Thursday, September 24, 2009

ZUMBA

It's been fifteen years since my last dance aerobics class.  I became too busy with other things.  Over those years I managed to pack on an extra thirty pounds.

My New Years' Resolution on January 1, 2008 was to whittle away at some of those unwanted pounds.  By mid-June 2008, by means primarily of long dog walks and watching what I ate I managed to take off 25 pounds.

Then, of course, I broke my ankle and became sedentary for several months.  I gained back eight pounds during that time.  My physical therapist encouraged me to get active again by joining a water aerobics class.

The last day I used my cane, December 5, 2008, I joined the YMCA and began taking water jogging classes.  I also began using the circuit weights regularly to regain the strength in my weak leg and balance out my upper body strength.

I did take off those additional pounds and have kept up the almost daily exercise regimen ever since.

But my favorite form of group exercise is still dancing.  I finally feel my ankle is whole enough and I feel brave enough to try it:  Zumba!

I had my first introductory class this morning after water aerobics.  I love it.

You can see a story about Zumba here.  (I don't know about those hip movements, though!)

5 comments:

nita said...

WOW, looks like a lot of exercise. Apparently it results in weight loss but what happens if a person quits. Can weight be controlled then with just diet. Exercise does give an "inner peace", increases endorphins in the brain. Eating hot peppers do likewise!

Sheryl said...

Can't answer your questions--don't know. I don't think I get "inner peace" from eating hot peppers. I find them very uncomfortable!

Shannah said...

That's amazing! 30 lbs off with simple diet and exercise is something many folks work for but are unable to achieve.

Sheryl said...

That was 30 lbs I gained over the years--25 lbs I took off in six months. I STILL haven't managed the last 5 lbs.!

nita said...

I thought your pix from Hawaii looked fine!