance with a brief break in between. The moves all followed the song so I'd start to anticipate what moves were to come. 

Some of them I did not get AT ALL. But I was having fun. You can't do a Zumba class without smiling or laughing. 

My negatives are few. I still felt a little out of place, Heather made the comment too that we feel more athletic than a graceful dancer type. We are bootcamp girls and I can't expect any other class to give me the same feelings of home like bootcamp or running. But it was close! The class was largely in part enjoyable due to a great teacher! (The teacher makes the class always. Of course I feel that way.) 

Is it something I'd do again? I think so! I'd like to go with a new friend each time just for the entertainment value alone. Not friends that have a natural rhythm or dance ability. That would be obnoxious :)

Chalk February's "try something new" up as a success! Who knows, maybe I'll inadvertently become a better dancer (with actual "dance moves") as a result :) I look forward to seeing what March will bring! 

Something new: Buddha Barre

This week I received an email from a local yoga/spin studio I used to attend a few years ago. It said that lululemon was coming to our small town for a day to have a pop up store downtown. As a result lululemon so graciously paid for all Saturday classes at the studio. 

So I texted my friend Heather asking if she wanted to attend a free class. She looked through the listings and chose their "Buddha barre" class. I'd heard of barre classes before but didn't know much of it. 

We arrived early and felt a little out of place. I am used to doing all exercises in my running shoes and when I was told the class was sock or bare feet I was a little out of my comfort zone. Poor sad asics thought they were getting a workout today. Nope. 

Neither of us brought a mat but when we saw all the regulars with theirs we were happy the facility provided some. 

The class started on the mats with some yoga like moves with planks, bridges, and various other core activating exercises. 

We then moved to the barre and I was instantly transported back to my dance classes as a child. Spoiler: childhood athletic memories were never positive. 

We did a range of ballet style full body exercises. Kicks and squats and other activities. They were all challenging and full body exercises as you had to focus on engaging your core and keeping your whole frame strong. Also we were often on our toes leading to a great calf/quad burn. 

By the end I was sweating buckets and smelled kinda bad. Sorry to the ladies beside me. It was a great and challenging workout that was definitely outside my comfort zone. 

Positives:

A great workout

Something new- I love new experiences. 

Free class! 

A nice sat morning with a sweet friend 

Negatives:

I felt out of place. 

I didn't know the fancy ballet terms and often was looking around trying to figure out what I was supposed to be doing. 

The establishment itself has a bit of a snooty feel. 

Seemed like a fashion show of sorts and here I am in a running tshirt. 

We got silenced for quietly chatting and then split up. (Story of my life)

I kept thinking "what is a runner doing at a barre class"? Improving herself, I guess. 

I am glad I did it, especially the experience with my friend. We had a lovely rest of our morning/afternoon together. The class was from 10:15-11:15 and then we went to the lulu pop up store to check it out as it was open today only.

 We then went for coffee and shared an egg salad sandwich. 

We also decided once a month we'd like to try a new fitness class out of our element. 

January: barre.

 February: Zumba? Stay tuned!