I did my first Zumba class this morning and found out why so many people have told me that it is great fun. The reason? It is great fun!

Zumba is Latin dancing exercise. Our instructor, Paquita, calls out the steps in an authentic Spanish accent. She is full of pep and fire, and I could easily imagine her doing the flamenco. Step, stamp!! Sometimes she'd just put her fingers in the air to tell us how many reps to do or motion a cut at the neck to tell us to stop. I can't say that I got every step, but I can tell you I kept moving with a smile on my face for the whole 45 minutes.

The class was big. I'd estimate 50 women and I worried sometimes that I would run into someone when I turned the wrong way, but it didn't happen. There was also one brave man in our class. I admired the way he seemed to fit in with everyone.

Naturally Paquita has a shape that screams fit. I saw her in the weight room after our session and introduced myself. She was kind and encouraging, just a delightful, happy, person and you can tell she has a mission to help everyone get fit. Just loved her!!

They have other Zumba instructors, and I may check them out. But I'll be sure to go back to Paquita's class.