Return to Zumba

(Or "Why Childhood Dance Lessons Are Important")

On a whim, I took a Zumba class at the gym today. It was literally the realization at 11:15 a.m. that there was a class at noon, and I didn't have any plans standing in the way. So I decided to get my butt off the couch and go for it. I'd taken Zumba twice before, and found it a fun workout.

It was still fun! If you like to jam out to hoppin' music, and don't mind working up a serious sweat, you should give it a try. I like to think of it as a combination between jazz, hip hop, Latin and even a little bellydance.

It's an hour class but really about 54 minutes of activity. By 20 minutes in, I was completely drenched. There were a lot of moves that reminded me of my dance classes from childhood or routines from the drill team days. I was grateful I've had this training so I don't look like a flailing fool in these classes :)

But the most important part? I felt like I was playing. And that's what should keep us going.

So parents, make sure the kiddos get at least a dance lesson or two in while growing up. It might help them stay healty as an adult.