You have to take the first step.
In the last two weeks over 100 phone calls regarding Zumba classes at our studio have been answered. They all start out the same, “I would like some more information on your classes, I really need to get in shape and Zumba sounds fun.” It is a fun and effective way to increase your cardio vascular endurance, burn calories, and get moving. They inevitably end in the same way as well, with a bunch of reasons why someone can’t make it to class. In fact, I’ll say it – excuses. People are full of excuses. From having to go to a book club meeting Monday nights, to having to make dinner on Thursday nights, or dog obedience class on Sunday nights – there are a bevy of excuses people give themselves to keep from committing to a program of change. This is not being harsh, this is being realistic and speaking from experience. I have been in this ship before – and it is a sinking ship. Calling to gather information feeds the ego – at least an effort was made, the class sounds fun – it just doesn’t fit right now.
The studio offers 11 Zumba classes at different times and on different days. Classes are offered morning, noon and night and are for all levels – there is a baby wearing Zumba class for new moms who can’t get away. On top of these classes there are classes at other locations, and this is just Zumba – it does not include yoga and fitness classes.
Helping people recognize their fitness potential makes me joyful. I got up today to teach a class even though I had a head cold and was all around yucky feeling. Class exhilarated me and took me away from my sniffles, I was happy to be there for my clients.
From private clients who pay for instruction in their homes, to the students who come to studio classes – I am happy to help them all. $5 Sunday classes are offered because there can be times when students can’t spend the extra money on the expense of private yoga studio classes. From first hand experience I can tell you that private studios are expensive and that’s why I try to keep our class prices reasonable, even offering $60 a month for unlimited classes.
So where is the problem? The classes are on the schedule (albeit there is an occasional cancellation), the prices are affordable (with $5, $10, $12.50 and $15 class cost depending on what you purchase) and the format is fun. The problem is you – well maybe not you if you are the one coming to class. But there are some of you out there, you know who you are. You have to take the first step, walk in the door, pull up a mat, put on your sneakers – whatever it is, you have to make the physical effort. It is not enough to merely make the mental effort by thinking about a class or calling, you have to actually come to a class. Any class. They don’t have to be mine (though it would be nice). Get up and get moving otherwise you will never be the change you hope to see.
