Why do I do this?

Starting a business is hard. I stop and think every now and then, "why am I doing this?" There are several reasons, but the one that always comes to the top is this:

My mom.

My mom had a hip replacement early last year. She was determined to take good care of it and do what she could to make the other hip last. Because she knew about Zumba® Gold from me, she found a class near her and had so much fun she became an instructor, too! Her health has improved in so many ways, but the number one thing is she is so HAPPY! And her doctor is VERY proud of her.

I know there are lots of people who need exercise for a variety of reasons (heart health, diabetes, weight loss, strength and mobility) but the bottom line is this: when you exercise you are happier.

So why do I do this? I want that for YOU. Let's have a great time together.

Schedule changes, New Sessions!

Starting in January, the Zumba® Gold classes will be offered as a session only class. Sign up for 8 weeks of pure FUN! Just $25 to keep this going for you for 8 more weeks! We'll meet on Fridays at 10 a.m. Yes, only once a week, (bummer) but this later time allows you to shovel the walk and have a nice hot breakfast before coming to class. And you'll be invigorated and ready for whatever your weekend plans are! You can sign up here. Gift packages are also available. What a great gift for the person who has everything!

Dance is beautiful, all creatures enjoy it

All creatures know the power and special energy that comes from dance. Enjoy this beautiful video.

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

100 year old woman on Jay Leno. What's her secret?

This woman is fantastic! Listen to her secrets to long life.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/local/Twin-Falls-woman-cracks-up-the-audience-on-The-Tonight-Show-124279749.html

How to live a long life

I saw this video and thought it was pretty good advice!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Investing in your Health

Most all of us have good intentions of improving our health, but it can be intimidating knowing what to do and where to start.

On my other Zumba® blog I've collected some resources you may find helpful. There is even a link to a site that helps you overcome some common roadblocks to regular exercise.

If you come to class, you are already doing great things for yourself!

Dancing can prevent dementia

Having more "senior moments" than you'd like? You need to dance!

I found a fantastic article from Arthur Murray Dance Studio that discusses the physical benefits of dancing, and some surprising statistics on how dance can prevent dementia. Here's an excerpt:

"Dancing stimulates the brain and is useful in many applications, including memory enhancement. It is widely known that Dancing has delayed symptoms pertaining to Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia and helped remedy those afflicted. Hundreds of studies have been conducted and proven that the act of dance alone, stimulates the brain and enhances memory capacity.  Yuki Noguchi states in his article for the Washington Post, "those who danced frequently - three or four times a week - showed 76 percent less incidence of dementia than those who danced only once a week or not at all". Such a widely acknowledged therapy after the onset of disease, imagine what it can do for a healthy mind."

Read the full article here, and find a whole list of other articles that further discuss the benefits of dancing to prevent dementia and Alzheimer's. 

Fried Okra Fitness is Moving! Location AND Time.

Good news! Starting September 1, our classes will be relocating to the beautiful SCERA theater! It is located at 745 South State Street in Orem. They have a wonderful room in their lower level that is perfect for us. It has large windows and a wonderful sound system. We will start at our new time and location on Thursday, September 1 at 9:00 a.m. We will still have class this week, August 23 and 25, at CenterPoint Church at 9:30 a.m. There will be NO class on Tuesday, August 30.

You can park in the back of the parking lot and walk through their flower gardens on the south side. You'll come to some stairs that lead to double glass doors. Walk in and then go around the corner to the right. There is an elevator to take you down, or take the stairs.

(NOTE: SCERA will unlock the doors for us for just a few minutes. If you arrive after 9:10 or so, you may need to continue around to the front doors to get in.)

You'll love it! See you there!

Age defying tips from the Today Show

This advice is good for ALL ages!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Zumba Gold® Class is for ALL generations!

We had a unique grouping today in class. We had two different families with THREE generations present. Gold is for the young and young at heart! I love it!

Zumba Gold on the Today Show!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

T-shirts bring the mood!

Clothes set aside for your workout help you really get into the groove and embrace the sweat! These t-shirts are very comfortable, and with a cotton/poly blend fabric, the sweat doesn't cling to you. I also have a handful of Zumba hats so you don't need to worry about your hair while you dance. Everything is $20.

BYOB (Buddy) and you BOTH come for FREE!

I really believe in the buddy system. It's a good idea for hiking, awkward social parties, and kindergarten field trips. It's also very important for sticking to a regular exercise plan. 

So here's the deal: when you Bring Your Own Buddy, I'll let you AND your buddy take the class that day at no charge. This, of course, applies only when you bring a buddy who has never come to class before. I know you are all enjoying class. I even think you are enjoying it more than you thought you would. Now share the joy with a friend and let them see why you have such a smile on your face!

And if there are two buddies out there and neither of them have ever come to class before, then that works, too! Come on in and try the class for free. You'll both thank each other for it.

This offer will last until July 31.

I can't wait to meet your buddies!

Daily Brain Puzzle

Zumba is about SO much more than a faster heart rate or stronger muscles. It is about being happy, being healthy, making new friends, and having that crazy fun spot in your day/week to look forward to during the other parts of life.

And we work your brain. Coordination, balance, even just having a regular schedule to stick to.

But we also have a daily brain teaser! Yep, every single class I have a brain puzzle that you take home and have to figure out. Bring it back during the month and we have a drawing for a prize. This month it is a Zumba Gold hat! You can put it on that brilliant brain of yours.

(Hint: you don't have to get it right but you do have to try. And you are allowed to help each other.)

The drawing for the hat will be held on July 5 (to give everyone a chance to answer the puzzle for the last day of June and return it that day).