Zumba Dance Your Way to Fitness

Zumba dance is the buzz word in fitness circles everywhere.  From the community gym to the local library, everyone is turning to Zumba dance moves to get fit for the summer.  My gym introduced Zumba dance recently but we had to pay extra to gain access to these highly coveted classes.  I decided to try Zumba dance for free at my local library to see how I liked it.

In my early 20s, I loved to go to Cuban clubs in the city to dance all night to the pulsating Latin beats.  Going to Zumba dance class at the library brought me back to hot nights at the clubs outside NYC.  The music brought you to your feet and made you want to move.  Salsa, samba, merengue, cha cha...it's a combination of all your favorite Latin dance moves to music that keeps your body going.

While it doesn't feel like exercise because you're having so much fun, it's an amazing workout.  The perspiration will be dripping down your back after a 45-minute class.  You will feel the burn in your legs, arms and hips for a couple of days after your first Zumba dance lesson.  But that won't discourage you from going back for more.  The good feeling you get from Zumba dance is addictive and you'll want to do it again and again.

I was surprised to discover Zumba dance has been around since 2001.  Alberto "Beto" Perez of Colombia was a fitness instructor who created Zumba dance by accident.  One day he forgot to bring his music and used some traditional Latin music he already had.  An ad lib turned into a lucrative business and fabulous fitness tool!

Is Zumba dance for you?  Get off your duff and find out!  There are low cost and even free Zumba dance classes popping up everywhere.  You can also buy a DVD and try it out at home first if you feel shy or reluctant.  Curves recently added Zumba dance to their program, so you might want to check that out if you are also trying to shed some pounds.

No matter how you decide to try it, you are sure to love Zumba dance!  Now get ready to develop some Venusity for that summer bikini body!  (Yes, I already bought my summer inspiration bathing suit from Victoria's Secret.  More about that tomorrow.)

Sucking Up the End of Summer Before Back to School

I just discovered my children return to school this Friday.  Due to what is apparently a unique school calendar, they will be attending school before Labor Day.  I was less than thrilled and glad I already went shopping for their school clothing and sneakers (thanks to a little financial help from Grandma).

With endless responsibilities in those final few days before back to school, I also realized the importance of sucking up the end of summer.  We visited the local ice cream parlor to play games and eat sweet treats. (I only got a small dish of chocolate to maintain my Venusity.)  My husband completely reset and cleaned the swimming pool to cool off during the dog days of summer.

Much like anything in life, with endings come new beginning.  The summer always seems too short.  I miss the children when they are gone all day.  On the other hand, the freshness of back to school is exciting.  When the children go back, I can do more writing (and we certainly need the income). 

Now I'm just waiting to receive one more school schedule and the dreaded list of school supplies...