Michelle Williams, Busy Philipps and I Agree: We Need to Bring Back Zumba

As a deeply unathletic person, I always thought exercise was just never going to be my thing. And then I discovered dance workout classes.

Zumba in particular always felt like the most fun, inclusive way to work out. When I was in my dance class era, it was often me and a bunch of 60-something ladies. They’d have the absolute time of their lives, shaking their hips and waving their arms and whooping up a storm as they cheered for each other.

But somewhere along the line I forgot about Zumba, and the rest of the world seemed to as well.

Here to revive the trend? Busy Philipps and Michelle Williams, Dawson’s Creek co-stars and real-life besties. Philipps is doing a partnership with Zumba, and she’s speaking out about how she got into the dance workout. "I had done Zumba years ago, actually because of Michelle Williams…and I loved it,” she tells People.

I love this so much. Not just because it cenetrs exercise as an enjoyable movement, not as punishment. But also because I love a multitasking moment, and doing a workout class with a friend is the perfect way to reap the benefits of both movement and friendship (which is actually really good for your health — so take this as your sign to schedule that girls’ trip).

Like Philipps, the treadmill is “just not for me”, and I spend the warmer months mostly walking outside as exercise. But now it's cooling down? I’m about to go locate a Zumba class near me — and you should too because exercise can be fun! And no, you don’t need to be a good dancer. You just need to be willing to have fun and try a new form of movement, one that’s more about the party vibes and less about punishment. 

Ask Clara: What are the benefits of dancing?