Nike Women Blog

Backyard Boot Camp

KatieHennessey — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:15:22 GMT

As we all know our nation is in a bit of a budget crunch lately.
That means we all have to dig a little deeper, not only into our pockets; but rather ourselves and figure out what’s necessary and what’s not.

I know a lot of people who have sacrificed gym memberships in order to pay for books, classes, etc. But fitness is one thing that we can control and should keep on the top of our priority list.

Where is she going with this? I have a point, trust me! And here it is! Backyard Boot Camp (or something that resembles it). Lately I have found ways around the cost of a gym, a la fitness videos purchased a couple years ago that until now have been collecting dust, on a shelf near my television.

No better time than the present, I thought, then to bust these out and give it a go. Which brings me back to my point of utilizing resources around us to make sure that our bodies are still high on the to do list.

I selected the abdominal specific DVD and got to work. My sweat began pouring almost instantly as this high cardio workout snapped me back into a breathless pant that I hadn’t experienced since I was searching for an edge back in high school.

Point being, ladies rummage through those shelves and see if you can find something that you can utilize. DO NOT forget to take care of yourselves through this time of uncertainty. Make sure that even if it’s a simple jog around the park that you are utilizing yourselves in the most productive way possible.

For little or no cost, you can work up a sweat at home and meet your goals in no time. Best of luck and if you have any other cost efficient workout ideas, shoot me an email at katie.h@nfreporter.com

-Katie Hennessey

Snowball Cardio

AllieLaForce — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:05:53 GMT

You may recall a winter season jingle that goes something like this, “Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is soooo delightful.” And while sitting by the fire is truly delightful, the weather can be just as delightful and you can get a workout in at the same time! I want you to consider a different attitude to take on the winter wonderland. Here in Ohio everything is glazed with snow! Most cities are enjoying an inch or two of the white stuff but other cities, mine included, are enjoying 5-7 inches at least! Everyone is walking around campus freaking out because they are slipping and sliding all over the place. It is pretty difficult to make it up most of these hills and cars…well…unless you have an extra 20 minutes to clean of the windows and heat up the engine then you are out of luck.

When you wake up in the morning and have to race off to class or work the snow can be especially stressful. On top of that, who wants to workout in the winter!? Part of the fun of working out is being able to run outside, do yoga in the park or just be surrounded by sunshine. Let’s look at the positives though! My roommates and I were having trouble thinking of a way to get motivated and workout. The roads were covered with snow and we were sitting in the living room feeling especially lazy (not to mention we had just downed a large pizza, whoops!). A commercial for snow gear flashed across the television and our problem was solved. Why not play in the snow for a workout? I mean we all hadn’t “played” in the snow since we were in our low teens so why not?

We raced upstairs to throw on all of the snow gear we could find and being college students it came down to jeans, a hoody and hats. All of us ran outside and started sliding around on the snow covered street. There is actually a workout in the gym I used to go to in New York where you put on slippers and slide back and forth to work your thigh and butt muscles. This was just like my Manhattan workout only more fun and much less expensive!! It didn’t take long before strangers walking by were joining the fun. Neighbors were slowing seeping out of their houses to see what all of the commotion was all about and before we knew it we were sprinting away from each other to dodge the snow balls, jumping up and down in excitement and sliding back and forth on the ice to see who could coast the furthest. It wasn’t till I was sitting on the front porch steps that I realized how hard I was breathing. A night of innocent fun turned into the best workout of the week! There are opportunities like this all around us. Be creative and think outside of the box.

P.S Nike doesn’t make a winter line for no reason. The gear WILL keep you warm. Try it out and if it doesn’t you better let me know!

-Allie LaForce

A Sport Of Honor

GevrinaSeferaj — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:15:01 GMT

Interested in a sport of honor? How about a sport of the early Renaissance? Simply put, what about a sport that with the words “advance” “repost” “parry” and “retreat” can burn about 400 calories. Unbelievable, right?

So what sport did I just try for the first time to achieve these results and more? FENCING! That’s right fencing. For some of you who have no idea what this sport is about, don’t worry, I went in last night to SWORDPLAY FENCING Studios to have my first free lesson. Aside from the fact that everyone gets their first free lesson, the staff is extremely helpful, informative, and fun.

Tim, the owner, set me up with my trainer Gowrie for my first one on one lesson. At first I was a little embarrassed because I had only seen fencing in the movies and had no idea about what to actually do better yet, even the proper terminology.

I started off wearing a jacket croissard, a mask and gloves. After I was done dressing I was given my ‘weapon’ which was a foil. In fencing there are three weapons that you use to compete: a foil, a sabre, and an epee. Let’s just say I stuck to the foil. Once I was ready to go, Gowrie gave me the 411 on fencing. She referred to fencing as a “physical form of the game: chess.” Fencing requires a lot of patience, strategy, timing, distance, and execution.

The entire time, I was completely fascinated with all the different components that fencing is composed of. Not only was I challenging my mind by focusing on the different targets on my opponent, but I was getting a cardio workout from the constant use of quick advances and retreats. Cardio and a mental workout was not all I was gaining from fencing, Gowrie let me know that I was strengthening and toning the muscles in my lower body from all the lunging I was doing. Amazing that in thirty minutes I was able to burn 400 calories!

I asked Gowrie her life story and what made her so passionate about the sport. She replied that she came to L.A. as an actress and does all of her own stunt work. With the desire to perfect her sword fighting, she decided to take fencing classes to improve balance, endurance and foot work (all which fencing does). Gowrie mentioned that at Tim’s studio, “you’re not asking yourself, when is this over?” I completely agreed with her, I was there for thirty minutes taking my lesson and didn’t once look at my watch. Why? Because I was playing a game that not only gave me a good workout, but it also made me utilize my mind strategically. This studio even offers an exercise class for fencers called “FENCERCISE” which is going to come out shortly in DVD for all of those who want to use fencing as a cardio burner. The FENCERCISE program is a foot workout to music while remaining focused on the target in front of you.

I did ask Gowrie if she would recommend this sport to everyone and she said absolutely. The great thing about fencing is you don’t need any experience to try it out. It’s a precise sport that offers a lot more than one would see from the stands.

What’s even more inspiring to try this sport is that the female US team was very impressive at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Women always want to tone the lower body and fencing gives them just that. It’s a huge fat burner that strengthens and potentially releases any form of aggression. Why not try a free lesson to judge the sport on your own and perhaps make it your own?

-Gevrina Seferaj

Criss Cross Apple Sauce

KatieHennessey — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:25:54 GMT

Jumping rope, brings back the good old days of the playground where kids would challenge one another to battles. It was always who could go the fastest, the longest, and do the craziest trick. Then we split into teams, look out, it was double Dutch time.

Nowadays I have grown beyond the playground, beyond the jump rope trash talk but I still have my faithful rope.

During my cardio class this year, I had to bust it out and shake off the cobwebs and start getting back into that jumping rhythm.

When you’re younger and only have fifteen to thirty minute recesses you can go the whole time without even thinking about it, and even then you’re begging for more. This time around, I found my body about ten years older, and a little more sluggish.

But ever since I have been re-introduced to my playground pastime, I ca’t get enough. The cardio is intense, and just about twenty to thirty minutes a day does the trick.

It is a great motivator, as the rope will hit you in the heels if your form is off. It also teaches you endurance, as with each minute all the muscles in your body start to twinge. Boxers do it to be quick and nimble during their fights, and it is a great simple way to stay in shape. So grab your old favorite rope and hop to it!!!

-Katie Hennessey

Jump-In

IsisRoberts — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:45:13 GMT

Growing up, I was definitely a tomboy. I really didn’t like to play with Barbie dolls or play dress-up. During recess, I was out on the playground getting dirty playing sports. But there was one activity that all the girls played that I absolutely loved: Double Dutch Jump Roping! I loved the whole art of Double Dutch because of the songs we sang and different ways we jumped. I enjoyed jumping rope individually also. Unfortunately, as I got older I grew further away from the art of jump rope. Until now!

Lately, I have been trying to figure out ways to stay in shape without spending a lot of money. I came up with a lot of good ideas, but then it finally hit me. Why don’t I take it back to the days when I used to jump rope? I talked to one of my Kinesiology professors at my university and she told me jumping rope is actually a very efficient type of exercise. It literally has the ability to work out every muscle in your body, especially your abs and calf muscles.

If you’re just beginning to jump rope, I would recommend you exercise in time intervals. For example, jump for 60 seconds, and then rest for 30 seconds. I usually do that for about 20 minutes or so. The more you begin to jump rope, the easier it will be. If you continue to work hard, you can eventually jump rope for five minutes straight, without any stops. Then you will keep on getting better and better. Set goals for yourself so you can continue to improve.

Trust me, jumping rope is a great, affordable work out that truly pays off. It is fun too! There are different types of ropes you can get, but I really like Nike’s weighted jump rope. The grips of the rope are very soft and it is very easy to use. This rope also pushes you more because it is weighted. I challenge you to jump in and have fun!

Check out the Nike Weighted Jump Rope. I guarantee you will love it for a serious cardio work out.

-Isis Roberts

Turbo Kickboxing: What A Surprise!

LisaLane — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:20:19 GMT

Music, fun, and a kick butt workout. The other day I decided to try a cardio turbo kickboxing class at the gym, and I was completely surprised! I absolutely loved the class. This was not just your regular kick boxing class. It was an entire hour of high energy, calorie-burning fun!

Although I love being active, I have always passed up trying kickboxing. I thought I would either look ridiculous because I do not know any of the moves, or I would have to sit down because the fitness level was beyond mine. However, I was extremely wrong.

My trick was to make sure to work at my own pace, and not over exert myself. However, I found it hard to stop when every new song that played pushed me to want to go longer. The class was a mix of elements of boxing, martial arts, and aerobics. This provided for a full- body work out. When I left I knew that I not only conditioned by body, but toned it as well.

The high-intensity, high-impact form of exercise that the kickboxing provides helps to increase your stamina, strength, and flexibility. It would take a lot more time and many more machines to achieve what I was able to in just one kick boxing class alone.

Jumping jacks, push-ups, knee strikes, kicks, punches, turns, twist, and so much more. This class kept me moving and grooving and I encourage everyone to give it a try! With multiple classes you will see your balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance improve. Two other benefits I did not expect to acquire: empowerment and confidence! This class was an enormous surprise, and I wish I had not waited so long to give it a try.

So right now it is time to dance, punch, and kick your way to fitness. Twitter me @NFR_Lisa and tell me your thoughts on turbo kickboxing!

-Lisa Lane

Breathe

GevrinaSeferaj — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:35:46 GMT

Readings, papers, lectures, work, internships…the infamous to-do list can sometimes go on and on. So how can any of us actually squeeze in some workout time let alone some relaxation time to gather oneself?

This part can be tricky. Whether you are in high school, college, or simply in the work force, finding time to unwind gets harder and harder as you become bombarded with daily tasks; especially at the rate that society is moving. Obviously it’s impossible to place things on hold, but I’ve got a little suggestion of my own. I recently visited the Self- Realization Lake Shrine off of Sunset Blvd.

The Self-Realization Lake Shrine was dedicated to the public by Paramahansa Yogananda so that everyone could enjoy the serenity as well as the scenic beauty of this 10-acre site. This hidden oasis has attracted thousands of visitors each year not only because of its beautiful gardens and natural spring-fed lake, but it also is the home of swans, ducks, and exquisite flowers. Visitors also come to check out a small museum as well as a shrine that holds Gandhi’s ashes.

This is an amazing place where you can definitely unwind and de-stress. If you are one of those girls who needs to bring her homework or laptop everywhere to write those unforgiving college essays this is a perfect replacement for the library or even that coffee shop.

If you’re more interested in simply relaxing and mediating you can also do that. Bring a book, sit, relax and recline.

Now for my more proactive ladies who want to place their obligations on hold and work out, you can bring your yoga mat and do some exercises on your own. If a cardio workout fits your athletic profile, then take a couple laps around the lake.

I found that this was a perfect place for me to soak up some sun, read a book, and of course take a few laps around the lake. It’s a great destination that offers history, natural beauty, as well as a place to break a sweat.

-Gevrina Seferaj

Stadiyums

KatieHennessey — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:15:59 GMT

7:15 a.m. rolls around and I ask myself, one last time, “Do I really want to do this? Really?” I respond to my own question with a firm response. “Not only do you want to do this my friend, you HAVE to do this!”

About a week ago I had planned a date with my enemy, to make amends after our first encounter-the stadium stairs at my college.

Previously they conquered me, leaving me breathless, exasperated and frustrated. I was only able to do about half before I threw in the towel. It ultimately showed me that I needed to increase my stamina; up my delicious.

But about two days earlier I had done a massively intense leg workout that left my muscles sore and my spirit unwilling.

So with everything saying not to get out of my warm bed, I went to greet my enemy.

Up and down, down and up I went; losing my breath and losing my will with every stride and step. The whole time knowing this was for the greater good.

Stride for stride I grew more intense and determined to push to the final steps. As they came nearer and the stadium grew smaller, I realized these stairs weren’t my enemy; but rather my motivator-the trainer that continually pushed me. Telling me there was just another row and every step led to a rush down.

Deliciously enough, about half-hour later I finished my workout and had conquered my stadiyums to give me that delicious feeling that all athletes want.

So ladies, if you want that extra push, take it to the stands and achieve the stadiyum!

-Katie Hennessey

Flying High

LianneMaly — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:15:20 GMT

My friends and I recently went to go see a Cirque du Soleil show in Santa Monica. Anyone who has seen one of these shows probably leaves it feeling like they should change their career.Or at least I did. As we were walking out they had signs posted for Trapeze classes that they were offering on the pier while the show was in town, so of course I decided to go for it. How bad can it be right?

Well for those of you afraid of heights this is NOT the activity for you. The class was amazing. It's a total body workout which mixes cardio with strength training. I have never heard of someone taking one of these classes before but after a little research some gyms offer classes, and even have separate rooms with ropes and swinging trapezes with safety nets to catch you.

The hardest part about this activity was being able to find a happy medium between using strength, agility and balance to keep yourself on the bar. I'd highly suggest signing up for one of these classes in your local gym if you have the chance. It's a fun and creative way to get an intense workout.Especially after the holidays to work off those extra pounds!

Until Next Time!

-Lianne Maly

Servin’ Up a Spin on Tennis

TatumEverett — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:00:52 GMT

Inspired by the insane athleticism the ladies in women's professional, I decided to break out the ole' tennis racket. I grew up playing tennis at my local athletic club, Franco’s, here in Louisiana.

I’ve been looking for a way to bring tennis back into my life and that’s when I found out about Cardio Tennis. Yes, I know that tennis is generally known as a “cardio” sport that is all about endurance and muscle building, but this class was just different!

Every morning, a group of athletes, experience ranging from beginners all the way up to advanced, gather at Franco’s to enjoy the sport. With some pump-up tunes jamming on the stereo, we hit every type of shot in the repertoire. From groundstrokes to volleys to overheads, we were running ALL over the court!

Now for the card part. As if that wasn’t already it! After you hit your shots and while the others are hitting, we’ll either run laps; do some jumping jacks, kangaroo jumps, or push-ups; or work on footwork drills. And just when you finish a set of those, it’s time for your shot combo again!

Towards the end of the hour-long class, a little friendly competition is thrown into the mix with modified match play and other tennis games that keep score and determine the winners of the hour.

That’s what makes Cardio Tennis so different, and so exciting. It’s a great way to break up your cardio routine and know that you’re still getting in a great workout because you never stop! If you live in the Crescent City area and are interested in Cardio Tennis, check out the Franco’s Athletic Club website!

Or gather some friends and start your own session!

You may not be able to hit like Serena, but your endurance could rival Nadal’s after a couple of these Cardio Tennis sessions!

-Tatum Everett

Meet Chucks and Marley

JonieSouvannarith — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:36:44 GMT

I love my dogs, and I know walking them around the block isn't considered great daily exercise. But, do you know what is? Going on dog-friendly hikes, and dog beaches in Long Beach. Meet my lovelies Chucks and Marley. We head to Runyon Canyon and Solstice Canyon for a quick average 3 mile hike on the weekends, and dog beaches at least twice during a weekday. I figured that if all I do is hike and dog beach-it, that will be at least the minimum I need to stay balanced (along with eating right of course).

For the dog beach, if you're lucky enough to live near one, it's a great way to socialize your dog and get in your cardio and upper body work out. Typically the dogs and I run all over the beach and play fetch for a solid 30 minutes and we're all tired by the time we head back home. It's important to remember that dogs should never potty in the ocean or drink the ocean water. If it's an on-leash park, running with your dogs on the beach is a great alternative to an off-leash park.

So here are my suggestions for going on a hike with your pup: Find a dog friendly hike that's a length you and your dog can handle. I’d look up thishikingtrail.com for greater Los Angeles hikes. Make sure to bring enough water for both of you, and of course a container for your dog to drink it in. Also, it's super important that you wear comfortable gear and shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather. The same as it is in fashion and sports - layers are always cute and useful. Your dog will be able to hang out with other dogs, explore nature, and smell all kinds of wonderful things - all while you are getting your exercise in too!

-Jonie Souvannarith

Step Out And Step Up

DjellaGray — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:15:39 GMT

My very first job in high school taught me many lessons that have spilled into my adult life, lessons about the arts, customer service, accounting, and surprisingly lessons in fitness! One of my daily tasks required me to venture from one city building to another just a few blocks away to handle financial transactions. The building is positioned in the center of a city block and surrounded by steps on all sides. I don’t mean a few steps on each side, I’m talking full-on get a quick cardio blast steps that will leave your lower body feeling the burn. I must admit that as a teenager the steps were intimidating and I walked the entire block trying to find another way into the building. There was no where to go but up the steps!

After years of working for the city and climbing all the many stairs, a light bulb turned on in my head. I realized that all these steps could be utilized for far more than delivering city finances; I declared that this would be the site of many future workouts. The first time I ventured to the steps after work hours the steps appeared to never end. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do or how my new idea would translate into a workout. The only thing I knew for sure was that I wasn’t getting a workout just standing at the bottom. So I started stepping up, up, up and well the steps just kept going. Like I said, there is no way to get into the building without climbing at least one set of steps. The more steps I climbed the more my idea began to feel like a workout. When I reached to the top I looked around to decide what to do next. Which set of steps would I take on the way down? It didn’t take long before I got a rhythm going and knew which side to use for the up side of my workout and which side would take me down. The steps were definitely a challenge!

This workout was far too good to keep to myself, so a few times a month I call up a couple friends and gather downtown at the steps to get a good workout and few good laughs at the expense of those naïve to the power of the step! Two laps around the building going up and down and down and up really gets the blood flowing and the heart pumping!

Through the years the steps have provided countless workouts that have helped to tone and shape my lower body. There’s always a challenge in this workout which never gets old or stale because the challenge in within. The steps never change, but the pace and reps are totally up to the individual that is willing to step up and step out of the same workout routine. So the next time you’re downtown look at the endless fitness possibilities right under your feet!

-D’Jella Gray

Jump 2 It!

DjellaGray — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:05:11 GMT

Every time I have a training session my personal trainer makes me jump rope as part of my cardio routine. I always grunt and roll my eyes whenever he hands me the rope and begins the timer on his watch. Usually I do six one minute rounds and the minutes seem to pass by super slow. “Get a good rhythm going, jump faster” my trainer demands. All the while I jump like I have lead in my Nikes. Honestly, neither jump rope nor double-dutch was my thing growing up, so naturally that translates to my least favorite part of training -ONE of my least favorites- but somehow I manage to jump through it.

The other day before my scheduled training session, I stop by a local recreation center and stumbled upon a group of girls...JUMPING ROPE. I’m not talking just the mundane jumping I tend to do. These girls had choreography, rhythm and speed! I moved in closer to see if I could pick up a few techniques to make my relationship with the rope a little nicer. How ironic that the one exercise I loathe during my workout is the very activity that this group of young ladies love!

The girls ranged from elementary to high school students with various jumping experience. Some of the older girls were working on solo rope routines, while others were practicing double-dutch techniques. I couldn’t help but smile at all the skills the girls were acquiring without them even knowing. The instructor was teaching some of the younger girls how to use their entire body to help turn double-dutch ropes. The wee-ones listened so keenly and were eager to demonstrate their mastery of the techniques. I was amazed by the amount of knowledge the girls were gaining by participating in an activity that simply involves a rope, or two. From my own personal love/hate relationship with working out I know jumping rope is a great cardio workout. Factor in choreography, team work and self discipline; you get so much more than a total body workout! My curiosity wanted to know more about the sport of jumping. The groups’ instructor was nice enough to bring me up to speed about the culture of competitive double-dutch and jump rope. I learned that the girls I was observing along with thousands of groups across the country participate in local, regional and national jump rope and double-dutch competitions. I watched some of the more experienced girls do tricks and stunts while jumping. I’m talking push-up,s splits, partner stunts and flips all while the ropes are still turning!

The most impressive part of watching the young ladies was their interaction with one another. They offered each other advice and suggestions on how to improve their individual and partner routines. These young ladies are learning life skills, core balance, and positive self image while enjoying the benefits of physical fitness. I must admit, after observing girls ten-plus years my junior master the art of jump roping, I was a little frustrated with my own interaction with the jump rope. After careful consideration and a little jumping motivation, the simple activity that I avoided as a little girl now holds a special place in my endeavors to achieve personal fitness.

-D'Jella Gray

This Isn’t Your Grandma’s Water Aerobics

StaceyWild — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:05:30 GMT

Grab your one-piece swimsuits girls! I am officially declaring that you no longer have to have white hair and a matching cap that looks like bath mat to do water aerobics.

Growing up around swimming pools, I have always believed that water aerobics was what old women did when they could no longer walk on a treadmill or sit on their stationary bike. But I have to admit that I was wrong (and I do not like having to admit that!). I was at the local YMCA earlier this week attempting to get a work out in the water. It wasn’t long before I got tired of staring at that black line at the bottom of the pool that plagued my high school years.

As I struggled through my work out, a friend and teammate from high school, Lauren Gingher, walked up to me and asked me if I could help her move some lane lines so she should set up for her water aerobics class. I made a few jokes about whether or not “the old ladies could even help her”. Right after I said that, I saw some of her “students” walk onto the deck. They not only were walking without canes and walkers, but they looked to be in really good shape. That’s when Lauren told me it was a Power Lunch aerobics class. She invited me to join, but unfortunately didn’t have time to stay for the whole class. I decided to finish my work out, but any chance I got, I was watching her class. I noticed Lauren struggled a little trying to spit out instructions because she was out of breath. I decided I wanted to learn more. Lauren agreed to meet with me and was nice enough to let me drill her with questions.

First thing I wanted to know was how she got into teaching water aerobics.

“I was a lifeguard at a local pool while in college,” she said. “They held a water aerobics certification class and offered those of us who passed the opportunity to teach and make more money. It sounded fun, so I went for it.”

Gingher said the certification was fairly easy.

“They give you a packet of information that you take home and read. Then you come back, have some group discussions about what you learned and then take the test.”

But there are a lot of benefits to water aerobics other than it’s easy to get certified in. As with many young swimmers, Gingher suffered chronic shoulder problems through her high school career.

“Water aerobics takes the stress off your joints,” said Gingher. “And the great thing is you can make it as easy, or as hard as you want it to be.”

She describes the workout as cardio with the ability to tone. In water aerobics you use your own body weight as resistance. The faster you move (increase in cardio) leads to more resistance which helps tones your muscles as well as burning calories.

I also believe that water aerobics can help people learn how to swim better. Swimming is all about learning how to feel the water. People often say to me “I’ve heard swimming is a great workout, but I just don’t know how to do it well enough to get anything out of it.” In my personal opinion, water aerobics helps that. Using the water as resistance gets you to really feel the power the water has, and can help understand the best way to move through it. The best swimmers don’t fight the water. They push against it and use it to propel themselves forward.

Water aerobics is also done in classes, so it is more of a social setting than swimming. Some people really like this. They like having people there to help push them and take some of the edge off of working out alone. They make friendships which help encourage them to show up to the class when they may just not really be in the mood for getting wet that day.

Most local aquatic centers and YMCAs have some sort of water aerobics. If it is not the kind you want to get into, get certified and start a class yourself!

-Stacey Wild

EXERCISE AND PARTY…OXYMORON?

SuziTheodory — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:35:40 GMT

Exercise for me can sometimes be a drag. With my busy schedule if I had the choice between doing something fun like going dancing or hitting the treadmill for some cardio, guess what I would choose? Well, yes it would have been dancing. But that’s before I was introduced to five letters...Z-U-M-B-A!

Exercise has forever changed in my eyes. When I go to the gym now, I’m actually getting ready to party! That’s exactly what Zumba is, a party! For those who haven’t tried it, you are truly missing out!

Zumba is the kind of exercise you’ll want to do everyday, while feeling good about doing it. The aerobic workout is a blast! You definitely burn lots of calories from dancing to some of your favorite songs...but I wonder if you lose any from singing your heart away. That I would have to say is my biggest problem with Zumba. I get lost in the words of my favorite tunes which can be pretty embarrassing when those around you catch you singing the wrong words. Oh well!

By the way my Zumba instructor is the best and his moves are amazing. He says this workout targets areas such as the abs, legs, arms, glutes and of course the heart. We dance to salsa, merengue, samba, mambo, and flamenco...but my favorite days are when we “get zumba” to hip hop. Sometimes we even do some belly dancing! Fun right?

This method of exercise might sound too good to be true. So you might ask what the requirements are to Zumba. Well the answer is easy...the only requirement is to HAVE FUN and PARTY!

So start exercising with Zumba...the best part is you won’t even feel like you’re exercising!

-Suzi Theodory