My strange journey to CrossFit- Pt. 2: I'm doing Zumba, not having a seizure

I'm still embarrassed to admit, I did Zumba.  My co-worker attended  classes near our store and her results were amazing. I was intrigued but it was Zumba.  HELLERRR? That was a workout for my Mom, not me! I'm a soccer-chick, I'm hardcore. This is way too girly.  

Maybe it was the image of my co-worker's ever slimming waistline or my insomnia, after watching this commercial at 2 in the morning often eventually the most harden will crack:

The hot Latin Dude has some skills or was it his body that made me want to...open.... my...wallet? After reading my last post you know I'm a tightwad. After my futile craiglist search, I ended up finding a the "Zumba Fitness: Total Body Transformation" on Amazon.  It was 70 bucks! WTH?! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!  I'm getting jacked! 

CUE THE INFOMERCIAL VOICE IN MY HEAD:

But wait there's more! This set includes: a step by step DVD, diet & exercise plan & Toning sticks (fancy name for a rattle). Plus, my purchase qualified for FREE SUPER SAVER SHIPPING! That's over a $60 value!!  Act now, only a few left! What was I waiting for? This is a deal!

This was my dirty little fitness secret. Simply put, Zumba is like mini-brow lift of fitness. You know people do it but will NEVER admit to having the procedure done. Plus, I am a klutz with no rhythm. If you seen me on the dance floor I look like Elaine from Seinfeld. Watch the video below, it'll give you a pretty good idea.  

I hid it for about a 2 weeks but the kids saw the DVD set lying around.  Like a fool, I got talked into doing it with them. They just about pissed themselves laughing. My oldest, dashed for her cell & conference called my entire family! PUNK.  She told them and I quote, "She looks like she's having a seizure, Grandma." Then I yelled over her, "It's Zumba, and no I'm not having a seizure."

To be fair to the kids, had someone peeked into my window while in action they'd never classify that as dancing. They'd think I was deaf...because what was happening on the screen didn't look like anything I was doing. Shakira was right, the hips don't lie.  

Now, you may be asking yourself. Why didn't she try a class with her co-worker?  For the reasons above and for the fact that would've hurt someone. I have taken out 3 lines of people dancing the Electric Slide as a teen. Given the choice of dying of embarrassment. People pissing on the floor and or sending said people to the hospital I think I'll pass on the organized classes....

Thanks to The Maui News aka My daughters now everyone knew about my Zumbalious moves. No denying it now. For some of my rhythmically challenged friends I had become their Messiah. If Elaine Benes can do it so can I! 

                                   Yeah, I felt stupid but it was fun. I liked the music, the moves became easier. Each regular workout was about 45 minutes. If you were in a hurry you could do the "Blaster" workout which is 20 mins.  Every other day I did an additional Ab workout (which to this day is my fave) add another 20 mins.  For a total of 1:05 mins.  I did lose a bunch of weight, inches from all the cardio. The thighs were definitely thinner, I was leaner than I've ever been in my adult life. But I was not strong.

There were a few downsides to doing this at home. You need a lot of space. I lived in a cottage and had to move furniture each time I wanted to do it. (That gets old, quick.)  Since I tripled my workout time, fitting it in was difficult. Staying focused when the kids are home was also a problem. The emphasis on properly stretching in the beginning. Doing a warm down. Like anything else, you will get bored. (This is where going to some classes would've kept things fresh).  The additional videos can get expensive after a while too.  And with all repetitive workouts your body will adjust & you will plateau.

I do believe it's a fun introduction to fitness. Anything that makes you move & have fun is worth a try. I did this longer than any of the Jillian DVDs. (No one really likes hearing their Mom yell at them as an adult). I needed more of a challenge, no more fluff. 

To be continued....

Part 3: Boot Camp