This week I headed to the gym for my first Zumba class. I walked in and found a place in the back row. After all, no one wanted to see my over-sized body trying to Zumba her way to better health. There were about 30 women in the room. Women of all shapes, sizes and color. I looked around to see if I was the most out-of-shape woman in the room and pretty quickly determined that I was. Just another good reasons for me to be in that class.

Then the music started. I knew immediately that I was going to enjoy this class. Fun tempos. Great beats. Awesome songs.

The instructor got everyone moving and I quickly discovered the problem with the back row. Even with the instructor up on a platform, I still couldn’t see all the footwork and moves that I needed to do. I also discovered that watching the people in front of me wasn’t necessarily going to help either. I don’t know if it was their first class or not, but they certainly weren’t helping me figure out what I was supposed to be doing. Despite my confusion at times, I still got a great workout and managed to figure out some of the moves. They may not have looked the best, but I was doing them none-the-less.

About 40 minutes into the class I began to look at the clock. Not because it wasn’t fun, but because I wanted to see how long I had made it without collapsing. Twenty minutes later I had completed my first Zumba class. I was breathing hard. My face was red (which happens when I work out) and dripping with sweat. Most of all, I actually felt good. After years of not walking into a gym, I had done it and I had fun.

Today I headed back to Zumba with a different instructor. She was from Peru and had a strong Spanish accent. I could tell immediately that she was going to be fun.

The group was about half the size of the other group and this time I found myself standing in the front row not caring what anyone else thought. I was there to workout. I was there to improve my health. I was there to get in shape. I was there to have fun.

I worked out to song after song of Latin music. I couldn’t figure out many of the steps, but I kept on moving. Before I knew it, we were done. Another hour-long workout completed and I was very proud of myself.

As I got my things and headed for the exit, the instructor stopped me and asked if I was new to Zumba and her class. Oh no!!!! I must have been worse than I thought. Although I was quite sure that a couple women in the back row were having an equally difficult time with the moves. But then the instructor thanked me for coming and told me “good job.”

I think I’ll stick with it and Zumba my way to a more fit and healthy me.