Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone and Into My Zumba Shoes

Writing my own blog is not the only new activity I have started this year.  Since January, I have joined Zumba classes 3 days a week.  Prior to Zumba, I had joined a ladies only gym, but that lasted less than a year, and it was a mission to cancel my membership--something I vowed never to get stuck with again.  I really applaud the avid gym goers who day after day can hop on those machines without batting an eyelash.  My sister and I both enrolled thinking we would motivate each other, but with her crazy nursing schedule, sleep prevailed more than the desire to be on a treadmill.  I endured a few months, either sitting on a stationary bike or forever stepping on the stair-climber.  No one ever spoke to me or made eye contact.  I would take a book or a magazine in an attempt to entertain myself, but failed.

Last year, I gave Cross-Fit a try, and nearly killed myself.  I ended up hurting my right foot and had to get two cortisone shots from a podiatrist for perennial tendonitis.  I wore an immobilizing brace for weeks, sneakers to every event, and had to buy special shoe inserts.  My Cross-Fit adventure did not last long.  I do have to say it is a very exciting regimen, every class was different, which I truly enjoyed.  The Cross-Fit gym goers and instructors were very kind, knowledgeable, and pushed everyone to do their best.

After nursing my foot injury for several months, a dear friend recommended I try out Zumba.  Her sister was the Zumba instructor, and she guaranteed that I would love it.  There was no annual membership, it was a pay as you go class.  The following week, I worked up the nerve to attend my first class.  If you have never been to a Zumba class it is one hour of dance moves that combine Latin and international music incorporating interval training, fast and slow rhythms, and resistance training.  That is the technical definition.  MY definition is: it’s going out to have a great time, sweat, laugh, relief stress, and there is dancing involved! Having struggled with weight loss my entire life, I could not think of a better way to spend three days a week.

Zumba Love

Arriving at my first class, I felt like I was the new girl in school.  The other Zumba participants had years of experience, so I took my two left feet and stood in the back of the class as far away from the giant mirror as I could.  The class was packed, and I could picture all those eyes on me! Five minutes into the first salsa song, my friend noticed I was cramped in the back of the room, came over, and personally escorted me to the front row.  I nearly died.  I did not want all that attention on me.  To my surprise, the rest of the class gave me a warm smile and starting clapping. They opened their hearts to me and welcomed me as part of their Zumba family.  I finished the class drenched in sweat, but with a huge smile on my face. I have never taken a step back.  
I remain in the first row.  

P.S.   Did I mention I have lost 10 pounds? :) 

Mindful Moment:  Have you ever wanted to try something new, but your own shyness was holding you back?  I felt the same way, but all it took was one dance step out of my comfort zone to show me that I could do it.  Next time my shyness wants to get in the way, I'm just going to look myself in the mirror and cha-cha my way into the challenge!