Fitness

I was initially dubious when a friend suggested I check out a new ‘dance sensation’ fitness class at Les Mills Gym. I’ve managed to avoid the Zumba craze until this point, and the idea of jumping around with a huge group of women to pop music seemed a little bit cheesy.

But, I decided, who can’t do with a good dose of cheesy-ness now and then!? So off we trotted in our tights and singlets to experience the pilot Sh’Bam! class.

The atmosphere in the spacious workout room was similar to being at a concert. Dozens of women (and the occasional male!) piled in, clearly excited about the hour of energetic, action packed movement ahead. When our two instructors, both wearing fluro colours and looking extremely peppy, leapt onto the stage to the pulsing beat of Lady Gaga there was actually spontaneous applause!

And thus began our series of dance-aerobic routines, each one to a different popular song. We shook our booties to Beyoncé, shimmied our shoulders off to Gaga, and almost pulled off a salt shaker to Metro Station! The room was packed with women of all shapes, sizes, and ages … all leaping, cha-cha’ing, and strutting their stuff. Our super-enthused instructors did a fantastic job of keeping the room full of energy, at times even singing along with the songs and adding their own little extra moves just for funsies.  You definitely needed the odd drink break, but apart from short pauses between songs for a quick sip, this class was go go go.

Even though I occasionally went in the wrong direction, and at one point my overly exuberant kick connected with the poor lady beside me, overall I didn’t find it too hard to pick up the moves and join in. If you’ve been watching a bit too much TV and blobbing out on the couch this winter, then checking out Les Mills Sh’Bam! classes could be just the motivation you need to get in some exercise! The fun is contagious, and I just might be converted to the group fitness experience.

Shake It slynkey girls!