I took up Zumba® after 40 to get fitter, but I wasn’t expecting to like it quite so much

I went to my first Zumba® class hoping to improve my fitness level. What I hadn’t anticipated was how much I’d like being thoroughly rubbish at something. It was a freezing evening in Newcastle, shortly after the Covid restrictions had eased, and I found myself inside a dimly lit marquee with a group of strangers who appeared a lot more confident about dancing than I was.

I’d spent much of the previous few years juggling being a mum and the general demands of family life. Getting out of the house to do something for myself seemed like a good idea, even if I wasn’t really sure what I’d signed up for. Then the music started and within minutes, I was sweating, laughing and attempting a cha-cha that bore little resemblance to the instructor’s demonstration. I couldn’t always tell my left from my right, but I really enjoyed myself so much that I wanted to go back.

By the end of 2023, Zumba® classes had become part of my fitness routine. I hadn’t suddenly developed a talent for dancing, but I’d found an activity I genuinely looked forward to.

I’d spent years taking fitness seriously, counting repetitions, lifting weights and trying to improve my performance. Dancing though, reminded me that I could still get a decent workout without concentrating on numbers.

I’ve always enjoyed classes that involve plenty of movement and decent music. Dancing in front of strangers, however, was unfamiliar territory. At that first session, I positioned myself towards the back, where I could see the instructor without becoming part of the entertainment.

The routines came thick and fast. Just as I thought I’d mastered one movement, the music changed and we were off again. What struck me was how little anyone cared about getting everything right. Some people clearly knew the choreography, while others were learning as they went. The instructor kept us moving, the atmosphere was friendly and nobody appeared concerned about my technique.

I went home exhausted, with aching legs and a good feeling about the evening. After months of pandemic restrictions, it felt good to be doing something sociable again.

By the time you reach your forties, there’s no shortage of people telling you how to exercise. We’re advised to build muscle, improve cardiovascular fitness, protect our bones and stay mobile as we get older. Much of that advice is sensible for women approaching menopause, but fitting everything into an already busy week can become another source of pressure.

I enjoy the Zumba® programme because it offers something different. Instead of counting repetitions or concentrating on how much weight I’m lifting, I’m following the music and trying to keep up with the choreography. It isn’t a substitute for every other form of exercise, but it’s a fun way to get moving.

I’ve written about my approach to nutrition, exercise and self-care, and one thing I’ve learnt is that a workout has to fit into real life. There’s little point signing up for something you dread attending, however impressive the promised results.

You might imagine that marrying into a Persian family would have given me a natural advantage when it comes to dancing. Unfortunately, enthusiasm and ability are two very different things.

My husband, H, comes from Iran, where music and dancing are a big part of family celebrations. I’ve watched family members dance beautifully at weddings and gatherings, moving with an ease that makes the whole business look so simple. At our own wedding, I attempted something resembling a whirling dervish performance. It wasn’t so graceful, although H and I had committed to it.

Persian dancing and Latin-inspired dance fitness are different traditions, of course, but I enjoy the social side of both. At Persian gatherings, music has a habit of drawing people onto the dance floor, whether they’ve planned to dance or not. I might never match the elegance of my Iranian family, but at least my weekly classes give me opportunities to practise.

I’ve been fortunate to attend classes with Riccardo, Silvie, Nat, Danny and Cindy, each of whom brings a different personality and style to the room. A good instructor makes the class feel welcoming for people who are new to dance fitness or worried about keeping up.

They somehow manage to demonstrate the steps, encourage everyone and make the choreography look effortless. Meanwhile, I’m concentrating on my feet and hoping I haven’t missed another change of direction. What I like is the atmosphere they create. You begin to recognise familiar faces, exchange a few words before class and gradually feel part of the group. For someone who spends much of the working day sitting at a desk, that regular social contact is welcome.

I had Cyrus at 40, and becoming a mother later in life has made me conscious of how quickly time disappears. Between school, work, family commitments and everything that needs doing around the house, finding an hour for myself isn’t always easy.

During a dance fitness class, however, I have to concentrate on what’s happening in front of me. There’s no opportunity to mentally organise tomorrow’s workload or wonder what I’m going to cook for dinner when I’m trying to follow a sequence of steps.

Research suggests dancing may support psychological wellbeing, although the benefits vary between individuals and activities. A systematic review published in Frontiers in Psychology examined dance interventions and psychological health, including mood and quality of life. I wouldn’t suggest that one fitness class can solve the stresses of everyday life, but good music and a little company can make a difference to how I feel at the end of a busy day.

You don’t need previous dance experience to try a Zumba® class, and you certainly don’t need to arrive knowing the choreography. Many movements can be adapted to reduce the impact, and it’s perfectly acceptable to take a break when you need one. Some sessions are more demanding than others, so it’s worth finding one that suits your fitness and mobility.

The official Zumba website provides information about different programmes and classes, while the NHS exercise guidance offers advice about becoming more active. I’d recommend giving a class more than one attempt before making up your mind. It takes time to recognise the routines, and the first session can feel confusing when everyone around you appears to know what they’re doing.

Looking back on 2023, I’m glad I ventured into that marquee rather than spending another evening at home. I’ve met some lovely people, enjoyed classes with brilliant instructors and added something new to my fitness routine.

My ambition for 2024 is to make it to the front row. At the moment, I’m quite comfortable a little further back, where the instructor is clearly visible and there’s less chance of anyone following my interpretation of the steps.

Whether I manage it remains to be seen. I suspect the cha-cha will continue to cause problems, but I’m not particularly worried. After all, I’ve spent years taking exercise seriously. It’s rather nice to have found something that makes me laugh.

Occasional stories, experiments, discoveries and questions from Saffron & Cyrus.