…At least that’s what I’m calling it.

I have successfully completed my fourth Zumba class and was even told by a regular that she couldn’t believe how fast I caught on and that I was a natural. TOTALLY made my day.

But man, I have to tell you. After two weeks, I was starting to feel muscle soreness in places I never knew existed. I guess it’s all the booty shaking! A couple days ago, I was nursing a very awkward soreness in my hip/lower back in a place I never really realized there was a muscle.

I’m taking this as a good sign.

And sure, I’m shaking like a Latin dancer having a seizure, but I’m proud of my expert wiggling. And Shakira was right! Your hips DON’T lie at all. If you move them enough, you’ll feel the burn. Talk about a good work out.

Side note regarding Shakira (who by the way, is on the cover of SELF magazine this month talking about how she used Zumba to bounce back post-baby): I used to think she was Russian. I know. Don’t judge me. But one of my best friends from elementary school through high school is Russian and upon returning from one of her trips to the Motherland, she brought back a CD she bought there. It was Shakira’s.

And that is why for YEARS I thought Shakira was Russian.

But I digress.

I think one of the reasons I was so sore was also because I was doubling up on my cardio with Zumba PLUS time on the elliptical…and by time I mean like another full hour.

So, I’ve been taking it easy the past couple of days and luckily my Shakira muscle is finally behaving itself. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it to Zumba tomorrow because I am up to my ears in things to do before Labor day, but I’m already looking forward to Wednesday’s class.

Has anyone else tried Zumba lately? And if so, how’s your Shakira muscle? (don’t even pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about!)