Zumba Fitness: A party AND a workout!

Like to party? Sad when the weekend is over and think you can't dance again until next Friday night? Never fear, Zumba is here!

Simone Dodd leads an exciting and upbeat Zumba class every Monday night at Vivace Performance Company in Greenwood. I've gone a few times now and found it a fab way to kick start the week and shake those Monday blues.

She mixes up the Latin inspired soundtrack and keeps the heartbeat racing throughout the hour. Not sure if you count dancing as a workout? Trust me, you'll definitely sweat in her class.

What I love about Simone is her ability to connect with every person she meets. Her personality walks (or generally shimmies!) into a room and everyone around her smiles. The ladies who join her class at Vivace Dance Studio are a mixed range of ages, from around mid 20s to up to about 65! When she came in to teach at lululemon athletica Perth City on Tuesday night the age range was towards the younger end of the spectrum. And yes, you got that right. I joined her for back to back Zumba classes on both Monday and Tuesday this week!

No matter who she is teaching Simone manages to bring out the young, active dance spirit in everyone. Don't believe me? Try her class for yourself! You'll laugh, you'll smile, you'll Zuuuuuumba!

Check out my post from 19th September to learn more about Zumba Fitness and my first experience at Simone's class.

Read below for more info on her regular Monday night class...

• DETAILS: Monday night, 7:30-8:30pm. Vivace Performance Company. Canham Way, Greenwood.
• COST: $12.00 per class (discounts available for multi-pass purchases, first trial class is FREE!)
• TEACHER: Simone Dodd
• BRING: Wear sneakers, bring a water bottle & sweat towel and get ready to dance the night away!
• FIND ZUMBA ON FACEBOOK: Zumba Pro

Ginny's 'Finding Fitness' Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Getting pumped to start the week

Back at Fitness First this arvo after a pretty full-on day at work. Sometimes the best way to get out all the excess emotion and clear your head after a tough day is just to get into the gym and sweat it out!

It felt like an extra special treat going to Nathan's Body Pump class because he brought such a fun vibe and such positive energy into the room. Everything from singing along to the songs to cracking jokes about his recent trip to Sydney, he definitely delivered on both fitness and fun.

Try to follow the instructors advice but don't forget to listen to your body, if you're affecting your lower back be cautious and make sure you don't push your limits too early. Better to tone and strengthen than lift far beyond your comfort zone and risk doing yourself damage!

I've been to Fitness First a few times recently and have blogged about their Body Pump classes a number of times too. Be sure to read last week's post 'You've got to pump it up' from Monday October 10th for more general info on this fitness option.

Strongly suggest a class with Nathan, haven't experienced that many male group fitness instructors out there but he definitely made me smile!

• DETAILS: Monday afternoon, 4:30-5:30pm. Fitness First Perth CBD. 166 Murray Street, Perth, 6000.
• COST: $22.00 per casual class
• TEACHER: Nathan
• BRING: Water bottle and sweat towel. Also bring $3.00 in change if you want to rent a locker.
• BEST BITS: Pump is great because you have the ability to choose your own weights and adjust them for every single routine and muscle group that you work.
• FITNESS FIRST PERTH CBD TIMETABLE: www.fitnessfirst.com.au/clubs/timetable

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★

Combat in the City

Decided to get physical and check out another Body Combat class tonight after work at Fitness First in Perth City. Was interesting to see the gym so tightly packed! I suppose being located right on Murray Street and going there straight after office hours at 5:30pm on a week day it makes sense, but was a bit of an eye opener for me. Loads of people downtown hit up the gym for an end of day workout!

The Body Combat class was totally packed, I'd say there were more than 45 people in the room. Definitely made for a big and busy group. The teacher was full of fire and fury as she bounded around the stage screaming encouragement and asking the group for more power, more energy, more, more, MORE. It was quite a mind-blowing experience as a follow up to my recent stint of yoga and Zumba but it felt good to smash it out with a variety of jab cross, uppercut, kicks and hooks. Definitely worked up a sweat tonight!

Check below for more info...

• DETAILS: Monday evening, 5:30-6:30pm. Fitness First Perth CBD. 166 Murray Street, Perth, 6000.
• COST: $22.00 per casual class (but apparently once you're in the door of the gym you can attend class, then do a work out or even do 2 back-to-back classes. In theory. If you're not too exhausted after just the one!)
• TEACHER: Jacinda
• BRING: You'll definitely want a sweat towel and a water bottle for this one!
• BEST BITS: Totally different levels of energy and aggression to the last few fitness options I've tried. If you're dealing with a lot of pent up anger or frustration come along to this class and punch, kick and upper-cut it out of your system!
• FITNESS FIRST PERTH CBD TIMETABLE: www.fitnessfirst.com.au/clubs/timetable

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★

Hot, hot, HOT at Bikram Yoga Joondalup

If you're hunting for a way to seriously sweat it all out I definitely suggest giving Bikram yoga a try.

I visited Bikram Yoga Joondalup at 9:30am this morning looking for an energizing kick start to my day. I definitely got what I came for. The class is lead in a heated room so the minute you step inside you feel like you're entering a sauna. I've tried hot pilates while I was living in Toronto, but the practice of bikram yoga is quite new to me. I believe the classes always follow the same 26 postures so it took a little while to adjust to teachers instructions and I spent quite a bit of time scanning my eyes around the room trying to follow what was going on. There seemed to be a lot of rules and directions given out, but I suppose they need to make sure everyone is doing the postures correctly to avoid injuries.

I think the major benefits for me actually became evident later in the day. Throughout the practice I felt a little overwhelmed by the complicated poses and suffocating heat. Especially when we were directed NOT to wipe any sweat away from our face! However a few hours later, after showering of course, I felt refreshed, rejuvenated and invigorated. Which means the practice worked wonders I suppose!

BIKRAM YOGA is a holistic workout in a heated room. You are led through a series of 26 postures as well as breathing exercises which begin and end the 90 minute class. The intention is to build stamina and strength, improve posture, develop muscle tone and strengthen your immune system. The heat encourages sweating which eliminates toxins from your body and the meditative aspect of the practice improves your breathing, aids evening sleep and helps to reduce stress. A full body and mind workout.

Check below for more info...

• DETAILS: Wednesday morning, 9:30-11:00am. Unit 7/200 Winton Rd, Joondalup.
• COST: $18.00 per casual class (however they currently have a special introductory offer which costs $20 for 10 consecutive days. Seriously good value if you have time to pack in a lot of classes.)
• TEACHER: Lisa
• BRING: You'll definitely want to take a large (mat-sized) sweat towel and a water bottle or 2 for this one!
• BEST BITS: It's quite an incredible feeling to remain in a hot yoga room for 1.5 hours constantly moving. Following the practice you leave the room feeling light as air and, after a much-needed shower, you'll spend the rest of the day feeling fresh with a healthy glow.
• BIKRAM YOGA JOONDALUP WEBSITE: www.bikramyogajoondalup.com.au

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★