Zumba at The Yard

[dropcap]J[/dropcap]uly is speedily approaching, which means so is carnival: the number one reason why Saint Lucians want that summer body. By June itsy bitsy wardrobes for women will have been secured, and the usual muscle Ts, tanks and trunks for men set on showing how their time at the gym is paying off. If it isn’t numerous hours at the gym spent getting ready for the myriad of summertime parties and festivals, its at-home workouts, jogs or walks. For many, that kind of dedication is short-lived. After that comes the guilt, and the slap in the face reality check that, without the hard work, you’re probably not going to get that perfectly defined look you were hoping for!

I don’t go to a gym for my own reasons, but Mae Wayne somehow, miraculously got me to join Zumba. It’s not exactly the gym, (although it sure feels like a workout) but more of a dance class where not having rhythm does not matter as much. Admittedly I only succumbed to it because I figured since I grew up taking endless dance lessons, a hyped class to soca, dancehall and pop music couldn’t be too difficult. Motion Studios, which hosts the class, is now located at the Star Publishing compound so it’s easy for me to just pop in straight after work. Well I was right: the first class wasn’t “hard” but it used every ounce of my energy. All I could do when I got home was sleep. . . sweaty clothes, socks and all. On the bright side, I probably burnt all the calories I ate that day. But it was so much fun!

I have never missed a class since then. It doesn’t feel like one of those exercises to be hesitant about attending; Zumba is something to look forward to. Tenneil and Suzie are the most ecstatic instructors anyone could ask for. Their high energy and enthusiasm helps you to keep pushing through the burning sensation in the muscles. It might be that or the fact that they prompt you to bust a whine in the middle of a squat. If you can’t ,that’s okay too. There are no rigid techniques to follow but it still works. A Zumba class with all smiles is inevitable because everyone is constantly surprised that they feel completely burnt but can still find the strength to keep dancing. Music is a major factor as well; the Motion Studios instructors have a dynamic selection to pair with the heated sessions. It’s mentioned in research that music can change your mood and all the perfect songs are chosen to keep a happy atmosphere. I’ve heard other clas  members say that Zumba helps make a bad day better.

You must be certainly thinking that Zumba sounds too good to be true. But, I assure you, Zumba is one class where you can have fun, burn calories and get that desired body!