ZUMBA-A-GO-GO, GREAT, THOUGH A VISUAL NO-NO

My daughters-in-law, two gym-enthusiasts, tuned me into the newest exercise-craze--Zumba Dancing--which is a mix of Latin, Caribbean, and African rhythms and moves. The music was energizing, and who of us hasn't dreamed of knocking out a sexy Samba on the living room rug?

I always pork up during every intense writing project, (it's a gift) from sloughing off exercise and snacking instead of eating proper meals. One day, when I was reduced to pulling out a pair of "larger-sized-I'll-starve-before-I-succumb-to-wearing-these-again" jeans, (have some of those?) I saw an advertisement on TV for Zumba DVD's and Rhythm Sticks. I bought some.

The reason was two-fold. I needed an exercise that didn't bore me so I'd be encouraged to yank on my fleece (you'll appreciate this older post about my exercise-attire-swagger) , plus I wanted to up my cool, with-it, on-board quotient with my girls, even though I know that the very act of using those words, and feeling a need to do it, means the cause is highly doomed to failure.

I've been Zumba-ing all week. Now mind you, I broke the introductory session into a three-day program. (Not the introductory DVD, the introductory, explanatory, show-you-how-to-do-the-moves session...)

The results? My feet ache, my calves throb, my arms are ouchy and my back is a bit sore. But what did Jane Fonda say bout exercise? "Feel the burn?" It must be working some muscles!

All-in-all, I love it! I don't dread popping in the DVD and I already feel some changes in my core. Does it meet it's promise that I'll feel sexy? (Insert a loud guffaw right there.) Right now I tightly shut the blinds because a peek at the Laurie-Zumba show could be considered a crime against humanity, and if anyone filmed this and put it on Youtube it would become an instant, viral humiliation of epic proportions.

Seriously, the important thing is that I may have found something that even if performed awkwardly and clumsily, seems fun and effective. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, so I modify some of the moves, but I think if I pair this with the stretching benefits of a very basic and clumsily-performed Pilates DVD, I can get maintain an enjoyable cardio and stretching program that takes only 30 minutes and keeps me moving.