Ever since I joined four months ago I have been watching the women in the Zumba class having a great time. I love to dance. In fact, it is the only kind of exercise that I have done voluntarily. However, I didn’t feel that I would be able to keep up, so didn’t join. My commitment to exercise was so tenuous at first, that I didn’t want to jeopardize it by doing anything that would make me feel bad about myself. So, I promised myself that by my birthday I would be ready to take a Zumba class. Today is that day.
I am still a bit nervous and I am certainly not looking forward to watching myself in the mirror. (My workout clothes show every bulge!) I am also a bit afraid about being judged by the other women. I wish I could wear a sign saying “I’ve lost 45 pounds and know I’ve still got a long way to go.” I know this is stupid and most people are not here to judge others, but it still worries me a bit. I am also nervous about not being able to do all the moves. If we have to get on the floor, forget it! Getting my 200+ pounds up and down without hanging on to something is difficult and awkward to say the least.
I am hoping if Zumba works out, I will start taking other classes. I think this will be one of the best ways for me to get my exercise in. My doctor has me working toward a goal of 7 hours of exercise a week. Classes would help a lot. I’ll write later and tell you how I did.
– Cheryl
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March 4, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Betsy
Cheryl,
I know this is a week late, so I don’t even know if you’ll see it, but…
I’m so sorry that our stupid society has made you feel nervous about other women seeing your body, to the point of feeling like you need to preemptively apologize for it. You don’t need to apologize to anyone for your body. Do exercise that makes you feel happy and vibrant, and let anyone who might judge stew in her own venom. I know that’s easier said than done, but still, if possible, it’s worth it. It’s so very freeing.