Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Just Wiggle Something

One of my goals this year is to slim down a few pounds, but I've run into some problems. One, food and I are close. Really close. Two, I detest being cold, so walking outside in January and February is out of the question. Three, I have a low threshold for boredom, and staring at the wall while trudging on the treadmill for an hour is the definition of boredom. Really it is, I looked it up.

In an effort to still meet my goal and not die of either freezing to a sidewalk or falling asleep while tied to a treadmill, I found Zumba. Boring it is not.



During my first Zumba experience, I tripped over myself, I laughed, and I sweated. A lot. I also earned some sore muscles and a swollen knee, but Zumba is addicting--kind of like chocolate but less fattening. Bonus!

Anywho, I went back for another session and tripped, sweated, and laughed some more. Then I found a Zumba workout on demand with my cable provider. If you can hear cheering, that's me.

It is not my family, though. Why? I asked them to Zumba with me. They declined. I begged them. They stonewalled me. I bribed them with promises of not having to do dishes for several weeks. They looked at me like I was a crazy lady, but did we Zumba? Why yes, we did.

But not without some objections once we turned the TV on and they stared at the Zumba professionals. I heard things like, "I can't move like that!" and "You are crazy!"

I laughed and told them it didn't matter as long as they wiggled something. The thing with Zumba is that you don't start out knowing all the moves, you learn as you go. It takes practice and lots of wiggling. And sweating. And laughing.

How is this related to writing? Easy, if you want to write, you have to wiggle something. You can't look at the professionals and decide you don't move like that, you just need to jump in and feel the music. Then you need to practice and sweat. And you need to keep coming back to it every day. And you need to laugh. A lot. Learn to grin at your mistakes and follow the professionals' leads. In time you'll be the pro.

So, are you wiggling something today?

9 comments:

Jonene Ficklin said...

Oh, Leisha, that is too funny! All right. You've got me convinced. I'll go wiggle something - and I might just have to check out this Zumba thing (but without any witnesses). Great blog!

Jenilyn Collings said...

I have the Wiggles song going through my head. "Get ready...to wiggle..."

I also find staring at the wall incredibly dull. I do like movies so it's easier to make myself use the treadmill when I combine the two.

Donea Lee said...

I also have an unhealthy relationship with food. Agreed - treadmills are boring and I hate to be cold. However, public dancing (if it's not in the dark) freaks me out. But, hey! On demand zumba? I might have to check that out! Love the tie-in to writing. I certainly need to wiggle out some words this month ~ :) Thanks!

Crystal Collier said...

Fun. I heard from a psychology that it takes 10 years of constant effort to become a "professional" at anything. He tested the theory on skiing--which he didn't do, and is now a pro. Guess we just have to stick with it!

Hermana Maw said...

Jonene, we should get together and wiggle. It will be fun. Really.

Jenilyn, lol. My kids love the Wiggles. I used to watch movies until the little TV died. Sigh.

Donea,the public dancing wasn't too bad because lots of people were clueless like me. He he.

Happily Cheesy, I've heard that, too. I believe it. When I look at the stuff I wrote ten years ago, I have to giggle at myself.

Susan Kaye Quinn said...

Man, I'm wiggling a LOT of parts. And my brain is sweating. But it feels good, the learning. :) Love the analogy. :)

Cranberryfries said...

I think I'm the last person on the planet to try Zumba. :)

Irene B. Gardner said...

Leisha: If I say 'You're the Cat's Meow' will you know what I'm talking about?

If not, email me and I'll explain it to you.

Luv your stuff, babes.

Irene

Hermana Maw said...

Susan, it does feel good, doesn't it? When it's done at least. He he.

Debbie, you should try it, it's fun!

Irene, I do indeed know what you're talking about. Thanks! :)

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