So, in my last post I hinted about stepping out of my box some more, and that it involved zumba. Well I'm going to share that with you now. After all, I've been talking ad nauseum to my friends, family and coworkers about this, as well as posting on Twitter and Facebook, so it's about time I bring it to the blog too. Here's a screen shot of a recently received email which will reveal all:
Yep, next weekend I'm headed off for Level 1 Zumba instructor training! To say I'm excited would be an understatement, I'm totally stoked and can't wait for next Sunday to arrive.
One year ago, I'd never even heard about zumba. I attended my first class on September 14, 2010 (how pathetic is it that I even remember the date!?!) and gradually became totally enthralled. I think around December my instructor suggested I might want to get liscensed myself, and at that time I didn't take the whole thing all that seriously, even though I knew that I loved zumba and would attend every class I could. Sometime early in 2011, I became even more consumed by zumba and my workouts became more intense too. I also started to work on some zumba stuff on my own at home, and it nearly killed me having to sit still when I was ill one week in March.
Also early in 2011, I realized that I did indeed want to become a licensed zumba instructor, and began to stalk the zumba website waiting for local training to be offered. Finally, not quite a month ago, the listing showed Vancouver! I registered within minutes of seeing that.
I really need to credit my awesome instructor for all her support and encourgement. I would not be doing this without her. She's even given me the opportunity to lead a few songs during the small Saturday morning classes, which has been a lot of fun. I learn a lot from watching her too.
As for my own aspirations, I really don't anticipate teaching tons of classes. I have a day job which keeps me plenty busy. My vision is subbing for my regular instructor (she's currently away on vacation and no one could be found to step in) as well as maybe some informal classes for friends and family, and anyone else with whom I can share my love for zumba. I'm far from being an extrovert or someone who even wants attention, so as I said, this is definitely stepping out of the box for me. But you know, when you find something that excites you, you want to share it with everyone. And zumba has turned this former couch potato into someone who can't wait for the next class. Recently the following quotation was posted on the Zumba Fitness Facebook page, which really struck a chord with me:
"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask What makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Howard Thurman
Obviously, Zumba totally makes me come alive.
Anyone still here? If so I'll end this post by sharing one of my current favourite zumba songs with you (I spend way to much time looking at zumba stuff on youtube). I'll probably post more in the week ahead as my excitement builds. Some day I'll talk about knitting and other fiber stuff again.
Well Brenda darling, thanks to you, I've now got my 2nd Zumba class under my belt. Can't say I've got the bug like you, but it is fun!
Posted by: Sherry | Sunday, May 08, 2011 at 04:29 PM
Congrats Brenda! Checking it out in Parksville as we speak :)
Posted by: Lisa | Monday, May 09, 2011 at 12:28 PM
Congrats on becoming a Zumba instructor! I love it too. How great for you.
Posted by: Christina | Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 08:31 AM
oh wow oh wow oh wow!! this *is* exciting news!
i'm so happy for you. "follow your bliss!"
congratulations and have fun on sunday.
Posted by: melissa | Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 09:47 AM
Last time I checked, this blog was called "Close to my Heart" not "Brenda Talks About Only Knitting." I love reading about what you have close to your heart this week, be it figure skating (yes, long-time reader!), a new pair of socks, or Zumba!
Thank you for sharing your thrill with us. I hope the training is what you were looking for.
Posted by: Suzanne | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 11:45 PM
wow, that Zumba video is cool. I have got to look into it here in the Fraser Valley. Thank you sooo much for sharing!
Posted by: Silver Ilix | Sunday, June 19, 2011 at 11:17 PM