Do you need to pick up some new moves for the club? Or, do you want a fun way to exercise? This past week, I ventured out of my shell and tried Zumba, a blend of club and Latin dances to popular songs, at the Rec and I was pleasantly surprised. Zumba is offered a few times a week at the Student Rec Center and even at some residence halls. Check out when classes are offered and go! My experience was nerve-wracking, but turned out to be invigorating and refreshing.
My roommate and some friends wanted to try Zumba at the Student Recreational Center because they had heard that it was fun and was an easy way to keep in shape. I immediately began to think of how uncoordinated I am and when I used to cheer, I was always put in the back row due to my delayed movements and terrible balance. Personally, I’m not really into sports, or really getting out of bed for that matter, but I thought I would give it a try and it could possibly motivate me to become healthier
Walking down to the Rec, I was so nervous. I thought everyone in the class would know every move and be experts. I knew I would embarrass myself and look like a “noob”, and I wasn’t prepared for that type of humiliation the second week of the semester. However, when we entered the classroom, it was filled with girls who had never been before! I was stunned and the instructor, Madison, made us immediately feel comfortable. She walked us through each move for each song, and by the end of the class we had them down!
Looking around, I saw a few girls who looked like they had been there before, but most of them looked just like me – nervous and embarrassed. I felt self-conscious, but the instructor made us want to let go and have fun, and we did! My roommate and I threw in a few of our own moves and made it a point to dance next to the three boys that attended the class. We danced for an hour to songs like “Born This Way” and “Give Me Everything”, and did moves that ranged from the cha-cha to the booty shake.
For being so nervous at first, I definitely think Zumba could be a class I would work in between schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Zumba is a great way to fit in exercise and let go. Although I wasn’t an expert at every dance and I looked ridiculous, I had such a good time and can use some of the movies I learned next time I hit High Street! If you’re looking for a high-calorie burning workout or just a way to meet friends and have a good time, get in touch with your Latin side and go to a Zumba class!