Today was a Sunday like none other. I woke up at a decent time and reached this place where I had committed to show up. And what was I going to do? Attempt my first Zumba class.
To put the facts straight – I love, breathe and believe in Yoga. On my non-yoga days, I walk or try to jog but no other form of workout is a part of my fitness regime. While part of it is due to the fact that I have a weak back and I can’t attempt high-intensity stuff, the other reason is that I believe Yoga helps me know my body and its strengths.
So like you can imagine, Zumba has never been on my list. However, who says no to a new experience? So when SH and SN asked me to join them this morning, I was in. Of course, the free trial added to the fun. I hadn’t watched any videos or spoken to friends who are regular. All I knew was there will be music and dance moves. Trust me, Zumba is much more than that.
So, for the last post of this fabulous A to Z Challenge, here are some lessons from today’s Zumba that are relevant in life too.
Set your mind free: Whenever you are trying something new, go with an open mind. With a closed mind, your thoughts will race back and forth between what it ought to be and what it is.
Keep moving: Do not stop. Even when you are tired, keep up with the pace that’s comfortable but keep moving. Stopping will kill the momentum so it is much better to slow down, catch a breath and move again.
Enjoy the experience: Smile. Go with the flow and have fun while you are at it. When you are trying something for the first time, there is no benchmark. Nothing is better or worse so discover the newness it brings.
Know yourself: If you know your body, you will know how to make the right moves. Through Yoga, I know how to take care of my back so while I was at Zumba today, I took care of my forward folds and kept my back safe. I jumped and knew how to land on my feet without putting the pressure on my back. If you know yourself, any life experience will bring you some lessons.
Unlearn first: Even if it’s just one time, you need to unlearn to be able to absorb what you are being presented with. There were a couple of moments in today’s class when I did my own thing and realized, I wasn’t quickly unlearning. So, then I changed gears and started paying attention. It helped.
Have you tried something new that you would like to share with me?
I am participating in the A To Z Challenge for the third time this year and I am penning Stories from everyday life. I was at Cult Tribe Indiranagar this morning and this is not a sponsored post. However, if you are new to Zumba like me, try a class at the center. You won’t regret.
happiness and food 
I must thank you Parul for a month of interesting peeks at your life. You do lead a full and rewarding life and even though your feminist stance sometimes irks me, I enjoy reading your posts. Keep zumbaing, walking, yogaing and whatever it is that keeps you happy, enthusiastic and alive.
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ha ha! thank you Sunita. I like the way you are. So straightforward and amazing 🙂 Hugs!
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I looooove Zumba!
I used to go with a group of friends. It is so fun as long as you don’t mind having a laugh when you all go wrong! 🙂
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I love the way you equated Zumba with our lives! Beautiful!
Thank you being a part of my A to Z! I enjoyed being a part of yours!
Shubhangi @ The Little Princess
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Unlearn to learn is the perfect advice.I love how you tried to enjoy the experience thought it was outside your comfort zone
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I’ve heard a lot about Zumba being great fun. I love your last tip of unlearning. Often we are rigid in our ways due to certain things that we’ve learned in the past. Congratulations on the successful completion of the challenge yet again, Parul!
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I used to take Zumba classes all the time! It was a fun way to get a good work out in. Like you though, I’ve become more of a yogi in the past couple of years.
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I took my first yoga class in 2009. It was chair yoga due to past back, leg, neck and shoulder issues. Saturday I went to my advanced yoga class. I make adjustments when I need to because I have learned to be aware of my body. I think a lot of folks fall and get hurt because they are not aware enough of what their bodies are doing.
Congrats on finishing the challenge. You had some very interesting posts.
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I cannot do Zumba, because of an injured knee, but loved reading your experience of it, Parul.
Thank you for a month long of your insights, sharing your thoughts and a peek into your life. It was lovely reading you al through the A to Z:)
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What a refreshing post and a totally kuckssd way to conclude the challenge. Loved your tips. You should write more such stuff. I prefer them to your posts on feminism. Seriously 😀
A fan of your writing I truly am Parul. Thank you for your words.
Blog: natashamusing
Theme: Travel Epiphanies
Yonder and Beyond
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Well done you! I’m also much more of a yoga gal – I’ve always thought zumba looks way too high energy for me (I remember step aerobics classes being highly disastrous as I’ve 2 left feet!)
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These are awesome learnings from a Zumba class. Zumba needs so much stamina… I have never done it in a class but I can imagine how much fun it must be. Yoga indeed teaches you so much about the body. An awesome post to end the challenge.
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Zumba and Yoga are on my To-Learn list. Hope to tick them sometimes soon.
Congratulations for completing the challenge, Parul. Enjoyed your company all through April. Cheers 🙂
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Learning anything new is so much fun! 🙂 Zumba sounds exciting.
Glad you learned Zumba, Parul!
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I love the tip “Unlearn”. Never been to/seen a Zumba class, but I am sure it will be fun. The gym in our area used to have an instructor, but no longer has one. The private gyms are expensive. Great to know you went to the trial class, Parul! Hugs! It has been a wonderful April!
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Thanks Vidya! You must try once. It will be fun 🙂
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Yay you had a good time, I’m so happy for you 🙂
Congrats on completing this challenge with so much love, happiness and learnings Parul. I can’t believe you almost did not take it up this time.
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Thanks Soumya! I too can’t believe it. I don’t know what dawned on me and I just went ahead.
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Congrats on trying something different and going through it so well. I loved the reflections you have posted here – trying out something new need not be done with prejudice or fear. Know oneself and one’s weak/strong points and just go for it with a new enthusiasm!!
Congrats Parul on finishing the challeneg and on such a high! I loved reading you throughout the challenge and wil be going back to ensure I didnt miss any post! Cheers 🙂
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I want to go for a zumba class. I try it at home with YouTube videos. Since I too have back problem I try not to strain my back with jumping and all. I agree Parul, knowing the limitation will definitely help. So are you planning to go back to zumba class?
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Ha ha! Maybe 😉 you should try Vinitha. I could actually manage my back. So it’s possible:)
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I took water zumba for perhaps two or three years. It was so much fun! They have a land zumba class, too, but when I found out the floor was concrete under the rug, I decided against it, between a bad back and an arthritic knee. I do miss the choreography and all the styles of music I got to experience – I may go back one day, but if I do land I may decide on Zumba Gold at first.
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