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Zumba Anxiety...

Sunday, May 06, 2012

So in celebration of my up coming sparkversary I've joined the YMCA. I also signed up for 45 minute Zumba classes twice a week there. I'm terrified...

I just have never been to the gym in my life. I don't even really know what to wear! Here I am trying to get healthy and I'm worried almost sick over what to wear and what to even take with me. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, I don't know proper gym etiquette so any help there would be nice as well.

My friend, Amy, and I are getting up Monday through Friday and exercising either at the gym or by walking at 6 am. Pray for me to be able to do that schedule everyday please! At least I now have a workout buddy!

This whole gym thing is my 1 year sparkversary present to myself and I'd really appreciate some prayers and support in the hopes that it'll work out. This is so outside my comfort zone that it's absolutely terrifying!
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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PATTIE441 5/11/2012 6:20AM

    I love you Abby! I am so sorry I am late in posting. But want you to know you are awesome! and you can do anything my friend. You have wonderful support here! and Zumba is so much fun. But if the Zumba doesn't work out, you can do anything girl! Look how far and how much you have achieved! You can do it!! Love you! emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon Praying for you! emoticon

Comment edited on: 5/11/2012 6:29:57 AM

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BLUE42DOWN 5/8/2012 2:34PM

    It's already been pretty much said. About the only addition would depend on what time you plan to go to the gym and whether you expect to go somewhere directly from the gym. If so, remember things like a change of undergarments including socks (which can get sweaty and still be damp after) in addition to the clothes you'll swap into.

And everyone has their first day, first week. Just because you see someone all focused and fit does not mean that's how they looked on their first day, first week. Everyone is there for a similar reason - their physical health.

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ATRAIA 5/8/2012 9:44AM

    Zumba looks like an absolute blast! I know you can do it! Having a workout buddy is such a great motivator. Just remember that you're there for yourself--to get fit and have fun, and that is exactly what everyone else is going to be doing. We're all rooting for you! emoticon

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SMILINGEYES88 5/6/2012 12:10PM

    Zumba is so much fun! I was so nervous to try it as well. I didn't want to look like a dork :) but I got out there and did it and I LOVED it! As far as attire, just wear something comfortable. Bring a water bottle and perhaps a towel :) The best part about zumba is that it's all about having FUN! As long as you're moving you are doing it right! :D

I'm glad you found a workout buddy. That can go along way to helping with motivation. I'll pray that you can stick to your schedule :)

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LITTLEGUYSMOM1 5/6/2012 11:14AM

    What a great sparkeversary gift for yourself! I'm sure you will do fine. The other ladies who commented had great advice. You can always ask for help from the staff if you are unsure about something. I have not tried a Zumba class yet, but I do have a couple dvd's and it is fun. It will take some time to learn the moves so don't worry about getting everything right the first few times you are out there.

I'm so glad that you have found an exercise buddy. Accountability is a great thing. I'll be praying for the strength and stamina to keep up with your workout schedule and that you'll enjoy the experience so you will want to keep it up. Also that God fills you with His grace and peace as you go along this journey.

I look forward to reading more about your fitness experience! emoticon emoticon emoticon

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CLSYLADY 5/6/2012 5:00AM

    Prayers are coming your way! As for what to wear to the gym, wear whatever is comfortable. I am a member of the local YMCA and just wear sweat pants or shorts and a t-shirt when I workout. I have seen some members wearing workout gear that wicks the sweat away with spandex pants. It all depends on what makes you comfortable when working out.

As for gym etiquette, just be polite of others and take a towel or antiseptic wipe and wipe down the machines you use when you are done using them. If in doubt, ask someone who works at the Y.

As for Zumba, you WILL love it! I took a Zumba class a month or so ago and it was so much fun. Don't worry about what others will think, because everyone is concentrating on doing the steps and not on what you are doing or look like doing it. I would loved to continue but it is just too hard on my knees at this point in my life. Am hoping to find an AquaZumba class at an hour that I can attend.

Good luck with this new adventure!!

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WORKOUTWITHPAM 5/6/2012 4:09AM

    Congratulations on your up coming Sparkversary! Please do not be terrified of the YMCA or Zumba classes. I have taught fitness classes at the YMCA for 30 years, and I have taught zumba for almost 3 years. I think you will have a GREAT time at the Y no matter what activity you are doing. I have worked at two Y's, and everyone has always been very friendly and helpful to new members. I make everyone feel comfortable and right at home in my classes.

ANDYLIN90 has given you information on what to wear and what to take to your zumba class. That's about it. Just plan on having fun. No one is paying attention to anyone else. Everyone will be watching the instructor. If you miss a few moves, don't worry about it.

If you plan to work out in the weight room, one of the attendants will give you an orientation on how to use all of the equipment. You may not remember everything that he/she says, so don't hesitate to ask questions or ask for assistance if you need him/her to go over something with you again. That is why they are there...to help the members learn how to use the equipment.

There is an article in the Healthy Lifestyle Section on the Tool Bar above this message titled "Proper Gym Etiquette." Type those words in the search box, and a page will come up for you to click on that title.

It is wonderful that you have a workout buddy. Stress no more about this. It will be fun, and you will meet a lot of really wonderful people.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Best Wishes in reaching all of your goals. Be sure to keep us updated on how you are doing.

HUGS
Pam



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ANDYLIN90 5/6/2012 2:21AM

    And I say GOOD FOR YOU!!! You are very courageous to venture out beyond your comfort zone. You've given yourself a great anniversary present.

Take a water bottle, a towel for sweaty face, and a belief you are going to have the time of your life in your Zumba class. Be on time for the class and if you can introduce yourself to the instructor and let her know you are new. For new classes I always like to be in the back, but just know it doesn't matter what moves you make, everyone starts out new sometime. Let the music carry you and you will do just fine. Wear loose fitting clothes that are comfortable to move in. Don't worry if they are the "right thing" as you will see everything from shorts and tank tops to who knows what.

Look in the Spark Library under the fitness articles as there are several on Zumba, gym etiquette and work-out clothes. Good Luck and please blog again and let us know how much fun you had!
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