Work it: carrying Zumba everywhere

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Some days ago, I wrote about my comfort food being Asian-style coconut curry. Today I’d like to share my “comfort dance” with you: Zumba.

You may have done it yourself, or come across some of its flashmobs.

This dance aerobics using energetic hit songs was invented by a Colombian in the 1990s, and has since caught on across the world.

This type of exercise is pretty natural for me because I grew up shaking my hips and listening to (bad but fun) “top 40” music. In that sense, I do fit the Brazilian stereotype.

It was Zumba that got me through a couple particularly bad breakups and other mood slumps. I met one of my best friends at Zumba class in Leipzig – when she came to me and asked if I wanted to do the “partner dance” with her.

Lately, I have connected over Zumba with my flatmates here in Stellenbosch.

Going to the gym on a regular basis here would’ve been too logistically difficult without my own car. But I felt like I needed the exercise, since I mostly work sitting in front of the computer. Sometimes I don’t leave the house for a few days straight.

So two days after I moved in, I suggested to my flatmates that we start working out together to this dance aerobics, at home. We connected my laptop to the TV screen and got going.

Oftentimes I even do it in my room, alone, the laptop propped on the bed.

To keep up a good variety and quality, I’ve done a little research. One of my favorite Zumba derivatives is done by “The Fitness Marshall.” Some of his moves are challenging, and I’m sure I look quite silly doing them – but it’s not like we’re joining a flashmob.

Plus, I really like his personality on screen, and how he has diverse people join in his YouTube routines. In fact, they’ve become so popular that they’re taking their moves and show on tour.

Why not give it a whirl yourself?

So here it is, the “Marshall” and others on my personal YouTube Zumba playlist. A varied paced, 15-song workout. Hope you enjoy – and break a good sweat!

A Global Studies doctoral degree holder and former newspaper reporter, avid eater, pseudo-philosopher and poet, occasion-propelled singer, semi-professional socializer, movie addict, Brazilian-American nomad. In this space, she will share some of her experiences and (mis)adventures regarding various topics, with special attention to social issues.

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