I've been Zumba'd

I'm not what you'd call a keep-fit fanatic.

I suppose if I do 'exercise', it's because it gets me from A to B, not because I actually want to do exercise, if you see what I mean? So, I'll walk into town, rather than drive...cycle occasionally...take the stairs rather than the lift. I do own a pair of trainers, but I only wear them when I'm gardening.

The thought of doing exercise for exercise's sake just turns me right off. I used to do Pilates - had done it for over ten years and really enjoyed it - but my Pilates instructor retired last Easter, and I haven't looked too hard for a replacement class.

After six months of doing not a lot, I've decided to get my butt in gear and do something active.

Zumba.

I figured that as I like to dance (at the Christmas party, once a year) and Zumba is based on dance moves, it won't feel like exercise. It'll be Fun.

Anyway, I bought myself some leggings (ditched the first pair I tried as they showed exactly why I needed to exercise...) and some lightweight trainers (which I hereby promise never to garden in) and toddled along this morning to the first of a five-week beginners class.

It wasn't as bad as I thought, if I'm honest. I managed to keep up with the steps until my arms had to get involved; at that point my co-ordination went completely out of the window. Next week, I may even break into a sweat if my arms and legs can be persuaded to work together.

But at least I kept going; I didn't collapse in a heap, I could still walk afterwards, and I felt strangely fired up all day.

I think I'll go back next week...