I LEFT MY RHYTHM IN THE 70's

Last night I attended my second Zumba class at Clackamas Community College.  My conclusion so far is that I left my coordination and rhythm in the 1970's.  That was the last time I danced, so this is why I picked that time.

Here is what Zumba Dance exercise looks like:

http://youtu.be/qsSrq3HBa7A

I had seen the commercials on television and would think how much fun it looked like they were having.  I always enjoyed dancing many years ago (36 to be exact!) and figured it would be like riding a bike. I had forgotten that once when I tried riding a bike again after many years, it did not go well.  I soon discovered that it would not be so easy to dance.  

I have the willingness and eagerness, but unfortunately my body does not.  Since the last time I had danced I have put on a few pounds (okay, maybe a little more than a few), had a knee replacement, have another knee on the way out, and have aged.  

I also discovered that I seem to have lost my rhythm.  The teacher, a dear friend named Maria, would demonstrate the moves for your legs and feet.  Then she would show what to do with the arms while moving the legs and feet.  Then a few "booty pops" and other body movements are thrown in.  For some reason I could not coordinate it all together into one neat package.  I would get my legs and feet going and forget the arms. If I concentrated on the arm movements, I would find my feet were not moving.  And thus the difficulty of moving several things at once was discovered.  Now I am wondering if I am able to chew gum and walk at the same time?

Another thing is the room where we do the dance exercising.  There are mirrors, HUGE mirrors, and you see yourself looking like an elephant stomping around in ballet slippers.  They also make me face the reality of how I really look instead of hanging on to the image which I hold in my brain and is the one I prefer.

Several of us in the class suggested covering the walls of mirrors, but I doubt that will happen.

I am going to hang in there and see if I can possibly get the hang of Zumba exercise and find my rhythm and coordination.   Who knows, maybe this old lady will achieve the ability to Zumba.  

And maybe even learn to do the "booty pop."  But never outside of the class!