Healthy Chicks

I try to live a pretty balanced life (as much as I can). I eat clean foods that make my body feel really good, but also indulge in the occasional burger and the more-than-occasional glass of red wine with dark chocolate. I love running & signing  up for local races, but I also enjoy going on long walks with The Boy or my girlfriends just to catch up. I’m known to ask a million questions and “talk too much,” but I’m also a really great friend and a darn god listener. I’m not a “vegetarian” nor am I a “meat-eater.” I adore the fast-paced, buzzing city-living in Boston, but my roots are back home on our family’s lake-house in CT. I’m a little bit of everything… the best of both worlds.

sweetgreen, the super-sweet company I work for here in Boston (if you don’t know of ’em yet you need to visit their site ASAP), believes in this concept of balance but also takes it one step further. They say that true greatness happens when passion and purpose intersect. Passion x Purpose. Passion meets purpose.  My list includes writing x inspiring others, connecting x making people feel better, eating clean x feeling energized, learning x growing and love x happiness.

And when it comes to working out for me it’s sweaty workouts x having a blast. After all, what’s the point in exercising if you aren’t having a little bit of fun along the way? I can’t think of a better workout that leaves you dripping in sweat and with a smile on your face than Zumba, the dance-inspired workout craze. So when some of the sweetgreen team was up visiting Boston from DC, I knew I just had to take them to The Z Spot Zumba.

The Z Spot, located at 121 E. Berkeley Street in the South End, offers a number of both weekday and weekend classes alike. I love its boutique feel, and generous sized, bright fitness room with plenty of natural lighting. I took my first class there a few weeks ago with the lovely Nicole D (I posted a pic here) and simply had a blast. Ladies, I think I am going to be hooked!

I didn’t really know what to expect going into it, as it’s been a few years since I’ve taken Zumba but it was just a fun as I remembered. For those who are “awkward”, clumsy or have no rhythm whatsoever, no worries as that’s totally me too. But fortunately Nicole did a great job of encouraging us to listen to our bodies and move to the music (even if that means making up your own moves!) Plus, Nicole made it super fun for the whole group with her energetic voice and words (well, shouts) of encouragement. Every time you look up she’s up there radiating her permanent grin right back at you!

During class, I noticed a chalkboard in the studio, where students can write down positive notes regarding what they took away from class. Totally up my alley! It was so neat to read different comments from those who are just getting back into working out to a woman who used Zumba to heal from a rough breakup. No matter where you are coming from, one thing is certain: you leave the class feeling better about yourself. And what’s not to love about that?

So what did the sweetgreen crew think of this wild, sweaty dance fest?

They absolutely loved it, of course! The team was super inspired by Nicole’s contagious energy and had a blast moving to the music & getting their Zumba on. Even the dudes couldn’t stop talking about it! I’m telling you – Zumba really is for anyone and everyone!

Schedule your first class at The Z Spot Zumba today! P.S. Boston ladies – sweetgreen will be opening their doors next week on Boylston St in the Back Bay. If you love to eat good, local organic food that actually tastes good, you’re sure to fall in love as I have!