30 by 30, #1: Go to a Zumba class.

In case you aren't familiar with the 30 by 30 Project, here is the original post, with the big fat list.

Whenever I tell people that I have a degree in Exercise Science, they get this knowing look on their face and make some comment about how healthy my family must be, or how useful that knowledge is. And every time, I have to explain that I didn't learn about aerobics, I took a bunch of anatomy, physiology, and biology classes. And I really didn't learn anything that can be applied to real life, per se. And then I have to admit that I, in fact, hate to exercise.

But really, that's not entirely true. I just don't like certain forms of exercise. OK, maybe most forms of exercise. What it all boils down to are two things: 1) I hate running, and 2) I don't have a lot of hand-eye coordination. So all sports that involve balls are right out, and running all by itself is like torture for me. But it turns out that I do enjoy things like dancing. Which means that I enjoy gym classes, like aerobics. (I've never tried swimming for exercise, and I think I might like that, but that's not the point of today's post.)

SO. Dance-y things are a good fit for me. Zumba is a particularly dance-y aerobics class. It seems like the perfect class for me to take! But I've never had the guts to go by myself. And I've also had a hard time juggling it with the kids. But today, the planets aligned and I went to my first class.

My awesome friend Sarah had a Free Pass to the gym, and when I mentioned that I needed to try a Zumba class before I turn 30, she graciously offered to take me. We got up at the horrific hour of 5:30 and headed to class. I almost abandoned the plan, since Ella was up in the night, and Julia was in our bed for a bit, and I was pretty tired, but I knew I just had to get my duff out of bed and do it.

I really, really liked it. Sure, I'm not perfect, and I'm pretty white (literally) so I probably look a bit ridiculous, but I think I would really enjoy doing it on a more regular basis. I'm going to have to look into my options and figure something out.

I think the best part of this particular experience was I mentioned that I needed to do it, and then the next day I was doing it. Usually I'm full of intentions and have no follow through, but this project has forced me to make things happen. It pushes me a little bit, and it's so good for me.

15 down, 15 to go. Yikes.