REVIEW: NHS Choices Couch to 5K podcast

I should preface this post by saying that I am not a runner.  Not at all.  It takes an awful lot to get me to enjoy running.  People throwing tons of colored powder every kilometer was barely enough to get me to finish a 5K.

But, this summer I decided to learn how to run, and learn how to enjoy running.  I mean, I'm a fitness instructor, right?  If I'm encouraging other people to try running, I should do it too.

So, I looked into my options.  I looked at online running plans, apps, and podcasts.  I decided on the NHS Choices Couch to 5K podcast.  It's a 9-week plan with runs every other day, plus it's free on iTunes.  The goal is to build you up to running 5 kilometers (or 30 minutes) nonstop.  Here are my favorite things about this plan:  

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Hello readers!  It's been a while.

Today I'm gonna talk about some changes to this blog that I'm working on right now, and also some changes to my class schedule.

Until this point, this has been a Zumba-focused blog.  Don't get me wrong, I love Zumba.  It will probably always be my favorite form of exercise.  But during my blogging-hiatus in the summer, I tried several other new workouts and I want to tell you about all of them!

So, getting to the point, QUE TE MUEVE is about to become a general fitness blog.  I'm going to be writing about al sorts of topics- including new workouts I tried, interesting stuff going on in exercise science, and healthy lifestyle tips.  I'll be pulling inspiration from some of my favorite blogs including Fit Bottomed Girls and Greatist.

In the weeks to come, you're going to see posts about my adventures with the NHS Choices Couch to 5K podcast, a review of the new Les Mills BodyPump release, the story of my first float trip (canoeing) on the Current River in southern Missouri.

And I want to hear from you, too!  What workouts do YOU want me to try?  Hot yoga? Krav maga?  You can connect with me on Twitter (@bridgitbowden) if you have any requests.

But, of course...this blog is going to need a new name.  I'm looking for something creative and clever- but not too cheesy.  Ideas?  Let me know.

And of course, the start of a new semester means a new TigerX group fitness schedule.  Please, join me in class!  Here's when I'll be teaching.

Tiger Xtreme Monday @ 12 noon
Cardio Dance Monday @ 8:15
Hip Hop Thursday @ 7:00
Zumba Friday @ 5:30

Here's the full schedule:

See you in class!

Zumba Variations

I've already told you all about Aqua Zumba, but today I'm going to talk about the other different kinds of Zumba out there.  Unfortunately, at the Rec center we only offer Zumba and Aqua Zumba, but there are several other types of classes.

Let's start with Zumba Toning.  That's right, it's Zumba with weights.  You might ask- is that safe?  The answer is yes: Zumba toning dances are specifically designed for light weights.  It's a great resistance workout for your whole body! Check it out:



Next up is Zumba Gold.  This is a class for seniors.  It's low impact in nature, but will still give you the physical activity you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.



Moving on, let's talk about Zumbatomic.  Zumba for the kiddos!  This one is especially important because of the recent rise in childhood obesity.  There are lots of gyms, dance studios, and camps that offer Zumbatomic.  Here's a video:



And, I'm going to end with Zumba Sentao.  Although I've never actually taken this class, I find it really fascinating.  It uses a chair for various toning activities.


Last night I got an email about training for a class called Zumbini, which sounds like mommy-and-me Zumba for babies!  I don't see any promotional materials out yet...but stay tuned for more information on that class!

Tentative Finals Schedule

Hello Zumba lovers!

As we approach finals week, remember that there is a modified schedule for that week (May 10 - 17).

Here's a copy of the tentative finals week schedule.  I'll be teaching the following classes:

Zumba Friday May 10 @ 3
Aqua Zumba Tuesday May 14 @ 6:15
Zumba Wednesday May 15 @ 5
Zumba Thursday May 16 @ 7

Throwback Jams

Hi Everyone!  I hope you've been enjoying this fabulous weather we've been having.  I've been getting a lot of requests in my classes for songs that have been around for a while. Sometimes I forget that some of my old dances are just as great as my newer ones.  Plus, bringing back old songs is a great way to encourage participants to become regulars!

Here are some of my favorites: "Prrrum" by Coscullela, "Quiere Más" by Angel & Khriz, "Na de Na" by Angel & Khriz, and "Floor on Fire" by Lil Jon and Pitbull.  If you want to learn the dances that go along with these songs, come check out my classes:

My favorite moments

There are a few things the can happen in a Zumba class that make me insanely happy.  Don't get me wrong...Zumba usually makes me happy anyways, but these things are just the icing on the cake:

1. That moment when someone who's usually shy really gets into the dance and flirts with her/himself in the mirror - I love when this happens.  It's usually someone standing in the back, and sometimes someone who has never come to Zumba before.  This is the moment when someone falls in love with dancing.  

2. When I (the instructor) mess up a step, but someone who comes to my class a lot gets it right - Even though I look like an idiot when this happens, I still think it's hilarious.  It also makes me proud of that person, because it means they've made a real commitment to coming to class.  

3. When someone requests a song - Not only does this take the pressure off me to find sweet Zumba jams, but it's also a great way for participants to become really engaged in the class.  I want everyone to enjoy the music that we dance to, so I love when people want to introduce the class to their own favorite songs!

4. When one of my students friends me on Facebook/ follows me on Twitter - I don't care if you're stalking me!  I'm so glad you found me!  Now I can share all sorts of great fitness articles and updates with you.  And, you know what?   Social media is a great place for you to make song requests (hint, hint)!

I hope you're all enjoying this BEAUTIFUL day!  I'll leave you with this song, "Haste Que Salga el Sol" by Don Omar:


 

Spring!

Today, I'm writing this post from my second floor balcony.  Why?  Because it's a beautiful day!  It's springtime!  What could be better?

I just want to let you know that I won't be offended if you skip my class because you want to exercise outside.  It's a shame that group fitness classes like mine have to be indoors, but that's just how it is.  As long as you're getting your workout, I'm happy.

Here are some great ways you can enjoy the beautiful spring weather, and still get the exercise you need: