When Ms.Williamson told me what my next assignment was she had a huge smile on her face. As the word “ZUMBA” came out of her mouth I was really hoping this was a research topic and didn’t involve participation.

Speaking of research, ZUMBA is a trade name for a dance fitness program created by dancer and choreographer Perez in Colombia during the 1990s. The program combines Latin and international music with dance in an effort to make exercise fun. Somehow I knew it was not going to be fun.

Sadly, my hopes where crushed as she told me I actually had to do ZUMBA. I will normally do anything without a hint of fear, but I just knew ZUMBA wasn’t going to go well for me. I can do anything, except dancing and cardio. So why not send me to do the ultimate mixture of both, a Tracercizing Trace-ocide if you will?

The original plan was to completely leave me without dignity by making me attend a public class at Brown-Eyed Girls and Company. Thanks to the minimal effort of Chastin Jackson, and a lack of me encouraging her, we didn’t convince them to let me join a class since it’s normally women only. I ran out of time and had to borrow a DVD at the last minute. I got up early in the morning. Wearing the closest thing to work-out clothing I have, which was a wife beater and blue jeans, I attempted ZUMBA.

I knew I was in for trouble when I put in the DVD and was greeted by the Colombian Sylvester Stallone. As soon as the workout started, I was lost. ZUMBA is supposed to look elegant when done by someone who knows what he is doing. I, on the other hand, looked like a toddler throwing a tantrum. ZUMBA is a dance, and I have zero rhythm. Although I was not keeping the beat, I at first felt it wasn’t really a workout. Repetitive movements and lack of weights seem lame at first, but 20 minutes in, I really started feeling it.

ZUMBA is basically dancing for exercise. It covers a lot of styles, ranging from salsa to rock and roll, the latter being stereotypical Elvis moves and the windmill guitar strum. I, as a true Texan was almost pro at the western part. Then again, that was the only section in which I didn’t look like a bear being stung by a wasp. After the beginner lesson, I thought I might try one of the harder lessons–that was a stupid idea.

I was surprised to find out that ZUMBA really is an actual workout. It really tones the body, and I’m sure if you have at least a minimal sense of rhythm, it is truly fun. I would even suggest ZUMBA to any guy who just wants to tone and stay in shape. Even if you don’t have rhythm, it’s at least fun for your friends to watch you flail around like an idiot.

The lessons go slowly at first, so you don’t have to worry about being left in the dust. If you’re worried about looking dumb, don’t. It’s a lot more fun if you just do it and not care what others might think of you. I would highly suggest this to somebody who wants to stay active, tone his or her body and have fun. I most likely will never do it again, or at least not in public…so if you are like me, but want to get in shape…pull down the shades and crank up the Latin music.