We've all heard about Zumba- it's like the new Richard Simmons workout: anyone can do it and everybody loves it! But as popular as it is, I was never dying to try it. Thanks to my client Vicki's persistence, I finally ended up in a Zumba class. This was not just any Zumba class though. This was Josette Tkacit's class, which now I understand, is the country's most attended Zumba class!!!! After visiting once, I knew why. The class takes place in a humongous ball-room. To my delight, there are no mirrors so I wasn't forced to witness my own humiliation and desperate flailing :) I took a place in the very back row but even the back is crowded- up to 200 people per class!!! This actually made me feel more anonymous and not so self concious. Josette stands on a stage up front and not just leads the class...she truly inspires. The whole time I kept thinking- I wanna dance like her, I wanna be her. I was addicted- it is now my new fitness obsession!!!
This the the all-so-talented awe-inspiring Josette! Check out that crowd behind her
A few weeks after I started Josette's class I tried another Zumba class at the Bay Club. Oy it was terrible. After Josette, you can't go anywhere else. I didn't realize the crazy difference between her and the rest, which I guess is why her classes are consistently filled to the brim. Here's the difference:
The steps are pretty basic so even the worst dancers (moi) can do it, but it's a lot of jumping, skipping and moving all around. Other classes seem to be more salsa footwork so it's not as sweat inducing and it's downright confusing for people like me!!! Every class with Josette has a different combo of routines, but there's enough of it that is familiar for you to pick it up very easily.
Josette's class has amazing music, I have actually downloaded a few songs from the class to put on my running playlist. A class with Josette almost feels like a night out in the club.
It's a crazy good workout: by the end you are red in the face, soaking wet, and feeling like a million bucks. I have walked in feeling stressed, depressed and uninspired, but always left feeling great!
It's inclusive: this class is for everyone!!! I have had the chance to secretly observe my classmates. It ranges from high school volleyballers to 80yr old ladies, veteran dancers to never danced a day in my lifers, super fit to just beginning, and the handful of brave souls: THE MEN. There's one song they all get onstage- every guy in the class... and we all hoot and holler...IT'S A RIOT!!
IT'S CHEAP!!!!! I pay up to $30/session with my trainer for a group class (which is worth every penny) but I can't afford another expensive workout habit. A 12-class Zumba card is only $67!!! That works out to $5.58/class.
TIPS FOR JOESETTE'S ZUMBA:
1. Wear boobage support- I wear 2 sportsbras (whatever you need to run).
2. Tie your shoes tightly- if not, your feet will slip around in your shoes and you'll get blisters.
3. Watch your dance-mates- if you're in the back, it can be hard to see Josette's footwork. Find someone in front of you that is good, and follow their steps.
4. "Check your ego at the door" Josette's motto and it's true. You're gonna suck for a while but it's fun and it's worth it!!!
5. Be prepared to sweat- if that means you need to bring water, a towel, wear a headband, whatever...just be prepared.
6. Wednesdays are bring a friend for free day!!!!
HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON IN ZUMBA CLASS: M-F 5:30pm SATURDAY 11:30am at the Carrillo Rec Center. More info at http://www.josettetkacik.com/