It's Harder Than You Think!

Well as EVERYONE knows by now, I have started my own Zumba class where I get to do my own favorite songs for others to shake along with me. After 5 classes thus far, I have learned a few things that might be helpful to those considering putting on your brave hats and getting in the front row (remember I'm the back row girl). In celebration of my first 5 classes, here are my top five thoughts:

1. You can NEVER hide in the back row again! Did you hear me? Never again. If you try (even if you really are just there in your favorite Zumba pal's class to learn new songs or practice favorite ones but don't want to give away all of your energy because you have your own class that evening) you will be escorted to the front row of said class. Note: This is not meant as a complaint at all. In fact I'm quite grateful to Leslie, Tanja and Robin for allowing me to lead a song in their classes, and for others (who know who they are) to help you gain confidence by nudging you up front. :) Really, I am grateful. Thank you! But I may have to find a new instructor who doesn't know me and hide in the back of his/her class sometime. Haha!

2. It is not about you! No, I didn't really think it was about me. But in case you are wondering... it is not about you! It doesn't matter if Sundays at 6, you feel the urge to lead a Zumba class. Likely others just want to unwind and have dinner with their families or friends at that late hour. You will need to center your class times and atmospheres around your fellow shakers' schedules and moods. And finally on this note, it is about feeling the music, not about you breaking down every single song for people in class. They WILL pick up the moves after a few times. They do not want to stop throughout class repeatedly, because they are truly there to burn 600 on average calories. Trust me, I'm there for the same reason.
Note: If you want to join me on Sundays at 6 though, I won't mind as I've not changed my class schedule just yet. :)

3. You have to wear the right clothes when you are in the front! Ok this point is strictly one of vanity, but if you are in the front, by golly look good. I made the poor decision on Monday night to wear my gray pants to class. I have worn them to Luci's class once and they are super comfy. However, what I failed to remember is that Luci's class is in the dark. Ok, not pitch black. But she turns the lights out and I am in the back row in her class. Well...... at Briar Chapel the lights are bright and well, you know, I'm in the front row leading class, and of course they have mirrors. Half way through class, I was distracted by said gray pants. They were clingy and I could clearly see underwear lines in them. Yes, this was distracting. Luckily it's not about me and they didn't notice it at all right? :) Well, I'm sure if I asked Tanja she probably noticed it but wouldn't say anything to me about it. Haha! I'm making an effort now to look good in the front row so I'm not distracted up front.

4. This point actually works for anyone taking Zumba classes, leading or not. Your energy level is directly connected to what you've had to eat or not eat before Zumba class. I want to show up for my shakers each and every night because they are paying to have fun, yes, but also to burn calories. I have to exert more than 100% if they are to burn maximum calories. I quickly figured out this year actually that on days when I have protein shakes before Zumba class, I have amazing energy. At times when I eat empty calories or heavy carbs, I feel exhausted and struggle through class. I have a post coming sometime on food to fuel your Zumba. But for now, just trust me, what you eat makes a difference.

5. Last but not least, don't let low attendance, missing steps in the songs or others' opinions (haven't had many of those yet), get to you and keep you from being the best instructor you can be. Keep your eye on the goal. If you show up and only one person is there that night, make that person's experience great. Use it for practice. Or better yet, ask for special requests. Regardless of attendance or screw ups, chances are after the learning curve is over, you will be successful. In fact for me, just moving from the back row to the front row is pretty darn successful. This weekend I start turning out the lights in class and I plan to be super successful from here on out.

So come join me in the dark! It is a fun experience that way! And if you don't come, well I can't make you. Only you can choose to get off the couch :) As for now my class schedule is:

Sundays, Briar Chapel Fitness Center (Chapel Hill), 6 p.m.
Mondays, Briar Chapel Fitness Center (Chapel Hill), 7 p.m.
Wednesdays, Woodcroft Club (Durham), 8 p.m.