Zumba for those who can't stand for prolonged periods of time or in a wheelchair

If you think you can't exercise for whatever reason, you're wrong. Zumba instructor Christina Clarke and I have taken routines from a regular class and modified them. 

You just need to take the first step to get healthy/into shape. Why not start out slow with these routines?

If I can do it, so can you!

Video #1 - Limbo by Daddy Yankee (6/22/2013)

Video #2 - Baila Baila - JenCarlos Canela ft Pitbull & El Cata (6/29/2013)

Video #3 - On the Floor - Jennifer Lopez ft Pitbull (7/3/2013)

My journey continues (Zumba!) - Originally posted on my personal Facebook

About a year ago, I heard about Zumba. It piqued my interest and I really wanted to try it. I figured I love music and dancing, how hard could it be?

It took me 8 months to start attending classes due to laziness, among other excuses. I started going to the Zumba Gold class, which is for older and deconditioned adults. It's a slower class, but it didn't feel that way at first.

After a week, I got the crazy idea to start attending the regular Zumba class. I confess that Zumba 4 times a week combined with therapy twice a week was difficult, to say the least. There were days I could barely move, but I pushed through the pain.

So why Zumba?

It's fun, effective, and something I can stick with.


How difficult is it in your chair?

Not any more difficult than I make it.


Do you face any challenges?

Plenty. Being able to follow Veronica (my instructor) can be frustrating at times. The one trick I learned in occupational therapy is to watch Veronica, not her reflection in the mirror(s). 

Visual cues are a must for me. Due to my Cerebral Palsy, I have to think about everything I do and every move I make before actually doing it. That means if I want my right foot to move, I have to consciously tell my foot to move. Things that able bodied people take for granted, I can't.

Another challenge I face is when the routine focuses on the lower half on the body. I do what I can and make sure I just keep moving for the duration of the song.


Results
After 2 1/2 months, I've dropped a pant size thanks to Zumba and therapy. I can also extend my left arm (the weaker side) as much as my right. My hand/eye coordination has improved immensely.

We did a new routine on Monday night and I was able to follow along. I was so excited! It usually takes a couple times for me to get it, but not with this one.


What's next?
Aqua Zumba - twice a week starting Monday night! That's Zumba that you do in the pool. I'm excited to do it, but a little apprehensive about the challenges I'll face. Then again, I love challenges.


Finally, I have to thank the most amazing Zumba instructor that has done nothing but encourage me this whole time, Veronica. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!