The dreaded New Year's resolution.
Initially, we are so sure we are going to follow through, we even write them down and tape them on the fridge as a bold reminder, but sadly many of us break our resolutions within 10 days.
According to dozen of websites tracking the top 10 broken resolutions, getting fit and losing weight ranks as the top promise most of us flunk out on.
Every year, thousands of us hit the gym in hopes of ridding ourselves of those stubborn extra pounds that somehow crept up on us throughout the year, and especially during the holidays.
We at the News are well aware of how difficult it can be to keep a fitness resolution, so we spoke to Sharon Taylor, fitness coordinator at South Arm Community Association, to find out if there was a fun new fitness class that might help keep us motivated.
Hands down, Taylor said, it's Zumba.
"I can't keep up with the demand since we introduced it last year," she said.
This Latin fitness dance craze was born in Columbia by Alberto Perez in the 1990s.
It's popularity soon swept through the world.
"I asked Winnie, our instructor, what Zumba is all about and she said 'it's a fun dance workout for people of all ages. They dance to the funky rhythms of salsa, reggae, cha cha, tango, hip hop and rock 'n' roll," said Taylor.
"It's easy to follow - even for people with two left feet and there are always smiles on peoples' faces during the class. One does not realize they are exercising."
It is so popular, added Taylor, that she's thinking of introducing a fifth class in early February to deal with the increased demand.
Here's what is available right now at South Arm Community Centre:
? Zumba Gold (for 55+) Wednesdays at 1 p.m., starting Jan 18. ($45 for 10 sessions or pay the regular drop in rate $5.50).
? Zumba (for all ages) starts the week of the 9th, on Wednesdays at 7: 30 p.m.; Fridays at 6: 15 p.m. and Saturdays at 10: 30 a.m. ($8.30 drop in or if you register it's $6.50 per class).
For more information, call 604-718-8488 or email Staylor@ richmond.ca or visit the website at http: //www.richmond.ca/parksrec/ centres/southarmcentre/southarm. htm.
If you would like to try out Zumba, you can for the price of a pair of new socks. This Saturday, Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. to 10: 30 a.m.
South Arm is hosting Salsa for Socks, a fun, free fundraiser taught by Zumba instructors and a yoga instructor.
Bring new socks or money to purchase them and come and support those less fortunate in Richmond.
GET FIT AT HOME:
If you prefer to workout in the privacy of your own home, or you want to try out some exercise DVDs before you buy, Richmond Public Library's communications officer Shelley Civkin has compiled a list based of type and then offers examples of titles you can choose from.
? Pilates: Number of DVDs: 38: 10 minute Solution. Pilates for Beginners; Get rid of Mummy Tummy; Denise Austin. Body Burn with Dance and Pilates
? Aerobic exercises: Number of DVDs: 29: The biggest Loser. The Workout. Power Walk; Leslie Sansone Walk at Home. 5 Mile Fat Burning Walk
? Yoga: Number of DVDs: 80: Weight Loss Yoga; Ageless with Kathy Smith. Staying Strong
? Physical Fitness: Number of DVDs: 139: Sculpt and burn body blitz; Killer buns and thighs; Joel Harper's Fit Pack. Self-defense and Power Building Workout
? Fitness Walking: Number of DVDs: 7 Walk Away the Pounds. Ultimate Collection; Prevention Fitness Systems. Walk Yourself Fit
? Exercise for older people: Number of DVDs: 7: Yoga for Grandparents - Sit and be Fit
? Exercise for children: Number of DVDs: 15: Your Private Guide to Junior Yoga
mhopkins@richmond-news.com
