I don’t think I’ve crossed over into the fanatic category yet. However, I suspect that it’s just a matter of time. For an extended getaway weekend, I just attended my very first Fitness Convention with over three thousand other fans from all over the world. The event was the Zumba Instructor Convention in Los Angeles, CA. I enjoyed every minute and think it is safe to say that I am hooked. For three days I attended 3 sessions a day lasting 2 to 3 hours each. While we did not spend the entire time doing physical work, we did spend the majority of that time on our feet learning new dance moves. Since the workshops were so active & there was limited time in between them, food choices were limited as well. I am not one of those people who can do high intensity aerobic work with a full stomach. So my diet for three days was basically protein bars, smoothies, cheese sticks and almonds. The most obvious benefit of this enormous exertion and limited intake was the extreme looseness of my jeans as I dressed to leave. I had only brought one pair & when I had to remove my belt at airport security, I’m pretty sure I gave a few folks a little show.
More sedentary people might consider this trip a form of torture. I was on the west coast yet never had time to hit the beach or see any local attractions. On the last day even some other attendees were sitting in the chairs provided at the sides of the room prior to the conclusion of class just watching. Not me, I was doing push-ups and planks in a fitness battle exercise. As further proof that I might be morphing into the fanatic group, I’m already eager to do it again in August at the Zumba Convention in Florida or any other fitness convention I find. Why?
-I love to learn, but I find it difficult to sit still.
Where else can you further your education AND move at the same time?
-It must be the mutual interest because people you’ve never met before are so approachable and friendly.
-The energy is amazing & it’s not just the music. There’s a palatable passion in the air. The room is full of people dripping with sweat from exertion, yet they are wearing huge smiles on their faces.
-The participants will inspire you. Most notable was the woman in a wheelchair with no legs. She currently teaches two classes a week & said she was adding three more following the convention. She walked on stage via her two hands, lifted herself back into her wheelchair & led several hundred of us in a Zumba routine we’d never previously done. You know what? We had no problem whatsoever following her routine.
I learned a lot, pushed my body to its limits and had fun doing it. As I continue my fitness journey, I hope it will inspire YOU!
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