WARNING--LONG POST :)
This month will mark what I consider to be my true one year Zumba anniversary. During the summer of 2012 I started going to Zumba every now and then. It was intimidating at first, but the more I went, the more I started to like it. I had friends in Memphis who had done Zumba and loved it, and it seemed like something I would really enjoy if I gave it a chance. I mean, what's not to love about shaking your butt and losing weight at the same time! I had a good time and got a decent workout, but then the school year started. The fall of 2012 was probably the hardest time in my life. We were having some issues at home, I had the most challenging class of my career, and I had a challenging student teacher as well. I was in a bad place and I compensated for it by being an emotional eater. This has always been my go to comfort, and this time was no different. I completely stopped going to the gym and was basically a lazy bum.
Then the new year hit. Things were better at home, my class was still challlenging but some things had occured that made the situation much better, and my student teacher was finished with her assignment with me! Life was starting to look up! I made the decision (along with every other cliche) to get back in the gym.
I was running late for the first class I decided to go to. I had never been to this particular instructor's class, and it was a full house being as it was January and the "resolution rush" was in full effect! I slipped in to the back row and noticed that there was someone taking pictures--yes taking pictures that day. I would later come to be good friends with the girl taking the pictures, but that day I just thought it was SO weird that this girl was taking pictures of a fitness class. Despite the odd picture taking, I really enjoyed myself and decided I would be back. This instructor was WAY different than the ones that I had gone to the summer before, and I got my butt kicked which was needed. I started making this Zumba thing a habit!
The only thing I didn't like about going to class was not knowing anyone. For about the first six weeks of going to class I would just stand there in the back row, dance my butt off, and go home. It's funny to sit here now and think that I ever stood in the back row because I can't imagine being anywhere but the front these days. Makes it so much easier to see and follow!
This year has brought so many changes in my life, and most of them I can thank Zumba for. I have met some of the most amazing people, and I really cannot imagine life without them. There is just something about going through life/body/weight changes with someone that brings a special kind of closeness to your relationship. They are extremely encouraging while also having the ability to keep you accountable. They don't sugar coat things, and they are there to celebrate even the slightest of victories. They make working out fun which is something it never was to me before. I am thankful for the impact they made on my 2013, and I look forward to continuing this "get healthy" journey with them in 2014!
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| My first class--only documented because some crazy lady was taking pictures :) |
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| 80's Zumba-February 2013 |
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| May 2013 |
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| July 2013 |
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| August 2013--Just a crazed, sweaty pic after class, ha! |
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| Unite to Fight Party in Pink for Breast Cancer-October 2013 |
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| Another Party in Pink-October 2013 |
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| November 2013 |
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| December 2013 |
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| New Year's Eve Zumba-December 2013 |
What a difference a year makes!
