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.)

I Joined The Gym Yesterday!

As we've discussed in the past, I am working on losing weight and feeling great.  Several health conditions helped me pack on the pounds over the past few years.  I feel proud because I joined the gym yesterday!

Now that the weather is better, why join the gym?  Here are a few reasons:

- my daily walk gets boring even when I change the route;

- sometimes I am not disciplined enough to workout at home daily;

- I have no excuse for not working out on warmer days because I can visit an air-conditioned gym;

- knowing other women share the same goals and are making it happen; and

- now that I have health problems, exercise is part of my treatment and I have to make room for it.

If I continue to go to lunch with my friends and family, I'll keep packing on the pounds.  Working at home get sedentary so I took initiative and joined by myself.  I already worked out for half hour yesterday and burned 150 calories. 

I can't wait to go this morning.  Yes, going to the gym works for me.  Does it work for you?  Why or why not?

When I don't have time for the gym, I pop on a 10 Minute Solution DVD.  It only takes 10 minutes to enjoy the benefits of exercise.  With the 10 Minute Solution and the gym, I know I'll have Venusity in my swimsuit this summer!  What are you doing to achieve your health and fitness goals?