Becoming aware of one's body parts is both a bad and a good thing. For years, I've been in negotiations with various organs and limbs. Through dance, I've been able to mitigate the damages which wear and tear has wrought on my frame!
A bad part of knowing your body parts are "there" might mean you're in pain. One isn't normally aware of the bits and pieces of the body unless something unusual is occurring. There are solutions to discomfort through not only medication, but gentle movement. Only do what YOU feel as though your body will allow without injury! I often tell my class members to modify their stretches as they know what they are capable of doing (or not). As I've stated before, your instructor may know how to do splits, but don't YOU do them if you're not able to get up without assistance after doing them! (LMBAO)
However, one of the best things about awareness is when parts are feeling well-rested, trained, and disciplined to move the way you want them to. Being consistent in exercising, stretching, and resting is essential to an overall sense of well being. Your life in general flows so much easier when your body parts are cooperating with each other.
Why Zumba? It not only brings coordination and physical fitness, but a spirituality in dancing with those who, in turn, are seeking a higher level of fitness. Not using dumbells, Bosu balls, or ropes, we are able to achieve a positive body image through movement! There's also a mental exercise in creating choreography that is fun to dance to. When you think about it, remembering dance movements is a form of re-training the brain to think in sequence. Not bad! :-)
Encourage your body to move; even if it's just reaching for the remote control. (lol) But, I'd prefer to see you in my Zumba class swinging and swaying to great music, and socializing with friends.
The Barefoot Diabetic
