Solamente Por Ti

You always hear people saying that what is so great about Zumba is that there is no wrong or right way to do it. Now you can say no that's not the way you salsa or merengue, but honestly, as long as you're having a good time, who cares?? See that is the true beauty and draw of Zumba... you can do it any way you like but you are having such a good time doing it that if you get the step wrong it doesnt matter.  You don't have to look like your instructor, because that's not what's important... what's important is that you are getting a good workout.. solamente por ti.. only for you.

Now let me back up a sec and say that BAD FORM is not a good thing.  I don't know how many times I can say this (or how many times I have said it before.  When doing squats, knees never go past your toes; when doing ab songs or any song, keep your abs tight to protect your back; listening to your body when it tells you you are done, when doing weighted exercises, squeeze your muscles not your weights; same thing with leg exercises... and so much more... That's good form... bad form leads to injury.  And you're not having fun if you are injured and can't Zumba.  So, to practice good form, don't worry so much about staying on beat... make sure 1. that you are not hurting yourself in a bad way (like your joints feel like they are breaking) and 2. trust your body to know when something is wrong... the mind is a powerful thing and it can often convince the body what it can and cant do...

Moving forward... One of the things I love the most about Zumba is that it can be so personal.  You alway hear us saying "this is your workout."  It is true.  For anything in life to be effective, whether it is a diet (eating plan type) or exercise or new way of thinking ... it will not work for you if you do not make it your own.  If you don't make it a part of you in some way, shape, or form - it will not stick with you. 

Think about this idea in terms of faith.  Now I am not putting diet and exercise in the same category as whatever higher power you worship and your belief, because that is completely different.  For most of us, we hold our faith close to us and often cling to it as if it were tied to our very own breath. In a way it comes to define us.  We find a deeper connection with our faith and worship in our own ways.   Now for diet and exercise.  Own it like you own your faith.  Make it yours.  Solamente por ti... only for you.  Because then and only then will it truly stay with you.  We were given this one body - why not make the most of it?

This is where the numerous other posts come in... Remember when I got real with ya'll about not worrying about what other people thought of you and to focus on yourself for once? This is the same thing...When you're out there Zumba-ing, you can be doing it to lose weight, to tone up, or just get some regular exercise in so that you can live a long healthy life with your family... but remember - do it for yourself also.  Make it your own... solamente por ti... because there is only one you and your Z-fam loves you because of that.

>M<