African Aerobics

So, I haven't done this before. I like to try to tell my own stories, but sometimes others just tell them better (well usually that sometimes is always for me, but I try). SO, this is my first guest blog- written by my housemate, Elise.

When you spend four months in Uganda, you are presented with some interesting opportunities. For me, one of the most exciting to date was African aerobics class.

For those who have never opted to participate in an aerobics class in the states, allow me to take a minute to fill you in. First off, the class will probably consist of entirely females. The class will last an hour, consist of a ten minute warm up period, a half-hour work out consisting of either a floor routine, step aerobics, or a combination of the two, followed by mat work or weights, and finally conclude with a ten minute cool down. The entire class will be set to upbeat remixes of semi-current pop songs, and your instructor will typically take great care in calling out the upcoming moves. That’s the typical American aerobics experience.

Hop on a plane, jet across the Atlantic, and make your way to Mt. Elgon Hotel’s African version of aerobics, Mondays through Thursdays starting at 6:30 PM. While your plane ticket may cost 2,500 US dollars, you’ll only pay 5,000 Ugandan shillings for this incredibly rigorous workout. (That’s less than 2.50 US dollars.) When you enter the thatched-roof dining room, be prepared to start right away, because there is no warm-up included in this program. As you start a step-touch routine, you’ll notice that the number of men in the room greatly outnumber the women. You’ll also notice that the music being played is Christian worship and praise songs sung in English, and the tempo is somewhere between 20 and 40 beats per minute faster than any workout music used in North America.

Now that you’re starting to work up a sweat doing the step-touch, pay special attention to your instructor. Can you figure out what he’s saying? Neither can I. You will hear him yell out a series of numbers in English that may or may not have any meaning. You will also hear him say the word, “Loop! Loop!” multiple times, which means he’s going to start doing some ridiculous turning step that will be repeated so many times you’ll want to puke before he decides you should perform the step the same number of times in the opposite direction.

Once you get into the groove of a certain step, you may notice that the power has gone out, meaning you and the fifteen other aerobicizers will be left grape-vining in the dark with no music. Don’t worry, your instructor will yell out for you to continue as he fumbles around in the dark, waiting for the generator to kick on, at which point the lights will come on and the music will resume. Also, do not be alarmed if the instructor gets tired and leaves the room for some fresh air, or to take a phone call. Simply continue doing whatever you were doing. He’ll be back soon!

All in all, I've greatly enjoyed this unique opportunity to experience aerobics abroad. It's a great workout, and I love going with my roommate on Thursday nights! I would definitely recommend Mt. Elgon aerobics to anyone looking to get in shape!

Aerobics is growing as one of the highlights of my week. I have tried to go every Thursday. It makes me smile and laugh, all while getting fit. You can't beat that!

To see more of Elise's blog posts, click HERE.