From "torture" to my Most Treasured Time

Why I Keep Choosing Zumba

The Mile Test  🏃‍♀️😳😖

No day in all my elementary or secondary school education caused as much dread, tummy aching, and sweaty palms as the yearly PE class 'torture' test that was running a timed mile alongside classmates.

Seriously, I would have taken math tests all day, any day, over having to showcase just how nervous and unconfident I felt taking on physical challenges in front of others. All of which makes it pretty hilarious that here I am, a dance fitness instructor now encouraging others to take on their own physical challenges. 😜

To be clear, it was the “dance” portion that drew me into Zumba from the start – the fun, energetic, and easy-to-follow movements to catchy beats. My interest in fitness, on the other hand, has been a slow build, growing steadily as I’ve learned more about the benefits of movement and noticed how I feel living an active lifestyle. And the Zumba community of fellow instructors and dedicated students has kept me here, having removed the feelings of competition or performance and replaced them with shared inspiration and celebration.

How about you?

As an adult, there’s no gym teacher forcing you to run laps. But maybe there's still that nagging voice, a lifetime of pressure and expectations: "I should be working out more," "I should look a certain way."What if we set aside those "shoulds" this week and look at what is bringing you to class right now?

Maybe it’s the…

• Music! – the upbeat, energetic Latin rhythms like Merengue, Salsa, Reggaeton, and Cumbia, with those special flavors of K-Pop, Hip Hop, and Bollywood mixed in. It's a gateway to let loose and express ourselves, free from judgment.

• Incredible health benefits! – the cardiovascular workout, the improved endurance, balance, and coordination, and even the cognitive boost that comes from learning new steps.

  
  
  
  

• Or perhaps it's the community! -- We're not just taking a class; we're creating social bonds, which are so important for aging well. We're encouraging each other, feeling accountable, and sharing those small wins that keep us going.

…Or is it something else?

This week, I encourage you to check in with yourself. What were you most looking forward to in class? What was your favorite song, rhythm, or movement? What positive changes did you notice as you finished class? Noticing these reasons can help us continue to show up, even on those difficult days.

And don't forget to head over to our private Facebook group and participate in the A-MAY-zing Moves Bingo challenge! There are squares that specifically celebrate how Zumba makes you feel and ask about your favorite music rhythms. Let's connect and share what makes this experience so special for each of us.! 🎉

 Keep moving!

xx,

Katie

The A-MAY-zing Moves Bingo Challenge will run from May 1st to May 31st, and there are prizes to be won! The first two people to get 5 lines will receive 800 NTD / 24 USD added to their balance, which can be used towards in-person or online classes. And those who get 3 lines will receive 400 NTD/ 12 USD added to their balance.

#thisiswhywedance #zumbataipei #zumbataiwan