Why I Tried One Zumba Class And Will Never Go Back

I tried to ignore it but the class schedule I brought home from the gym was taunting me. I meant to throw it away but for some reason I didn't. A sign, I thought: Why don't I try expanding my horizons' What would be the harm with stepping off my elliptical machine and stepping into a world where I danced and swayed'And that's how I wound up in my first -- and only -- Zumba class. I walk in and immediately feel old. The women are my daughter's age, they look revved up and, as they would say, "super" excited about this "amazing" class. I smile, say hi, and stand in front of the largest mirror I have ever seen. I say to myself you can do this. Remember, you love to dance.Out of nowhere a Latin rhythm starts pumping. I shift my deer-in-the headlight eyes away from the mirror and slowly turn toward the door -- and catch a glimpse of the shapely figure now closing that door. She's out of Central Casting. She's got the midriff thing going -- as in there's nothing there. She's got the chest thing going --as in she's hanging out of her tight, skimpy spandex number. I'll let you picture the rest."Ok, ladies, it's time to Zumba! Let's move it to the right!" Which right, I say to myself. I finally get the move and just when I'm thinking I can do this, she screams, "Let's step it up!" Step what what' I was just getting used to THIS. But no. Now we're turning, now we're clapping, now we're shaking, now I feel like I have two, maybe three left feet.What is wrong with me' Why can't I do what I used to do' Jazzercise and aerobic classes back in the 80s and 90s were the best -- with those predictable cool moves and that great rock music! Now, I'm thinking get me out of here. But I look at the clock and I have 55 minutes to go.It dawns on me: as the years go by I feel like I'm holding a balancing rod walking a tightrope. I try something new and potentially exciting. Sometimes I overreach and slip. And sometimes I lose my confidence. Eventually I hop back on reminding myself that what I'm experiencing is normal and just part of the aging process. I take the advice I give my clients -- be grateful for what you can do and don't beat yourself up!I have good news in case you're wondering -- I made it through the Zumba class. But the better news is I gathered what was left of my self esteem and took it -- and my aching body -- out that door and said to myself: time to move on, adios and no hasta luego! Earlier on Huff/Post50: -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
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