Zumba!

Everyone should take the time out to exercise. Whether it is walking, biking, playing tennis, or heading to the gym....you should do it. I, personally, go to the gym regularly. Besides the obvious physical benefits (e.g. weight loss or maintenance, increased energy, strength, and endurance), I love the emotional benefits (release of stress and aggression, increased self-esteem). I have gotten to the point that I HAVE to go to the gym or I feel bad. And what do I do while I am there? A bit of everything...biking, eliptical, classes. I love taking classes because it gives you a great workout without you having to do any of the thinking. They just tell you what to do. My favorite class...TurboKick (cardiokickboxing). I absolutely love it!

See www.turbokick.com

But today, I took a new class...Zumba! It is a latin dance-based cardio class with some belly dancing and hip hop thrown in. It was so much fun...you basically dance for an hour. You forget that you are getting a fabulous core, buns, and leg workout. I love to dance and pick up choroegraphy quickly so I had no trouble keeping up. However, it might take some getting used to if you are new to the class (there is very little cueing). Although, the class is obviously more dancy than athletic, you will definately work up a sweat. I would strongly recommend it to everyone....women, men, young, old, the in-shape, and those who want to be.

See www.zumba.com

Right now, The Fitness Center* is the only place in CU that offers a Zumba class. If you are not a member, get a day pass and check it out.


*After looking at all the gyms in the area, we selected The Fitness Center. The hours are great. The equipment is up-to-date and in good quantity (although during the high activity times, you might have to sign up and wait a little bit). They offer lots of classes (yoga, pilates, martial arts, step, athletic training-type classes, Turbokick, spin). They offer lots of services such as personal training and body analysis. They run some special programs throughout the year like the Inferno Challenge and the annual racketball league. They have saunas and whirlpools. And, best of all....the big selling point, a free playroom for the kids. And my kids love to go there (they ask to go).

See www.fitcen.com