Standing up for My "Self"

When I first discovered Zumba, I thought, "wow, this is my kind of exercise". However, I also thought that it had to be another one of those fad exercise programs that would fade away quickly and surely be forgotten when the next big thing came along. Nearly five years later, I'm one of its biggest advocates and I'm amazed by its popularity and staying power. It is now available on DVD, Wii, and Xbox in addition to being a staple class that's offered in nearly every health club in the U.S. and Mexico and continues to gain notoriety around the world.

Unfortunately, due to financial circumstances and goals, I forced myself to give up my gym membership several years ago and, along with it, my beloved Zumba classes. You can imagine my elation when I recently found a Groupon for an independent company in my area offering the classes for more than half off the regular rate. I jumped on the opportunity and have been attending classes, almost religiously, at least three times a week.

Today was a special day for my regular Zumba pals and me. It marked the first time that we attempted to survive a full two hours of intense cardio dance instruction with only a brief intermission for a discussion about a weight loss challenge in which some of the members participated. During this intermission, a woman kept whispering to me about how I didn't need to listen to the speakers, how the program didn't apply to me, how I was already skinny and really didn't even need to work out. I listened for a while and then excused myself to go to the ladies room. Truly, I've never felt that uncomfortable during a conversation.

After class, she began making similar comments when everyone was invited to get more information about the weight loss challenge. It was then that I decided that I really needed to stand up for myself. I explained to her that I try not to judge other people on how they look and I don't want others judging me on how I look. I have an image in my mind of what I want to look like and even if I'm not doing anything but maintaining the figure that I already have, there's no reason why I shouldn't be in those classes or in that discussion.

Lastly, I told her that I'm well aware that I'm fighting against nature and genetics when it comes to my health and my weight. I have a family history of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and many forms of cancer that can all be prevented by keeping up a regular diet and exercise regimen. Her eyes widened and she was at a loss for words by the end of my rant and another woman overheard me and began nodding in agreement.


Complacency has got to be one of the roots of all evil in our society. I find it very hard to believe that it is not wholly responsible for obesity in both adults and children, chronic health problems, and a general apathy about nearly everything else. We should not accept that we will get the illnesses of our forefathers; we should not assume that prescriptions will save us from what ails us; we should not sit idly by and wait for our health and beauty to fail us as we age. We need to do something before something does something to us.


It's nice to walk around and get compliments on how I look; I enjoy slipping into a size 4 dress when I think I'm a size 6; I like being the girl at the beach with the tight tummy in her two-piece, but that does nothing for what's inside. Confidence, energy, and passion also make someone attractive and those things are much more important to me than an hourglass figure. Anyone can be skinny and unhealthy, but few can be well-proportioned and healthy; the latter is my goal.

So, it's official: I'm standing up for my "self" and making me better on the inside...where it counts.