While here in Costa Rica, Meghan has been determined to stay in shape which means I have to stay in shape too. Can't let her run alone! What has been great about Costa Rica, is the national effort to keep citizens active. Remember former First Lady Michelle Obama's campaign to get kids moving? There have been many parallels between Costa Rica and the USA, and getting people off the couch and outdoors is definitely one of them. Through the nation's effort to minimize obesity and improve daily activity, funding has been provided to counties and cities to provide free fitness classes for the community. One of the main classes is Zumba. For those who have never done a Zumba class, it is 60 minutes of dancing salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata, and many other genres. The moves are usually simple (key word USUALLY) and easy to follow, so everyone feels they are getting adequate exercise while still having fun. It's just dancing! Let loose and be free!
We walked into our first Zumba class on our first Monday here. We were quickly surprised. We figured that a Zumba teacher from Costa Rica would be way different than a Zumba teacher back in the states - this is music you hear constantly on the radio, in the stores, and in the clubs. It only makes sense that if you hear the music 24/7 you probably will have slightly better rhythm. Our teacher Diego BLEW our expectations out of the water. Let me just say, I didn't know anyone could dance like that outside of dance competition shows on television. Instantly we were hooked. It was so much fun, and so much cardio. My legs were so sore after! But it was great seeing how everyone loved it. We had every level of dancer, and every age group represented from child to senior. The class is held in a large gymnasium, typical of your high school basketball gym. The entire floor was full! Meghan and I made it a point to go to Zumba at least once each week, sometimes twice, but always on Mondays to dance with Diego. We also used it as a way to get to know new volunteers. Many of our volunteers are here for only one week at a time so it's important to try to do as many fun activities as possible. Since Monday is usually their first day, it's a great way to get initiated into Costa Rica and break a sweat while doing it.
Santa Ana is an active community, and there isn't just Zumba if you're not into dancing. The city recently built a brand new central park area. This spot is the place to be from 4pm until later in the night. The park has a dog park, a jungle gym for kids, workout equipment for adults, a 200m track, a basketball court that can be converted to a volleyball court, and an entire soccerfield! Parents bring their kids and stay outside for hours, chatting with other families as the children play in the jungle gym, roller skate around the track, or sometimes bike around the track. People use the track to run long distances. Soccer teams get together for pick up games, and basketball teams get together for full or half court games. Meghan and I love going out there - I personally just enjoy being outside but Meghan usually convinces me to run a few laps (help me).
Being able to see how successful the park is and how successful the Zumba classes are makes me wonder if we could implement items like these in our own communities. In Flint, the Farmers Market is in such a central location, it works well in bringing everyone together. It was also very smart using the above space as the pediatrics office, because good nutrition can be easily accessed after your child's appointment. But having a central park and play area would be phenomenal, especially in a small town like Flint. It's a way to get to know your community better, learn more about your children's friends, and a great way to make sure your child and yourself get outside and get good exercise. What is drastically different here in Costa Rica is the good weather year round, which makes me wonder if that is why funding a park hasn't been done before. However, finding a large indoor space to host free community classes like Zumba could be a creative alternative.
Our former First Lady was definitely headed in the right direction when she encouraged everyone to get up and move, and clearly she was not alone in her thought process.
For more fitness and nutrition ideas from Mrs. Obama: https://letsmove.obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/