In Memorial...It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to a few of our regular class members. I would like to dedicate a little moment and a few words to those who will be greatly missed... David - Nutfield HouseFor those who came to our class at Nutfield, everyone will remember David. On weeks he was able to attend he could certainly be described as the life and soul of the party, he made it his personal goal in life, to inject as much laughter as possible into class, usually by doing his best to make me forget the dance. I remember vividly the week we had our disco diva class, one moment I was handing out pompoms, the next the class erupted into giggles and applause at the beauty of David's new blue hair... He never let his limitations get to him, whether it was a coughing fit followed by a superb shimmy (a very manly one of course), or a cheerful one handed clap, with or without the assistance of whoever may be sat next time. I simply cannot say enough to describe the wonderful character David was. Zumba Gold® will simply not be as golden without him. Avril - Nutfield HouseAnother sad loss. When able, Avril enjoyed accompanying us in class. Music had always been a big part of Avril's life, and she made it clear by singing and humming along to every track that we played. Avril made creating her own moves an art form, mostly preferring to rock her wheelchair in time to the beat, than trying the choreography I'd put together. I can see why, her style was much better than mine ever will be. She was an inspiration to those who joined us, choosing to do things her own way, and enjoying the world she lived in. Our thoughts go to Jeff, her loving husband, and family. She will be missed. Moving on...I would also like to say goodbye to a couple of regulars who have had to leave our classes due to circumstances life has thrown in the way.
David (Nutfield House) has had to move on to somewhere more fitting for his needs. A former Zumba Sparkling Star due to his attitude and enthusiasm for class, we are all wishing David the best with the move and happiness in his new home. You will be missed in class, and hopefully we can dance with each other again somewhere in the future. Alice (Yate) has moved away from the area. Best wishes with your new life, and we will think of you every time E.T. by Katy Perry finds it's way into class. You are more than welcome to join us anytime you are out this way visiting! See you soon! We will regularly think of all of you, and be dancing with you in our thoughts... Farewell! Best wishes Alex
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What better way to start a Zumba® class blog than with the top tips straight from the instructor? As the person standing at the front, making sure the class is OK, you start noticing people's little habits before and during class. So looking back at a few things I've seen and thought to myself while teaching, I've put together my top 5 tips for class... And they're probably not what you're expecting them to be... Drum roll please, in reverse order... 5. Prepare For ClassSimple. And probably sounds obvious. Come to class as you mean to go on, and you'll probably find you're more comfortable from the beginning and therefore willing to keep going. Get yourself kitted out with supportive clothes and shoes, and don't forget your drink or towel. If you have an existing medical condition or are new to fitness then try checking with your doctor beforehand just to be on the safe side of life. Let your instructor know so they can help you modify to a level that suits you. 4. Find A FriendAgain simple. Drag a friend along with you and you're more likely to step into class for the first time. Make some friends while you're there and you're more likely to stay. In my experience those who are laughing and singing along with each other are working harder without really noticing. So buddy up and work it out! Time to start getting more interesting... 3. Speak Your MindI want to know what you're thinking as the class is about you, not me! If you don't think much of the music I'm playing, the moves are too easy or too hard or even if you've got some favorite music that you think would be a great track for class, then say it. Any feedback is appreciated. As with any business there's a whole world of background stuff going on that the customers probably aren't aware of, but rule number 1... Keep the client happy! Without a class, we're going to be pretty bored and lonely salsa-ing on our own, so give us the not-so-subtle hint to help make the class the best it can be. 2. Leave Your Ego At The DoorWait, what? I know, it's an odd thing to say. It's something said by the woman who inspired me to get into Zumba®. Not just in Zumba® but in any fitness class you see people looking around at what everyone else is doing. They might be thinking 'how am I ever going to look like that?' or 'surely they can work harder than that?', but either way forget about it... When you stop judging the others in class, it becomes so much easier to stop judging yourself so you can let go and really get down to work. And hey, if you do catch someone looking over at you, smile, give a cheeky wink, shake your booty in their direction and carry on dancing. You never know, it might encourage them to do the same... 1. Stop Thinking, Just MoveOK, so there is a key difference between Zumba® and most other fitness classes. The instructors are trained not to talk, as it's meant to feel like a party not a hard-core fitness class with someone shouting at you. When we do talk it is to build atmosphere and correct technique that could put a person at risk of injury, and in both cases we address the class as a whole.
But, this has an odd side effect. There's usually someone who doesn't get the step straight away so stands there trying to work it out. If that's you, chances are the instructor is itching to say, don't worry about it, smile and just move! Think about this... What's going to burn more calories? Standing still, staring blankly at the instructor. Or, smiling, flailing your arms, wiggling your behind and hoping for the best? And ultimately... Sometimes an enthusiastic pelvic thrust with an interesting grunt is just so much more fun than a perfectly practiced Reggaeton Destroza. Go ahead. Ask for a demonstration at your next class. I dare you! On that note, Happy thrusting!!!! Alex Hi folks! I'm excited to introduce our new blog! Some of you regular class members might have smiled a little in recognition of the name, correct? Yes, I would like to thank my lovely ladies and gents who took part in the vote for naming our newsletter The Zumba Sparkle. It was a close run contest, and this was such a popular option I couldn't resist using it to name the blog. Anyway, let's get down to it... What's Livin' The Vida Zumba About?Basically, it's here so you can get to know all the things that I might not have time to tell you in class (we're there to dance, not for a lecture right?). Sometimes it will be the fun stuff like... Zumba With Alexandra class diaries. Why your Grandma should be strutting her stuff at Zumba Gold®. Dare I say, class bloopers... Other times it will be a little more serious, such as... How to prepare for class. Why dancing is good for depression. Why we say no judgement classes. Or... Anything you guys are asking me for! Our classes are tailored around the people who come along, so why not let you guys help shape the blog as well?! When does it start?Now! Today's was a little introduction, so our first blog entry will be posted tomorrow for all to read, comment and get involved. From there on in, they will be posted regularly both on the website and facebook. Happy chatting everybody!
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