Bokwa? You never heard of Bokwa?
Despite the way it reads, it is not the sound of someone choking on a chicken nugget or a new kung-fu move. It is in fact a high impact cardio/dance workout and as they say in the marketing pitch, if you can spell and move, you can do Bokwa. You can read more about Bokwa here.
It’s funny how life always throws things at you in groups. First, there was the A-Z April Blogging Challenge, blogging by the alphabet and now there’s exercise by the alphabet. That’s right, dance steps in the shape of letters or rather your feet move to make letters of the alphabet. I suppose you could Bokwa the alphabet song, but the letters are actually chosen at random to fit in with the routine, rather than danced in alphabetical order. This is a very good thing, because concentrating on the dance steps, coordinating arms and legs whilst reciting the alphabet would probably be a little too much multitasking. All of that and you want grace as well? Ha!
So, I had my first full Bokwa class today after having had an introductory taste of it last week for there comes a time in every mother’s life when being self-consciousness is yesterday’s news. I mean, if you have ever given birth, you would know that you check your dignity at the hospital door. There is just no room for self-consciousness when some nurse is elbow deep inside your birth canal. And that REALLY prepares you for what comes next, namely, when your 5-year-old bright spark of a child boldly announces to the world at large that “Mummy has wobbly bits”.
My wobbly bits look just like hers!
Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
And so it was that I took my wobbly bits to Bokwa.
I am proud to say that not only did I survive the 45 minute class, but I had great fun along the way. Firstly, the music is fantastic. Latest hits that even on a bad day would get your foot tapping, let alone your whole body moving on a good day. And you can sing along whilst doing it. Secondly, whilst the steps are set, you are encouraged to put your own spin on them. Dip here? Why, thank you I will. A bit of booty shaking there, certainly.
Thirdly, and for me, most importantly, the class is taught by a couple of fantastically patient and energetic people from Zumbalicous Australia. You need motivation? They have it in spades. You need to start with the basics? No problem, they will step it through until you’ve got it. You’ve come along for a bit of fun and to sweat – they deliver. A good exercise instructor is like a good hairdresser, a relationship that’s quite personal and something to hold on to for as long as you can!
Below is a pic that was taken after the class. Two of these lovely ladies are fantastic dancers whilst the other wears really bright sneakers.
Over and above the Bokwa itself, I beseech you all to try something new and often. It’s so easy to come up with multiple excuses for not wanting to do or try something, but more often than not if you can overcome the resistance of your old and familiar thought patterns, you’ll be glad you did.
Today I mastered L, O and C. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for next week.
And one day soon, I’ll be able to dance the following letters for my wonderful instructors:
T, H, A, N, K, Y, O and U!!
Raising the Curtain 
Good on you! I use to be co-ordinated, but now pfft not so much 🙂 I did try a Zumba class once – yes I pretended to keep up in the back row, looking like a puffer fish gasping for air. They are bright sneakers 😉 I’d wear black so I could hide easier. Keep up the Bokwa l o v e l y 🙂
Thanks Rambly. The time for me to hide is over. If people don’t like what they see they can go hide. The future’s so bright I’ve got to wear shades and all of that good stuff :).
This sounds like so much fun, or a heart attack waiting to happen. Kudos to you for getting out there and giving it a try! I never heard of this before, but anything that involves toe tapping music is goo in my book.
Those sneakers R O C K!
Thanks, I would like to say I found the sneakers, but I think they actually found me!
I’ve not heard of this exercise! Sounds fun. I wonder if it’s made its way to the US. Of course, I’d have to wait for a DVD. I’m not one to do these things in public. 😉
I think it was invented in the US. Whether it’s behind closed doors or in public, the main thing is to have fun with it. Exercise without fun is just a chore.
Very, very true.
I am impressed… if I had taken the class and a picture, it would have been those cute young instructors pounding on my chest to revive me!! Love the shoes! DAF
Thanks DAF, as you can see I did remain standing and actually backed it up with Zumba class straight after. Love Saturday mornings 🙂
Sounds like you’re doing something good for you and having fun!
But Bokwa isn’t a thing until I hear tell of them doing it on The View.
Yes, you haven’t made it until you have been dissected on the View or is that Ellen(?) – one or other! And did I just hear you admit to watching the View !?!. Great to see your board shorts around here, Guap 🙂
Never! I admit nothing!!!
*crap*
Now would be a good time to speak to your lawyer 😉
Well done. By the way, I have missed your word of wisdom and encouragement. Thanks for sharing. BTG
Thank OF for those wonderful words. Will try and be just as wise and encouraging this year, if not more so. Hope all well in your world.
Bokwa? What? I understand Zumba, but making letters? Still, it sounds like fun. What will they think of next?
Dancing to quadratic equations?
Or Shakespearian sonnets, perhaps?
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I absolutely adore you. You always encourage me to try something new, and then I am up and trying it. So off I go!
Thanks Elizabeth – can I quote you on that, LOL? Hope you have fun with it and report back to me on how your class went, would love to hear how you get on.
Awesome! I’ve never even heard of Bokwa – despite the fact that I’ve repeatedly chocked on chicken nuggets before – yet here you are doing it!
Thank you. I really do try and avoid choking on chicken nuggets, in fact try and avoid doing anything with them, really!