Workout BLISS

Until recently, I never thought I would use the words workout and bliss in the same sentence. Bliss always conjured visions of relaxation, sweet smells and sounds and tranquility... Not sweat and heavy breathing and more sweat.

UNTIL NOW

What is my secret?

One word...

ZUMBA

What is Zumba, you ask?

The most basic way I can describe it is a Latin take on Jazzercize. It is an aerobic workout class that uses dance moves and music from Latin culture - such as salsa, cumbia, raegeton, flamenco, etc.. And the great part...

Most people burn 500-700 calories per one hour class!

And the even better part...

It is SO much FUN!

I have always loved to dance and took many classes as a kid and all the way up into college but for some reason I had gotten away from it... not realizing or remembering just how much I loved to dance and how much it truly feeds my soul. I have friends that talk about the "runner's high" - the surge of endorphins after you hit a certain point in a run. In all of the different workouts and activities that I have tried over the years (including running), I never really understood that "high" and don't think I had really experienced it.

UNTIL NOW!!!

The way I feel after a Zumba class is very difficult to describe or put words to. I feel like I am walking on clouds and full of happiness, joy and BLISS! I feel like I can do anything and like I have just honored my body and my soul. Previously, I would say that I really liked how I felt after a workout, but it was because the workout was over and I had accomplished a goal. Now, I can say that I LOVE a workout, every second all the way through to the crazy surge of endorphins that comes near the end and really lasts me for hours. I haven't figured out how to bottle it and take it with me through the stressful moments that greet me throughout the day, but maybe someday...

As I am choosing to become more reflective about my life and choosing to really look at what I allow in and what I say no to, zumba (and really dance in general) is becoming a non-negotiable. I was only able to attend one class per week because my gym didn't have a weekend class and the other evening class conflicted with David's schedule leaving me with no one to watch the kids. Well, I bit the bullet tonight and signed the kids up for the daycare at the gym after I found out that they have added a weekend class, so now I will be able to "get my Zumba on" three days a week and hopefully soon I will look like this...

A girl can dream! Who knows, with the BLISS that comes with my new found love for exercise, I just may sculpt my way to a body like that...

I am doing something new and choosing ME, choosing to honor myself and my body... We will see where it leads!

Stay tuned!