August 1, 2023 • 36 mins
Episode 6. In this engaging interview, we meet Devin Wagener who delved into the world of Zumba and Salsa, inspired by the love of his Argentinian wife. With no prior background in dance, he embarked on a journey of movement and rhythm. Discover how he found a warm and welcoming Salsa community that embraced his beginner's spirit and further enhanced his passion for the Spanish culture.
Show Notes:
Zumba:
Zumba Official Website (English)
Bachata:
Prince Royce (Bachata Singer)
Some simple Bachata steps
Salsa:
Pocket Salsa YouTube Tutorial Page
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Where you can find out more about Devin:
Spanish Speaking Mentor: https://www.instagram.com/spanishspeakingmentor/
Yerba Mate Power: https://www.instagram.com/yerbamatepower/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Lisa (00:09):
So welcome to the Happy Sweat Life podcast.
My name is Lisa Rung and I'mreally excited today to be
talking to Devin Wagener he isdoing Salsa and Zumba, so that's
the dance styles that we'regonna be talking about today.
So Devin, do you want tointroduce yourself and tell us a
little bit about yourself?
Devin (00:30):
Hey.
Thanks Lisa, for, for having meon it.
It's an honor.
This is, this is fun.
And thank you for, for allowingme to, Be here in this space.
As far as about me like I said,my name is Devin.
I live in Nashville area.
So famous for country music, butthat's not why I'm here.
My wife is from Argentina, sothat's kind of my, I guess, tie
(00:53):
in to Salsa and Zumba.
Tango is the more well-knowndance of Argentina.
However there's lots ofdifferent folkloric dances and
stuff, but my wife is a big fanof salsa, so that's kind of how
I got into it,
Lisa (01:10):
okay.
Devin (01:11):
by basically happy wife, happy life, so and joining with
her and, and what she enjoys.
Same with Zumba.
But it's also a, a fun way toget some exercise.
So that's, that's kind of what Iwas wanting to add value to
your, to your audience today.
Lisa (01:31):
Yeah.
Thank you.
So how would you describe Zumbaand then salsa to somebody
that's never done it or doesn'tknow anything
Devin (01:40):
For one, for one if you've never heard of Zumba,
you've probably been living ina, in a rock
Lisa (01:45):
Right.
Devin (01:46):
a cave.
But But Zumba, I would say isbasically aerobic.
Like the old maybe seventies,eighties, you know, nineties or
whatever, like step up dancevideos.
But just with more, I guessLatin rhythms essentially uh,
would be the, I guess mydefinition of it.
(02:11):
And basically just.
An instructor does certain movesand steps that are usually
easier to follow for generalaudience.
And it's mostly a kind of anaerobic exercise versus an
actual really dance, I guess youcould say.
Usually in all of the gymsacross America internationally
(02:34):
as well.
As far as Zumba.
Salsa on the other hand is.
Simple, yet very complex.
It's simple because it'sbasically, I mean, it's a Latin
dance that really only has, youknow, three steps essentially.
But you combine differentcombinations and rhythms and
(02:59):
exchanges and stuff to make itin styles even to make it, you
know, really is a mixture of.
Complex as, as salsa or saucewould be.
In other words, it can be allthese kind of different
ingredients.
So there's not to get too deepinto the weeds, but there's, you
know, like west coast stuff,there's, so, there's, there's on
(03:20):
two, which means that you go onbasically the offbeat or the
downbeat instead of the upbeaton salsa.
The, the NYC style, there's LAstyle, there's Cuban style.
Those are just a couple of thethings you know, as far as
salsa.
I would say, I learned in CostaRica when I was studying Spanish
(03:40):
down there.
First got introduced at leastinto it as far as the basic,
basic and then my wife obviouslyupgraded me by helping me learn
a lot more.
And it's a big deal all over theworld as far as there's these
whole congress.
Things of salsa.
In other words, it's like a bigconvention of people that are
(04:01):
crazy for dance and salsa andhave all these workshops and
parties and stuff.
And so it's, it's a world that Ilearned through her that I
didn't know was that big of adeal.
But yeah.
Lisa (04:13):
So, so have you gone to some of those conferences and
those events?
Devin (04:17):
Yeah.
Went to I think two in Houstonand two in Dallas.
My wife went to one in Boston.
I'm trying to think.
Went somewhere else.
As far as those congress, thoseare the, the ones I remember.
And then you know, differentlike little workshops and stuff
(04:40):
around.
We actually went um, when wewere in Europe, when we went to
a big salsa club in Antwerp,Belgium.
it's actually pretty big in,Europe, believe it or not.
Lisa (04:52):
So if you're a complete beginner, how difficult would
you say either Zumba or SALSA isto just start learning?
Devin (05:01):
Zumba, just basically go to the gym.
Um, That's offering it in yourend pretty much, you know?
That's what I would say be thelower threshold.
There's really no wrong way todo it.
It's just exercise really.
You know, so that's, I guess,some of the pressure off of
that.
Salsa, on the other hand, is apartner dance.
So you know, that can be.
Intimidating for a lot ofpeople, especially guys of the
(05:25):
guy is the leader in salsa.
So, you know, it's kind of more,you have to be more well
prepared, I guess you could say.
Also, there can be thatawkwardness of dancing with
another female as a strangeressentially.
So there's, there's kind ofthat, but a lot of places have
classes and stuff for that youknow, dance studios and things.
A lot of Latin clubs, offer.
(05:47):
You know, salsa night, and theyhave like a, come at 8:00 PM for
like, the beginner's class, thatway they can kind of prepare you
for the actual event.
So in other words, like, and,and usually bigger cities that
have, you know, more Latinpopulation they'll have salsa
night or Latin night, and thenthey'll have a 30 minute, you
know crash course, I guess youcould say, or something like
(06:10):
that.
To help those that are just newto at least get the basic, basic
for the actual event.
That's, that's usually the,another way in, I would say.
Lisa (06:22):
Mm-hmm.
Devin (06:24):
Other than that, really YouTube, everything's on YouTube
there's thing called pocketsalsa, which is well known as
far as teaching the moves it'san application.
It's on, it's on YouTube aswell.
That's I think that would be agood recommendation for seeing
some of the videos.
personally, I'm not as good asa.
(06:45):
Visual learner in that way is Ikind of more kinesthetic I have
to like do it, show me like withmy body, kind of do it.
So I mean, I guess it dependson, you know, your style too, of
how you learn sometimes, youknow you, it's, it's, I think
learning, hearing the rhythm,but once you hear it, I mean,
(07:07):
it's pretty, obvious you justhave to.
Get you're, you're accustomed toit if you're not used to, I
guess, rhythms maybe.
Lisa (07:13):
And so are you doing Zumba and salsa equally, or do you
tend to lean towards one or theother, or
Devin (07:22):
so, so I'll be honest, do salsa basically just cuz my
wife.
I, I'll be honest, it's notreally something that's like my
passion.
It's just something so if wewanna talk about like more.
What I would enjoy and also beeasier on the flip side of that
coin of kinda Latin dancesversus salsa.
There's also bachata, which islike a Dominican Republic is I
(07:47):
guess the starter origin ofthat.
It's more of a, how would I say,kinda like r and b of, of salsa.
I mean Latin music, you know.
There's a guy, prince Roycethat's famous for that and he's
kinda like the pop singer ofthat.
(08:10):
I'm blanking on so many names,but there there's more.
And then merengue, which is byfar the easiest of those Latin
cells, cuz it's literally just1, 2, 1 2 kind of walk in, in
place.
So I guess as far as those go Imean, I just go when I go to to
gym.
Yeah.
Lisa (08:26):
Oh, okay.
Oh, so it's part of your gym?
They offer the Zumba?
Devin (08:29):
Yeah, yeah.
They have, the classes.
So that's kind of, I guess, youknow, when, when we go or
whatever.
Lisa (08:35):
And when, when did you start, I mean, I know you
mentioned this also when youwere in.
Devin (08:40):
Okay.
Yeah.
What the year, let's see, lemmedo 2010, I think.
Track 1 (08:45):
Okay.
Devin (08:46):
When I first maybe got introduced to Salsa, Zumba,
Don't know there but probablysomewhere shortly after that
time, maybe
Lisa (08:57):
Okay.
Devin (08:58):
guessing something.
Lisa (08:59):
did you have a, a background in dance growing up?
Like did you do anything likethat before?
Devin (09:04):
Great point.
Yes.
And I wanna say this also wasencouragement to other husbands
as well.
if your wife is interested,learn it.
Number one number two.
No, I have no, like, I'm not,I'm not gifted in dance or
anything like that.
So that's my encouragement toyou guys.
I'm from Arkansas, so I don'thave a Latin background.
So it's not like I've got thisgift of salsa or anything.
(09:27):
I think it's just, if you,there's a will, there's a way.
If you really want, if youreally wanna learn something,
then you'll, you'll try.
Don't give up, but also realize,you know, salsa's a little bit.
Steeper curve, I guess you couldsay at beginning.
It's, it's easier if you dobasic, basic, but then you know,
it, it gets complex reallyquickly.
(09:47):
So yeah, I don't have any likespecial dance attributes or
gifts or anything.
So I think that's the, thebeauty about it, you can learn
it if you don't have to begifted in it.
And I think it's, it's good forall of us to kind of get out of
our comfort zone.
(10:08):
Do something you know, that'smaybe even challenging or
something to kind of just not bea, such a stick in the mud, I
guess you could say.
You know, do something a littlebit different.
So I guess that's myencouragement cuz even sometimes
I can get kind of like, well,you know, I'm, this isn't me or
(10:29):
whatever.
But you know, just enjoy it, Iguess nonetheless, even if
you're not good at it, you know.
Lisa (10:34):
Right, right.
Devin (10:35):
all about, you know, en enjoying what you're doing, even
if you're not good at it, right?
So,
Lisa (10:38):
it sounds like a really nice bonding thing to do with
your partner.
Devin (10:43):
Yeah, I mean that's essentially what, yeah.
I, I use it for and you, youdon't have to be married or, or
even have a partner to do itbecause can make a lot friends.
Doing that.
I mean, I know a guy, one of my,one of my good friends, he goes
to all these congresses all overthe world and everything, and he
just makes a lot of greatfriends.
You know, you don't, doesn'thave to be like, I think as us
as an Anglo culture of holdinganother female's hands that you
(11:07):
don't know or something can bevery awkward, but it's.
It's, it's just part of thedance.
And if you kind of detachyourself from this, like, oh,
this is so intimate.
It's, it's just a dance.
Like, I guess that's the other,I guess, Puritan, Anglo side of,
of Americans that makes it souncomfortable.
But you can make a lot of goodfriends that really just enjoy
it.
And that's, that's okay.
(11:28):
You don't have to thinkeverybody is like potential
couple or something, justbecause you dance with'em for
you know, 10 minutes.
But that's actually the, thebetter part about those
congress, like those kind ofquote unquote, you know,
professionals or whatever isbecause they act professional.
So in other words they behave ina professional manner.
(11:49):
It's not this whole like, oh,what are you doing later?
You know, what's your name?
You know, that kind of stuff.
It's, it's more of a thank youand you know, next, you know,
Lisa (11:57):
That's a great point.
And, and probably comforting tosome people to know that there
is that boundary there if youwant to.
Devin (12:03):
Yeah, exactly.
And you have all the right tosay no thanks.
I mean,
Lisa (12:07):
So I was looking at the Zumba website and I had taken
Zumba way back in the day.
I actually found it really hard.
Like I, I got so frustrated overtrying to follow the steps.
Devin (12:21):
And, and I've found that sometimes the teachers
themselves can make it moredifficult than it needs to
Lisa (12:25):
Yeah.
Oh, okay.
That's good to know.
Devin (12:28):
They like maybe do some move that's like complicated
versus just, you know, step twotimes to the left, step two
times to the right.
You know, they'll do some kindof, you know, whatever.
So,
Lisa (12:36):
yeah.
I think it was when they startedto add in other body moves,
other things of going with thesteps.
That was a
Devin (12:42):
Sometimes the song could be just too fast or something.
Lisa (12:44):
Yes.
Yeah.
It definitely is kind of fastpaced.
Devin (12:47):
So it's definitely, you know, I will, Say to that
extent.
That's a good point that, youknow results may vary.
Right?
as, you know, if you, there canbe sometimes a teacher for, for
example that's leading the classthat just doesn't vibe well with
you.
Maybe the songs they pick orterrible or the movements they
(13:08):
do are just too complicated orthey're just not fun.
Maybe, I don't know.
You know, so say, give it a shotat maybe another gym or another
class if possible.
I mean, you don't have to.
Also, that's another thing.
You could just look up YouTubevideo, those, those tons and
tons of YouTube videos as wellon, on different zoom
choreography.
Then you could do it the comfortyour own home.
So
Lisa (13:28):
That's true.
That's a good recommendation.
Devin (13:29):
No one, no one, know, no one there to critique you or
anything.
So,
Lisa (13:32):
Right And I think sometimes that's a good way to
learn at first, and then maybeyou feel more comfortable
stepping into class so you havesome, some, a little bit of
sense of what you know, whatyou're be doing or what's, what
the steps are.
But but one thing I noticed onthe Zumba website was that I, I
don't think they had all thiswhen I was learning, but say
(13:54):
they have Aqua Zumba in the pool
Devin (13:58):
I've actually done that before.
Yeah.
Lisa (13:59):
Oh, have you?
Okay.
How, what was
Devin (14:00):
well, it's interesting you know, you're basically, I
guess dancing in the water and Imean, I'm not, you know, a Zoom
instructor, but believe the ideais to, you know how do I say,
lessen the impact on the jointsand stuff,
Lisa (14:14):
Oh, right.
Devin (14:15):
know so to, and water so that your, movements are less
impactful, I guess, you know.
But then I guess you also getthe added advantage of the
resistance of water as far as,you know muscle strength.
Lisa (14:31):
Oh, true, true.
Did they use any other equipmentor was it just,
Devin (14:35):
Hmm.
I think they might have, mighthave had some, like those,
these, like these water weightkind of things, or kinda like
styrofoam, but I don't rememberwas or not.
I've only done that like, youknow.
Two or three times I think.
Cause the class they had at, atmy old the university, it was
like, you know, like six in themorning or something.
(14:56):
So I only went like two, threetimes, you know,
Lisa (14:59):
Bit early.
Devin (15:00):
cold and so yeah,
Lisa (15:01):
Yes,.
And then I was seeing they haveZumba gold for older people.
A little less intense.
And
Devin (15:09):
probably true.
Yeah.
I.
Lisa (15:10):
you haven't tried that one.
Yeah.
And then Zumba kids, they seemlike they have a bunch of
different ones for different agegroups.
Devin (15:18):
got my kids in the class, but that would be a good idea.
My kids love music because of mywife, but they love to dance and
sing.
But I have seen like some ofthose classes, like I've seen
YouTube videos like the littlekids classes and stuff, and it
looks really, really cute andfun.
So, Way to the family involved,I think too.
Lisa (15:36):
definitely.
I, yeah, I was impressed thatthey, they've kind of geared
some classes towards the kids.
Zumba step, I guess with a stepup.
Devin (15:47):
Yeah, with a little step up, know, the, the
stereotypical, I guess, youknow, aerobic dancing.
Lisa (15:54):
Yes.
Yes.
I think that was the one I, I'msure that we had a step in ours,
the one I did.
And then Zumba toning, I think,which was the toning Sticks.
Have you done that?
Devin (16:08):
No, I haven't.
I think they, the teacher I haveevery once in a while would use
like a weight or two, but know,a little dumbbell or something,
but probably similar, I'mguessing.
Lisa (16:18):
Yeah, I would imagine some of the teachers actually
probably blend a couple of thesetogether.
Cause I think we did the toningsticks too at some point.
You know, some of the classes.
And then I was seeing they have,what is it called, strong by
Zumba, high Intensity BodyWeight Training.
Devin (16:36):
I, I, I've not done the strong zoom, but my, I think my
wife has.
But that's more of like HIITtype workouts I think are
involved in that, like, whichis, if you don't not familiar
with hit like high intensity.
So it's like you'll do 20seconds.
Of like a certain, you know,strength move, let's say maybe a
pushups or something, and thenyou have like ten second rests
(16:56):
in between.
At least that's what I, I Ithink that's what that is.
I be honest, I think, like yousaid, we've combined some of
that.
Cause I do remember teacher wehave was very energetic and we
do a lot of different things, so
Lisa (17:10):
Gotcha.
Yeah, it looked like theymentioned that you could be
doing pushups, burpees.
So my favorite and lungesprobably mixed in with
Devin (17:20):
Sound does sound Mm-hmm.
Lisa (17:22):
Yeah, Yeah.
And then it looked like they hadone where you can, I said the
chair is your dance partner, soI guess you're seated with that
one.
Or maybe chair
Devin (17:34):
that's what I'm guessing.
That's probably more also forolder.
you know, older handicap or, orsome, some disabilities maybe.
Possibly, yeah.
Lisa (17:43):
Yeah, I was gonna ask kind of about that, like how
accommodating is it for somebodywho maybe has a challenge like
that, a physical challenge, or,
Devin (17:52):
Yeah that's a good question.
I think any good trainer, meanas far as Zumba would go, any
good trainer, I think in anyexercise would be able to like
modify.
Lisa (18:04):
Hmm.
Devin (18:04):
moves, to, for example, if you can't do a full squat,
then maybe, something similar ornot a full burpee.
In other words, just do thispart of it, the burpee or just
do like instead of doingpushups, you full pushups, push
up with your knees or, or pushup with like the chair or, you
know, something like that.
I would think, know, any, anygood.
(18:25):
Trainer would be able to modifythe move to, you know,
accommodate.
Lisa (18:29):
Yeah, that's a good point.
And I guess if you find thatyou're not getting that, you
can, you know, as you said, adifferent instructor.
Devin (18:36):
Yeah, exactly.
That's what I would say too.
Yeah.
If that's not working for you,then yeah, To.
But another one, there's plentyof'em out there, I'm sure.
Lisa (18:42):
Yeah, and, and I was, I was looking like kind of at the
online classes as well throughthe Zumba website.
And boy they had a lot ofdifferent teachers and a lot of
different offerings.
Like you could pick a bunch ofthese different ones if you
wanted to.
Devin (18:57):
Oh, cool.
Lisa (18:57):
Particularly, you know, focus on one of'em that seemed
like the best fit for you.
So that was, that was neat too,to see that.
(19:42):
So maybe you can tell me alittle bit about like what the
benefits of each of those havebeen for you, both physically
and in other, any other waysthat you have noticed.
Devin (19:53):
That's a great question.
As far as Zumba personally,that's, that's I think just kind
of exercise and doing something.
You know, fun, I guess you couldsay is, doing something more
than just, lifting weights.
It's kind of just something alittle more energetic, you know,
listening to some, you know, funmusic and being with a group of
people.
I think that helps.
(20:14):
Of the benefits of exercises aswell is not only do you get the,
you know, endorphins fromexercising and feeling better
and getting some, getting alittle sweat going, getting your
body moving your, your bloodpumping and stuff.
But then sharing in communitythat helps to kind of get us I
don't know all the sciencebehind it, but you know, we need
(20:36):
interaction as social creatures,so that helps you know, And, you
could, could possibly find somefriends in there.
You know, if you're willing tojust say hi, and if you keep
coming to class, I'm sure you'llget to know'em after a little
while.
So I think that would be thebenefits in that.
And then I think they also dothese big Zumba events and stuff
(20:57):
too.
I know I have seen a couple thatthey do'em, like at a big park
or something, Where you get tomeet a whole bunch of people and
stuff like that.
And I'm sure they have somekinda congress or something as
well so as far as Zumba andsalsa, that I think one, trying
something new challenge, youknow, as far as learning a new
skill, I think that's one thing.
(21:17):
It is exercise, cuz I mean it'sstill moving.
You know, it's also I think.
A cultural learning experienceas well.
Lisa (21:31):
Oh, that's a point.
Yeah, definitely.
Devin (21:33):
you can possibly learn Spanish, through through salsa
because, you know, most of thesongs are in Spanish.
Sometimes a lot of people thatin salsa speak Spanish.
I, I know some friends that havekind of done that way.
There's actually a podcast aboutlearning Spanish with salsa or
through salsa.
Lisa (21:50):
Oh, no kidding.
That That's neat.
Devin (21:51):
Yeah.
And so there, that's an extra, Iguess, benefit.
And then if you have a partner,then that's, I think a good
thing to do together, period.
Just, any, it doesn't have to besalsa, but any, any kind of
partner dance.
Cause you guys something to, towork together, I guess.
(22:12):
And or possibly meet her.
Partner or friend through thatconnection kind of thing of
just, shared experience, Ithink.
Lisa (22:23):
Do you find it like, I know a lot of people talk about
sort of stress relief and youknow, just, do you find
Devin (22:30):
yeah, for sure.
Definitely with, with Zumba, Iwould think.
Cuz that's more just fun.
Whereas sometimes with Salsa Ican probably more stressed
because of not getting themoves.
But that's just me.
But that's definitely my, mywife's outlet is, to do those
kind of things.
So she really enjoys that.
So I think, you know, a lot ofpeople, I mean, cuz you're in a,
(22:52):
it is more positive environment,right?
You get this energetic music andstuff.
So it's, it's, I think anotherbenefit too.
Like I said, stress relief.
I think a good, good point too.
Lisa (23:03):
Yeah, I think just imagining as the male in the
salsa thing, you also have tosort of worry about leading and
that always seemed challenging
Devin (23:12):
and, and, and, and typically there's, there's like
three guys and there's like 20girls.
Right.
You know, so it's you know.
Lisa (23:19):
You, you get your fill of partners.
Devin (23:21):
Exactly.
Lisa (23:23):
I was thinking I had taken a little bit of ballroom and I
remember some of the teachersthere were complaining that
people that had taken Zumbathought they knew Latin dancing
They were like, no, don't.
They don't really know.
They don't really know.
Devin (23:34):
Song
Lisa (23:35):
Yeah.
Devin (23:35):
That's.
Lisa (23:36):
Although I think there is some crossover
Devin (23:38):
do get in trouble with my wife a lot of times because of
the technique.
It's also, I got the steps downand I got the move down, but
it's like the technique, likethe way you're position your
hand or whatever, it's sloppy orsomething, you know, so yeah, so
she'll, she'll critique me onthat of course.
But you know, there is, there isan art to it as well.
So I guess that's one thing.
It's not just a science, it isan art to, know, which I would
(24:02):
say a lot of dance is kind of,Kinda more on the creative
artistic side, generallyspeaking.
So maybe that's another creativeoutlet, you know?
Lisa (24:11):
Mm.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
I know one person that doesLatin dancing, but she was just
talking about sort of all thisresearch on the brain health,
for people that are aging, thatdo dancing, know, having to
memorize the steps
Devin (24:24):
No, that's, yeah.
Lisa (24:25):
you know, master all those things you were saying.
Devin (24:29):
Actually, you just made me think of something.
My so one of our friends, shewas doing like her I think
internship or whatever with,with like physical therapy,
Lisa (24:40):
Okay.
Devin (24:41):
what she was doing with some of these patients is
teaching'em like just verysimple bachata steps
Lisa (24:46):
Oh my
Devin (24:47):
a way of getting them moving, you getting something
fun, but you know,rehabilitation as well.
So, yeah.
Lisa (24:53):
And how do you spell that?
Bachata, you said.
Devin (24:56):
Bachata.
B A C H A T A.
Lisa (25:00):
Okay.
I'll have to look that up.
sounds fun.
Devin (25:03):
I'll, I'll send you a link for maybe some, some basic
videos or something or, or movesor something for you.
Yep.
of those little I can send you.
Lisa (25:11):
That sounds great.
So how often, like just onaverage on a week, are you doing
either Zumba or Salsa?
Devin (25:20):
So, so this is me personally, almost zero at this
point.
Got, I got a four year old and atwo year old.
So we, so we don't go out as asmuch as we used to.
Scarlet pretty much just goesScarlet is my wife.
She pretty much just goes to thegym and does her Zumba on
Saturday mornings.
Herself and I'll, you know, takethe kids to the park or
(25:40):
something.
So, so me personally, right now,I'm at probably about, you know,
zero for the last, you know,while so,
Lisa (25:46):
Yeah.
Life definitely has those ebbsand flows of how much you can do
things
Devin (25:51):
now I need to into Zumba kids now, apparently.
So, yeah.
Lisa (25:55):
Yeah, that would be fun.
Yeah, I think they said let'ssee, zero to three was one, four
to six was another, and thenseven to 11.
So
Devin (26:03):
they would love it.
So now I need to into that.
So gimme, gimme something to do.
Lisa (26:08):
So you kind of mentioned this before, but any specific
advice you would give somebodywho was interested in trying
either of those?
Devin (26:18):
Well, I would say have an open mind.
Lisa (26:21):
Mm.
Devin (26:22):
Be willing to learn, be willing take, you know,
criticism and stuff.
You know, it doesn't necessarilymean it's bad criticism.
People you generally, I wouldthink, want the best for you.
So don't think it is likethey're critiquing you.
think in, you know, also beingso afraid, I guess, of, not
understanding or not doing itright.
I mean, It's your first time, noone expects you to do it
(26:43):
perfectly.
So I think just having thatbeginner's mindset, it's okay.
You know, I think the mostimportant things, just showing
up and just giving it a shot.
and if you want to buildyourself a little confidence, I
think you had a good point oflike, just look up some YouTube
videos, learn a couple basics byyourself to you feel a little
bit more confident to go out onyour own and into the group
environment.
(27:06):
Yeah.
Lisa (27:07):
That's great.
That's good advice.
Yeah, I was thinking too, I wasjust actually listening to Pat
Flynn's podcast episode todayand he was talking about how he
10 Xed his career inarchitecture by like taking on
something that he really didn'thave any idea how to do.
So I sometimes I think likethings like doing salsa or doing
(27:29):
Zumba where you really.
Don't really know what you'regetting into, can really upscale
your life a bit
Devin (27:35):
yeah, and actually, you know, just to get a little meta
on us here too.
Yeah.
This, this podcast I'm sure foryourself as well as mine.
My podcast is really kind oflike really opened.
My world for of doing somethingthat people always talk about
starting a podcast.
I mean, I'm sure all of us talkabout it, but you know, you and
I are, well, you specificallyare doing it.
(27:56):
So, you got past that firsthurdle of just like, I don't
know what to do, or, you know,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,
blah.
All those doubts and fears, andjust do it.
then you find out on that otherside of that, that barrier that
you've been.
Putting in front of yourself,you realize, man, this is great.
You know, sure it's not allpeaches and roses and stuff, but
like you realize, man, whydidn't I do this earlier?
And sometimes if you just getoutta that comfort zone for a
(28:17):
little bit, you might findsomething beautiful on the other
side.
And if you don't, oh well atleast you said you did it and
you, got out of that.
What if, you know, cuz that'sjust gonna be the regret that's
gonna haunt you the rest of yourlife.
Lisa (28:30):
Absolutely.
So I guess if somebody's feelingthe impulse to try either Zumba
or Yeah.
yeah, just do
Devin (28:37):
You won't actually die, you know?
I mean, you may feel it, but youknow,
Lisa (28:41):
Right.
Right.
Devin (28:42):
the fear that's, that's just your subconscious.
There's nothing dangerous, youknow?
So.
Lisa (28:49):
Right.
Other than feeling a littleuncomfortable,
Devin (28:52):
exactly.
It feel a little comfortable.
No one's, no one's actuallyfilming you and making fun of
you behind your back.
Like you're, you're probablybeing your own worst critic, I
promise.
Like, I get that way all thetime.
It's like, oh, I'm thinking,they're just laughing at me the
whole time.
It's like no one's even payingattention to me.
They're so concerned aboutthemselves that not even looking
at anyone else.
Like they're in the same,they're in their head too about
(29:12):
oh, am I doing this right?
Like, they're not payingattention to.
You're being selfish to thinkabout yourself, but care, you
know?
Lisa (29:18):
Well, is there anything you would like to add that we
haven't covered, or any thoughtsthat you have about the salsa
and Zumba?
Devin (29:26):
No, I, I've enjoyed it.
If, yeah, like, I think to justput a nail in that about, just
give it a shot Know, I thinkthe, the, at least you can say
you tried it.
It's kind of like telling mykids to try broccoli or
vegetables or whatever.
Like you, you can't know, youdon't like it until you try it,
know?
So just give it a shot.
You don't like it.
No big deal.
Yeah, you tried it.
You can mark it off your list.
(29:48):
You know, other than that Iguess just people wanna reach
out or know more, ask questionsor whatever, feel free, you can
message me.
I basically, I'm on, I guessInstagram is probably the
easiest way to get ahold of meSpanish speaking mentor.
On Instagram.
So I've got another, podcast andstuff, but it's not, not at all
(30:10):
related that anybody would careabout for, for this, but it's
about Yerba mate, which is SouthAmerica.
But I will have the SpanishSpeaking Mentor podcast coming
soon.
So I'm holding myselfaccountable in front of you and
your audience now.
Lisa (30:21):
awesome.
Devin (30:22):
right now they can go to that, the Instagram page and
they'll, they'll see later whenit, when it evolves.
Lisa (30:27):
Yeah, I mean, definitely share about what you're, you're
up to in terms of your otherbusiness.
I think our listeners would liketo, know a little bit about
that.
It fits into the salsa.
Spanish
Devin (30:37):
yeah, I mean, it, it's, it's not really anything to do
with dancing, I guess you couldsay, but it, it, far as culture,
and that's I feel like thebigger reach of salsa is as far
as culture and insight into, youknow, how people think,
honestly.
Because you realize like thetype of music is kind of more.
(30:58):
It's happier, it's more, youknow, that's kind of like part
of the culture, part of the, theway of thinking of, this is a
more of enjoying life whilewe're living mindset versus you
know, well we don't know whatthe future holds, but let's
enjoy it while we're here.
And that's kind of like, I guessthat mindset and it kind of
(31:18):
comes from, I guess, more of theLatin culture as well.
So
Lisa (31:23):
I love that.
Yeah.
That's neat.
So, so you said you have anYerba Mate
Devin (31:29):
yeah, called Yerba Mate which is a, basically a, a tea
from South America.
So I guess to put it in simpleterms and why that's important
is because it has all thecaffeine, like coffee without
the crash and jitters and allthe antioxidants and vitamins
like green tea and, and otherTea benefits so it's in the US
(31:54):
mostly in energy drinks,unfortunately,
Lisa (31:57):
Oh,
Devin (31:58):
contains a lot of sugar, but the traditional way is very
simple.
Well, maybe not simple becauseit usually people are a little
confused by the equipment andstuff that you use, but it's
just like loose leaf tea thatyou pour hot water in.
So that's just to make itsimple.
I teach all that kind of stuffon my other Instagram and
podcast and everything else, andwe talk about culture and
(32:19):
language and everything else aswell too, there.
So it's been very fun.
And yeah, if you ever wanna beon there, I'd be happy to have
you.
Oh, you know, if you just wannabe, just ask Well, that's, yeah,
that'd be great because you canask all the questions as, as
someone that doesn't know.
And,
Lisa (32:37):
okay.
Devin (32:38):
You know, and then.
I'm upset, I can point'em backto you for getting involved
physi physical different ways,you know,
Lisa (32:48):
Yeah, that's great.
And then just tell us a littlebit about your Spanish speaking.
Cause I think that's sointeresting as well
Devin (32:54):
so I studied Spanish in high school and middle school
and stuff.
Probably like, you know, 80% of.
Americans, I guess as far asthat goes.
I just kind of went a little bitfurther up into college.
And I didn't really learnSpanish until I went to Costa
Rica and lived with a hostfamily for four months.
So immersion is by far the wayto do it.
Thanks to the internet though,you don't have to go to a
(33:16):
Spanish speaking country to getimmersion, and that's kind of
what I teach as well.
And how to do that.
And basically, Helping peoplereach fluency that they want to
in Spanish conversation.
Kind of doing it, showing'em theway I did it, and that's kinda
why I call myself theSpanish-speaking mentor, I
guess, to help'em get there.
(33:36):
And I know that that helps builda lot of bridges.
Connecting with whole othercultures opens a whole new world
to you, not only just becauseunderstanding the lyrics to the
salsa music, but movies and justpeople that you meet.
And then when you go travel tosomewhere, now you.
Can actually understand what'sgoing on.
It just literally opens a wholenew world to you of things that
(33:57):
just weren't available to youbefore.
So that's to me, well, and it,gets me a wife.
So, that's the other I guessbenefits of, think just speaking
on the language in general ofthose kind of benefits of, you
know, connecting with a wholenew culture and people and just
(34:17):
everything that that entails.
Lisa (34:20):
Yeah.
That's so interesting.
I mean, I just am thinking aboutlike, you definitely can do
salsa and Zuma like on a, justan exercise level.
And then as you were saying,there's sort of a, can be a
community aspect of it, youknow, maybe you connect with
other, but then there's thiscultural Part of it where you
can, you can really expand yourunderstanding and appreciation
(34:41):
for salsa and all things, youknow, in that culture by like
learning the language and justexploring that part of it, which
I think is really neat.
You know, if you really wannakind of take it to the far end
of,
Devin (34:55):
Deep as you as you want to go.
Yeah.
Lisa (34:57):
That's beautiful Well thank you so much Devin.
I really appreciate you comingon and talking to us about Zumba
and salsa and just all thingsaround that.
Devin (35:07):
you, Lisa.
No, thank you so much for havingme, Lisa.
I, I really did enjoy it and Iwish you all the success and
your projects and podcasts
Lisa (35:14):
Thanks, you too.
Devin (35:16):
We look forward to, I guess, seeing you in the future
and, and sharing this with theworld.
Lisa (35:21):
Great.
Great.
And I'll have all the links for,you know, your different podcast
and your website and if peoplewanna get in touch with you in
my show notes so you can checkit out there.
Well, thank you so much again.
Okay.
Bye.
Devin (35:37):
Bye.
So welcome to the Happy Sweat Life podcast.
My name is Lisa Rung and I'mreally excited today to be
talking to Devin Wagener he isdoing Salsa and Zumba, so that's
the dance styles that we'regonna be talking about today.
So Devin, do you want tointroduce yourself and tell us a
little bit about yourself?
Devin (00:30):
Hey.
Thanks Lisa, for, for having meon it.
It's an honor.
This is, this is fun.
And thank you for, for allowingme to, Be here in this space.
As far as about me like I said,my name is Devin.
I live in Nashville area.
So famous for country music, butthat's not why I'm here.
My wife is from Argentina, sothat's kind of my, I guess, tie
(00:53):
in to Salsa and Zumba.
Tango is the more well-knowndance of Argentina.
However there's lots ofdifferent folkloric dances and
stuff, but my wife is a big fanof salsa, so that's kind of how
I got into it,
Lisa (01:10):
okay.
Devin (01:11):
by basically happy wife, happy life, so and joining with
her and, and what she enjoys.
Same with Zumba.
But it's also a, a fun way toget some exercise.
So that's, that's kind of what Iwas wanting to add value to
your, to your audience today.
Lisa (01:31):
Yeah.
Thank you.
So how would you describe Zumbaand then salsa to somebody
that's never done it or doesn'tknow anything
Devin (01:40):
For one, for one if you've never heard of Zumba,
you've probably been living ina, in a rock
Lisa (01:45):
Right.
Devin (01:46):
a cave.
But But Zumba, I would say isbasically aerobic.
Like the old maybe seventies,eighties, you know, nineties or
whatever, like step up dancevideos.
But just with more, I guessLatin rhythms essentially uh,
would be the, I guess mydefinition of it.
(02:11):
And basically just.
An instructor does certain movesand steps that are usually
easier to follow for generalaudience.
And it's mostly a kind of anaerobic exercise versus an
actual really dance, I guess youcould say.
Usually in all of the gymsacross America internationally
(02:34):
as well.
As far as Zumba.
Salsa on the other hand is.
Simple, yet very complex.
It's simple because it'sbasically, I mean, it's a Latin
dance that really only has, youknow, three steps essentially.
But you combine differentcombinations and rhythms and
(02:59):
exchanges and stuff to make itin styles even to make it, you
know, really is a mixture of.
Complex as, as salsa or saucewould be.
In other words, it can be allthese kind of different
ingredients.
So there's not to get too deepinto the weeds, but there's, you
know, like west coast stuff,there's, so, there's, there's on
(03:20):
two, which means that you go onbasically the offbeat or the
downbeat instead of the upbeaton salsa.
The, the NYC style, there's LAstyle, there's Cuban style.
Those are just a couple of thethings you know, as far as
salsa.
I would say, I learned in CostaRica when I was studying Spanish
(03:40):
down there.
First got introduced at leastinto it as far as the basic,
basic and then my wife obviouslyupgraded me by helping me learn
a lot more.
And it's a big deal all over theworld as far as there's these
whole congress.
Things of salsa.
In other words, it's like a bigconvention of people that are
(04:01):
crazy for dance and salsa andhave all these workshops and
parties and stuff.
And so it's, it's a world that Ilearned through her that I
didn't know was that big of adeal.
But yeah.
Lisa (04:13):
So, so have you gone to some of those conferences and
those events?
Devin (04:17):
Yeah.
Went to I think two in Houstonand two in Dallas.
My wife went to one in Boston.
I'm trying to think.
Went somewhere else.
As far as those congress, thoseare the, the ones I remember.
And then you know, differentlike little workshops and stuff
(04:40):
around.
We actually went um, when wewere in Europe, when we went to
a big salsa club in Antwerp,Belgium.
it's actually pretty big in,Europe, believe it or not.
Lisa (04:52):
So if you're a complete beginner, how difficult would
you say either Zumba or SALSA isto just start learning?
Devin (05:01):
Zumba, just basically go to the gym.
Um, That's offering it in yourend pretty much, you know?
That's what I would say be thelower threshold.
There's really no wrong way todo it.
It's just exercise really.
You know, so that's, I guess,some of the pressure off of
that.
Salsa, on the other hand, is apartner dance.
So you know, that can be.
Intimidating for a lot ofpeople, especially guys of the
(05:25):
guy is the leader in salsa.
So, you know, it's kind of more,you have to be more well
prepared, I guess you could say.
Also, there can be thatawkwardness of dancing with
another female as a strangeressentially.
So there's, there's kind ofthat, but a lot of places have
classes and stuff for that youknow, dance studios and things.
A lot of Latin clubs, offer.
(05:47):
You know, salsa night, and theyhave like a, come at 8:00 PM for
like, the beginner's class, thatway they can kind of prepare you
for the actual event.
So in other words, like, and,and usually bigger cities that
have, you know, more Latinpopulation they'll have salsa
night or Latin night, and thenthey'll have a 30 minute, you
know crash course, I guess youcould say, or something like
(06:10):
that.
To help those that are just newto at least get the basic, basic
for the actual event.
That's, that's usually the,another way in, I would say.
Lisa (06:22):
Mm-hmm.
Devin (06:24):
Other than that, really YouTube, everything's on YouTube
there's thing called pocketsalsa, which is well known as
far as teaching the moves it'san application.
It's on, it's on YouTube aswell.
That's I think that would be agood recommendation for seeing
some of the videos.
personally, I'm not as good asa.
(06:45):
Visual learner in that way is Ikind of more kinesthetic I have
to like do it, show me like withmy body, kind of do it.
So I mean, I guess it dependson, you know, your style too, of
how you learn sometimes, youknow you, it's, it's, I think
learning, hearing the rhythm,but once you hear it, I mean,
(07:07):
it's pretty, obvious you justhave to.
Get you're, you're accustomed toit if you're not used to, I
guess, rhythms maybe.
Lisa (07:13):
And so are you doing Zumba and salsa equally, or do you
tend to lean towards one or theother, or
Devin (07:22):
so, so I'll be honest, do salsa basically just cuz my
wife.
I, I'll be honest, it's notreally something that's like my
passion.
It's just something so if wewanna talk about like more.
What I would enjoy and also beeasier on the flip side of that
coin of kinda Latin dancesversus salsa.
There's also bachata, which islike a Dominican Republic is I
(07:47):
guess the starter origin ofthat.
It's more of a, how would I say,kinda like r and b of, of salsa.
I mean Latin music, you know.
There's a guy, prince Roycethat's famous for that and he's
kinda like the pop singer ofthat.
(08:10):
I'm blanking on so many names,but there there's more.
And then merengue, which is byfar the easiest of those Latin
cells, cuz it's literally just1, 2, 1 2 kind of walk in, in
place.
So I guess as far as those go Imean, I just go when I go to to
gym.
Yeah.
Lisa (08:26):
Oh, okay.
Oh, so it's part of your gym?
They offer the Zumba?
Devin (08:29):
Yeah, yeah.
They have, the classes.
So that's kind of, I guess, youknow, when, when we go or
whatever.
Lisa (08:35):
And when, when did you start, I mean, I know you
mentioned this also when youwere in.
Devin (08:40):
Okay.
Yeah.
What the year, let's see, lemmedo 2010, I think.
Track 1 (08:45):
Okay.
Devin (08:46):
When I first maybe got introduced to Salsa, Zumba,
Don't know there but probablysomewhere shortly after that
time, maybe
Lisa (08:57):
Okay.
Devin (08:58):
guessing something.
Lisa (08:59):
did you have a, a background in dance growing up?
Like did you do anything likethat before?
Devin (09:04):
Great point.
Yes.
And I wanna say this also wasencouragement to other husbands
as well.
if your wife is interested,learn it.
Number one number two.
No, I have no, like, I'm not,I'm not gifted in dance or
anything like that.
So that's my encouragement toyou guys.
I'm from Arkansas, so I don'thave a Latin background.
So it's not like I've got thisgift of salsa or anything.
(09:27):
I think it's just, if you,there's a will, there's a way.
If you really want, if youreally wanna learn something,
then you'll, you'll try.
Don't give up, but also realize,you know, salsa's a little bit.
Steeper curve, I guess you couldsay at beginning.
It's, it's easier if you dobasic, basic, but then you know,
it, it gets complex reallyquickly.
(09:47):
So yeah, I don't have any likespecial dance attributes or
gifts or anything.
So I think that's the, thebeauty about it, you can learn
it if you don't have to begifted in it.
And I think it's, it's good forall of us to kind of get out of
our comfort zone.
(10:08):
Do something you know, that'smaybe even challenging or
something to kind of just not bea, such a stick in the mud, I
guess you could say.
You know, do something a littlebit different.
So I guess that's myencouragement cuz even sometimes
I can get kind of like, well,you know, I'm, this isn't me or
(10:29):
whatever.
But you know, just enjoy it, Iguess nonetheless, even if
you're not good at it, you know.
Lisa (10:34):
Right, right.
Devin (10:35):
all about, you know, en enjoying what you're doing, even
if you're not good at it, right?
So,
Lisa (10:38):
it sounds like a really nice bonding thing to do with
your partner.
Devin (10:43):
Yeah, I mean that's essentially what, yeah.
I, I use it for and you, youdon't have to be married or, or
even have a partner to do itbecause can make a lot friends.
Doing that.
I mean, I know a guy, one of my,one of my good friends, he goes
to all these congresses all overthe world and everything, and he
just makes a lot of greatfriends.
You know, you don't, doesn'thave to be like, I think as us
as an Anglo culture of holdinganother female's hands that you
(11:07):
don't know or something can bevery awkward, but it's.
It's, it's just part of thedance.
And if you kind of detachyourself from this, like, oh,
this is so intimate.
It's, it's just a dance.
Like, I guess that's the other,I guess, Puritan, Anglo side of,
of Americans that makes it souncomfortable.
But you can make a lot of goodfriends that really just enjoy
it.
And that's, that's okay.
(11:28):
You don't have to thinkeverybody is like potential
couple or something, justbecause you dance with'em for
you know, 10 minutes.
But that's actually the, thebetter part about those
congress, like those kind ofquote unquote, you know,
professionals or whatever isbecause they act professional.
So in other words they behave ina professional manner.
(11:49):
It's not this whole like, oh,what are you doing later?
You know, what's your name?
You know, that kind of stuff.
It's, it's more of a thank youand you know, next, you know,
Lisa (11:57):
That's a great point.
And, and probably comforting tosome people to know that there
is that boundary there if youwant to.
Devin (12:03):
Yeah, exactly.
And you have all the right tosay no thanks.
I mean,
Lisa (12:07):
So I was looking at the Zumba website and I had taken
Zumba way back in the day.
I actually found it really hard.
Like I, I got so frustrated overtrying to follow the steps.
Devin (12:21):
And, and I've found that sometimes the teachers
themselves can make it moredifficult than it needs to
Lisa (12:25):
Yeah.
Oh, okay.
That's good to know.
Devin (12:28):
They like maybe do some move that's like complicated
versus just, you know, step twotimes to the left, step two
times to the right.
You know, they'll do some kindof, you know, whatever.
So,
Lisa (12:36):
yeah.
I think it was when they startedto add in other body moves,
other things of going with thesteps.
That was a
Devin (12:42):
Sometimes the song could be just too fast or something.
Lisa (12:44):
Yes.
Yeah.
It definitely is kind of fastpaced.
Devin (12:47):
So it's definitely, you know, I will, Say to that
extent.
That's a good point that, youknow results may vary.
Right?
as, you know, if you, there canbe sometimes a teacher for, for
example that's leading the classthat just doesn't vibe well with
you.
Maybe the songs they pick orterrible or the movements they
(13:08):
do are just too complicated orthey're just not fun.
Maybe, I don't know.
You know, so say, give it a shotat maybe another gym or another
class if possible.
I mean, you don't have to.
Also, that's another thing.
You could just look up YouTubevideo, those, those tons and
tons of YouTube videos as wellon, on different zoom
choreography.
Then you could do it the comfortyour own home.
So
Lisa (13:28):
That's true.
That's a good recommendation.
Devin (13:29):
No one, no one, know, no one there to critique you or
anything.
So,
Lisa (13:32):
Right And I think sometimes that's a good way to
learn at first, and then maybeyou feel more comfortable
stepping into class so you havesome, some, a little bit of
sense of what you know, whatyou're be doing or what's, what
the steps are.
But but one thing I noticed onthe Zumba website was that I, I
don't think they had all thiswhen I was learning, but say
(13:54):
they have Aqua Zumba in the pool
Devin (13:58):
I've actually done that before.
Yeah.
Lisa (13:59):
Oh, have you?
Okay.
How, what was
Devin (14:00):
well, it's interesting you know, you're basically, I
guess dancing in the water and Imean, I'm not, you know, a Zoom
instructor, but believe the ideais to, you know how do I say,
lessen the impact on the jointsand stuff,
Lisa (14:14):
Oh, right.
Devin (14:15):
know so to, and water so that your, movements are less
impactful, I guess, you know.
But then I guess you also getthe added advantage of the
resistance of water as far as,you know muscle strength.
Lisa (14:31):
Oh, true, true.
Did they use any other equipmentor was it just,
Devin (14:35):
Hmm.
I think they might have, mighthave had some, like those,
these, like these water weightkind of things, or kinda like
styrofoam, but I don't rememberwas or not.
I've only done that like, youknow.
Two or three times I think.
Cause the class they had at, atmy old the university, it was
like, you know, like six in themorning or something.
(14:56):
So I only went like two, threetimes, you know,
Lisa (14:59):
Bit early.
Devin (15:00):
cold and so yeah,
Lisa (15:01):
Yes,.
And then I was seeing they haveZumba gold for older people.
A little less intense.
And
Devin (15:09):
probably true.
Yeah.
I.
Lisa (15:10):
you haven't tried that one.
Yeah.
And then Zumba kids, they seemlike they have a bunch of
different ones for different agegroups.
Devin (15:18):
got my kids in the class, but that would be a good idea.
My kids love music because of mywife, but they love to dance and
sing.
But I have seen like some ofthose classes, like I've seen
YouTube videos like the littlekids classes and stuff, and it
looks really, really cute andfun.
So, Way to the family involved,I think too.
Lisa (15:36):
definitely.
I, yeah, I was impressed thatthey, they've kind of geared
some classes towards the kids.
Zumba step, I guess with a stepup.
Devin (15:47):
Yeah, with a little step up, know, the, the
stereotypical, I guess, youknow, aerobic dancing.
Lisa (15:54):
Yes.
Yes.
I think that was the one I, I'msure that we had a step in ours,
the one I did.
And then Zumba toning, I think,which was the toning Sticks.
Have you done that?
Devin (16:08):
No, I haven't.
I think they, the teacher I haveevery once in a while would use
like a weight or two, but know,a little dumbbell or something,
but probably similar, I'mguessing.
Lisa (16:18):
Yeah, I would imagine some of the teachers actually
probably blend a couple of thesetogether.
Cause I think we did the toningsticks too at some point.
You know, some of the classes.
And then I was seeing they have,what is it called, strong by
Zumba, high Intensity BodyWeight Training.
Devin (16:36):
I, I, I've not done the strong zoom, but my, I think my
wife has.
But that's more of like HIITtype workouts I think are
involved in that, like, whichis, if you don't not familiar
with hit like high intensity.
So it's like you'll do 20seconds.
Of like a certain, you know,strength move, let's say maybe a
pushups or something, and thenyou have like ten second rests
(16:56):
in between.
At least that's what I, I Ithink that's what that is.
I be honest, I think, like yousaid, we've combined some of
that.
Cause I do remember teacher wehave was very energetic and we
do a lot of different things, so
Lisa (17:10):
Gotcha.
Yeah, it looked like theymentioned that you could be
doing pushups, burpees.
So my favorite and lungesprobably mixed in with
Devin (17:20):
Sound does sound Mm-hmm.
Lisa (17:22):
Yeah, Yeah.
And then it looked like they hadone where you can, I said the
chair is your dance partner, soI guess you're seated with that
one.
Or maybe chair
Devin (17:34):
that's what I'm guessing.
That's probably more also forolder.
you know, older handicap or, orsome, some disabilities maybe.
Possibly, yeah.
Lisa (17:43):
Yeah, I was gonna ask kind of about that, like how
accommodating is it for somebodywho maybe has a challenge like
that, a physical challenge, or,
Devin (17:52):
Yeah that's a good question.
I think any good trainer, meanas far as Zumba would go, any
good trainer, I think in anyexercise would be able to like
modify.
Lisa (18:04):
Hmm.
Devin (18:04):
moves, to, for example, if you can't do a full squat,
then maybe, something similar ornot a full burpee.
In other words, just do thispart of it, the burpee or just
do like instead of doingpushups, you full pushups, push
up with your knees or, or pushup with like the chair or, you
know, something like that.
I would think, know, any, anygood.
(18:25):
Trainer would be able to modifythe move to, you know,
accommodate.
Lisa (18:29):
Yeah, that's a good point.
And I guess if you find thatyou're not getting that, you
can, you know, as you said, adifferent instructor.
Devin (18:36):
Yeah, exactly.
That's what I would say too.
Yeah.
If that's not working for you,then yeah, To.
But another one, there's plentyof'em out there, I'm sure.
Lisa (18:42):
Yeah, and, and I was, I was looking like kind of at the
online classes as well throughthe Zumba website.
And boy they had a lot ofdifferent teachers and a lot of
different offerings.
Like you could pick a bunch ofthese different ones if you
wanted to.
Devin (18:57):
Oh, cool.
Lisa (18:57):
Particularly, you know, focus on one of'em that seemed
like the best fit for you.
So that was, that was neat too,to see that.
(19:42):
So maybe you can tell me alittle bit about like what the
benefits of each of those havebeen for you, both physically
and in other, any other waysthat you have noticed.
Devin (19:53):
That's a great question.
As far as Zumba personally,that's, that's I think just kind
of exercise and doing something.
You know, fun, I guess you couldsay is, doing something more
than just, lifting weights.
It's kind of just something alittle more energetic, you know,
listening to some, you know, funmusic and being with a group of
people.
I think that helps.
(20:14):
Of the benefits of exercises aswell is not only do you get the,
you know, endorphins fromexercising and feeling better
and getting some, getting alittle sweat going, getting your
body moving your, your bloodpumping and stuff.
But then sharing in communitythat helps to kind of get us I
don't know all the sciencebehind it, but you know, we need
(20:36):
interaction as social creatures,so that helps you know, And, you
could, could possibly find somefriends in there.
You know, if you're willing tojust say hi, and if you keep
coming to class, I'm sure you'llget to know'em after a little
while.
So I think that would be thebenefits in that.
And then I think they also dothese big Zumba events and stuff
(20:57):
too.
I know I have seen a couple thatthey do'em, like at a big park
or something, Where you get tomeet a whole bunch of people and
stuff like that.
And I'm sure they have somekinda congress or something as
well so as far as Zumba andsalsa, that I think one, trying
something new challenge, youknow, as far as learning a new
skill, I think that's one thing.
(21:17):
It is exercise, cuz I mean it'sstill moving.
You know, it's also I think.
A cultural learning experienceas well.
Lisa (21:31):
Oh, that's a point.
Yeah, definitely.
Devin (21:33):
you can possibly learn Spanish, through through salsa
because, you know, most of thesongs are in Spanish.
Sometimes a lot of people thatin salsa speak Spanish.
I, I know some friends that havekind of done that way.
There's actually a podcast aboutlearning Spanish with salsa or
through salsa.
Lisa (21:50):
Oh, no kidding.
That That's neat.
Devin (21:51):
Yeah.
And so there, that's an extra, Iguess, benefit.
And then if you have a partner,then that's, I think a good
thing to do together, period.
Just, any, it doesn't have to besalsa, but any, any kind of
partner dance.
Cause you guys something to, towork together, I guess.
(22:12):
And or possibly meet her.
Partner or friend through thatconnection kind of thing of
just, shared experience, Ithink.
Lisa (22:23):
Do you find it like, I know a lot of people talk about
sort of stress relief and youknow, just, do you find
Devin (22:30):
yeah, for sure.
Definitely with, with Zumba, Iwould think.
Cuz that's more just fun.
Whereas sometimes with Salsa Ican probably more stressed
because of not getting themoves.
But that's just me.
But that's definitely my, mywife's outlet is, to do those
kind of things.
So she really enjoys that.
So I think, you know, a lot ofpeople, I mean, cuz you're in a,
(22:52):
it is more positive environment,right?
You get this energetic music andstuff.
So it's, it's, I think anotherbenefit too.
Like I said, stress relief.
I think a good, good point too.
Lisa (23:03):
Yeah, I think just imagining as the male in the
salsa thing, you also have tosort of worry about leading and
that always seemed challenging
Devin (23:12):
and, and, and, and typically there's, there's like
three guys and there's like 20girls.
Right.
You know, so it's you know.
Lisa (23:19):
You, you get your fill of partners.
Devin (23:21):
Exactly.
Lisa (23:23):
I was thinking I had taken a little bit of ballroom and I
remember some of the teachersthere were complaining that
people that had taken Zumbathought they knew Latin dancing
They were like, no, don't.
They don't really know.
They don't really know.
Devin (23:34):
Song
Lisa (23:35):
Yeah.
Devin (23:35):
That's.
Lisa (23:36):
Although I think there is some crossover
Devin (23:38):
do get in trouble with my wife a lot of times because of
the technique.
It's also, I got the steps downand I got the move down, but
it's like the technique, likethe way you're position your
hand or whatever, it's sloppy orsomething, you know, so yeah, so
she'll, she'll critique me onthat of course.
But you know, there is, there isan art to it as well.
So I guess that's one thing.
It's not just a science, it isan art to, know, which I would
(24:02):
say a lot of dance is kind of,Kinda more on the creative
artistic side, generallyspeaking.
So maybe that's another creativeoutlet, you know?
Lisa (24:11):
Mm.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
I know one person that doesLatin dancing, but she was just
talking about sort of all thisresearch on the brain health,
for people that are aging, thatdo dancing, know, having to
memorize the steps
Devin (24:24):
No, that's, yeah.
Lisa (24:25):
you know, master all those things you were saying.
Devin (24:29):
Actually, you just made me think of something.
My so one of our friends, shewas doing like her I think
internship or whatever with,with like physical therapy,
Lisa (24:40):
Okay.
Devin (24:41):
what she was doing with some of these patients is
teaching'em like just verysimple bachata steps
Lisa (24:46):
Oh my
Devin (24:47):
a way of getting them moving, you getting something
fun, but you know,rehabilitation as well.
So, yeah.
Lisa (24:53):
And how do you spell that?
Bachata, you said.
Devin (24:56):
Bachata.
B A C H A T A.
Lisa (25:00):
Okay.
I'll have to look that up.
sounds fun.
Devin (25:03):
I'll, I'll send you a link for maybe some, some basic
videos or something or, or movesor something for you.
Yep.
of those little I can send you.
Lisa (25:11):
That sounds great.
So how often, like just onaverage on a week, are you doing
either Zumba or Salsa?
Devin (25:20):
So, so this is me personally, almost zero at this
point.
Got, I got a four year old and atwo year old.
So we, so we don't go out as asmuch as we used to.
Scarlet pretty much just goesScarlet is my wife.
She pretty much just goes to thegym and does her Zumba on
Saturday mornings.
Herself and I'll, you know, takethe kids to the park or
(25:40):
something.
So, so me personally, right now,I'm at probably about, you know,
zero for the last, you know,while so,
Lisa (25:46):
Yeah.
Life definitely has those ebbsand flows of how much you can do
things
Devin (25:51):
now I need to into Zumba kids now, apparently.
So, yeah.
Lisa (25:55):
Yeah, that would be fun.
Yeah, I think they said let'ssee, zero to three was one, four
to six was another, and thenseven to 11.
So
Devin (26:03):
they would love it.
So now I need to into that.
So gimme, gimme something to do.
Lisa (26:08):
So you kind of mentioned this before, but any specific
advice you would give somebodywho was interested in trying
either of those?
Devin (26:18):
Well, I would say have an open mind.
Lisa (26:21):
Mm.
Devin (26:22):
Be willing to learn, be willing take, you know,
criticism and stuff.
You know, it doesn't necessarilymean it's bad criticism.
People you generally, I wouldthink, want the best for you.
So don't think it is likethey're critiquing you.
think in, you know, also beingso afraid, I guess, of, not
understanding or not doing itright.
I mean, It's your first time, noone expects you to do it
(26:43):
perfectly.
So I think just having thatbeginner's mindset, it's okay.
You know, I think the mostimportant things, just showing
up and just giving it a shot.
and if you want to buildyourself a little confidence, I
think you had a good point oflike, just look up some YouTube
videos, learn a couple basics byyourself to you feel a little
bit more confident to go out onyour own and into the group
environment.
(27:06):
Yeah.
Lisa (27:07):
That's great.
That's good advice.
Yeah, I was thinking too, I wasjust actually listening to Pat
Flynn's podcast episode todayand he was talking about how he
10 Xed his career inarchitecture by like taking on
something that he really didn'thave any idea how to do.
So I sometimes I think likethings like doing salsa or doing
(27:29):
Zumba where you really.
Don't really know what you'regetting into, can really upscale
your life a bit
Devin (27:35):
yeah, and actually, you know, just to get a little meta
on us here too.
Yeah.
This, this podcast I'm sure foryourself as well as mine.
My podcast is really kind oflike really opened.
My world for of doing somethingthat people always talk about
starting a podcast.
I mean, I'm sure all of us talkabout it, but you know, you and
I are, well, you specificallyare doing it.
(27:56):
So, you got past that firsthurdle of just like, I don't
know what to do, or, you know,blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,
blah.
All those doubts and fears, andjust do it.
then you find out on that otherside of that, that barrier that
you've been.
Putting in front of yourself,you realize, man, this is great.
You know, sure it's not allpeaches and roses and stuff, but
like you realize, man, whydidn't I do this earlier?
And sometimes if you just getoutta that comfort zone for a
(28:17):
little bit, you might findsomething beautiful on the other
side.
And if you don't, oh well atleast you said you did it and
you, got out of that.
What if, you know, cuz that'sjust gonna be the regret that's
gonna haunt you the rest of yourlife.
Lisa (28:30):
Absolutely.
So I guess if somebody's feelingthe impulse to try either Zumba
or Yeah.
yeah, just do
Devin (28:37):
You won't actually die, you know?
I mean, you may feel it, but youknow,
Lisa (28:41):
Right.
Right.
Devin (28:42):
the fear that's, that's just your subconscious.
There's nothing dangerous, youknow?
So.
Lisa (28:49):
Right.
Other than feeling a littleuncomfortable,
Devin (28:52):
exactly.
It feel a little comfortable.
No one's, no one's actuallyfilming you and making fun of
you behind your back.
Like you're, you're probablybeing your own worst critic, I
promise.
Like, I get that way all thetime.
It's like, oh, I'm thinking,they're just laughing at me the
whole time.
It's like no one's even payingattention to me.
They're so concerned aboutthemselves that not even looking
at anyone else.
Like they're in the same,they're in their head too about
(29:12):
oh, am I doing this right?
Like, they're not payingattention to.
You're being selfish to thinkabout yourself, but care, you
know?
Lisa (29:18):
Well, is there anything you would like to add that we
haven't covered, or any thoughtsthat you have about the salsa
and Zumba?
Devin (29:26):
No, I, I've enjoyed it.
If, yeah, like, I think to justput a nail in that about, just
give it a shot Know, I thinkthe, the, at least you can say
you tried it.
It's kind of like telling mykids to try broccoli or
vegetables or whatever.
Like you, you can't know, youdon't like it until you try it,
know?
So just give it a shot.
You don't like it.
No big deal.
Yeah, you tried it.
You can mark it off your list.
(29:48):
You know, other than that Iguess just people wanna reach
out or know more, ask questionsor whatever, feel free, you can
message me.
I basically, I'm on, I guessInstagram is probably the
easiest way to get ahold of meSpanish speaking mentor.
On Instagram.
So I've got another, podcast andstuff, but it's not, not at all
(30:10):
related that anybody would careabout for, for this, but it's
about Yerba mate, which is SouthAmerica.
But I will have the SpanishSpeaking Mentor podcast coming
soon.
So I'm holding myselfaccountable in front of you and
your audience now.
Lisa (30:21):
awesome.
Devin (30:22):
right now they can go to that, the Instagram page and
they'll, they'll see later whenit, when it evolves.
Lisa (30:27):
Yeah, I mean, definitely share about what you're, you're
up to in terms of your otherbusiness.
I think our listeners would liketo, know a little bit about
that.
It fits into the salsa.
Spanish
Devin (30:37):
yeah, I mean, it, it's, it's not really anything to do
with dancing, I guess you couldsay, but it, it, far as culture,
and that's I feel like thebigger reach of salsa is as far
as culture and insight into, youknow, how people think,
honestly.
Because you realize like thetype of music is kind of more.
(30:58):
It's happier, it's more, youknow, that's kind of like part
of the culture, part of the, theway of thinking of, this is a
more of enjoying life whilewe're living mindset versus you
know, well we don't know whatthe future holds, but let's
enjoy it while we're here.
And that's kind of like, I guessthat mindset and it kind of
(31:18):
comes from, I guess, more of theLatin culture as well.
So
Lisa (31:23):
I love that.
Yeah.
That's neat.
So, so you said you have anYerba Mate
Devin (31:29):
yeah, called Yerba Mate which is a, basically a, a tea
from South America.
So I guess to put it in simpleterms and why that's important
is because it has all thecaffeine, like coffee without
the crash and jitters and allthe antioxidants and vitamins
like green tea and, and otherTea benefits so it's in the US
(31:54):
mostly in energy drinks,unfortunately,
Lisa (31:57):
Oh,
Devin (31:58):
contains a lot of sugar, but the traditional way is very
simple.
Well, maybe not simple becauseit usually people are a little
confused by the equipment andstuff that you use, but it's
just like loose leaf tea thatyou pour hot water in.
So that's just to make itsimple.
I teach all that kind of stuffon my other Instagram and
podcast and everything else, andwe talk about culture and
(32:19):
language and everything else aswell too, there.
So it's been very fun.
And yeah, if you ever wanna beon there, I'd be happy to have
you.
Oh, you know, if you just wannabe, just ask Well, that's, yeah,
that'd be great because you canask all the questions as, as
someone that doesn't know.
And,
Lisa (32:37):
okay.
Devin (32:38):
You know, and then.
I'm upset, I can point'em backto you for getting involved
physi physical different ways,you know,
Lisa (32:48):
Yeah, that's great.
And then just tell us a littlebit about your Spanish speaking.
Cause I think that's sointeresting as well
Devin (32:54):
so I studied Spanish in high school and middle school
and stuff.
Probably like, you know, 80% of.
Americans, I guess as far asthat goes.
I just kind of went a little bitfurther up into college.
And I didn't really learnSpanish until I went to Costa
Rica and lived with a hostfamily for four months.
So immersion is by far the wayto do it.
Thanks to the internet though,you don't have to go to a
(33:16):
Spanish speaking country to getimmersion, and that's kind of
what I teach as well.
And how to do that.
And basically, Helping peoplereach fluency that they want to
in Spanish conversation.
Kind of doing it, showing'em theway I did it, and that's kinda
why I call myself theSpanish-speaking mentor, I
guess, to help'em get there.
(33:36):
And I know that that helps builda lot of bridges.
Connecting with whole othercultures opens a whole new world
to you, not only just becauseunderstanding the lyrics to the
salsa music, but movies and justpeople that you meet.
And then when you go travel tosomewhere, now you.
Can actually understand what'sgoing on.
It just literally opens a wholenew world to you of things that
(33:57):
just weren't available to youbefore.
So that's to me, well, and it,gets me a wife.
So, that's the other I guessbenefits of, think just speaking
on the language in general ofthose kind of benefits of, you
know, connecting with a wholenew culture and people and just
(34:17):
everything that that entails.
Lisa (34:20):
Yeah.
That's so interesting.
I mean, I just am thinking aboutlike, you definitely can do
salsa and Zuma like on a, justan exercise level.
And then as you were saying,there's sort of a, can be a
community aspect of it, youknow, maybe you connect with
other, but then there's thiscultural Part of it where you
can, you can really expand yourunderstanding and appreciation
(34:41):
for salsa and all things, youknow, in that culture by like
learning the language and justexploring that part of it, which
I think is really neat.
You know, if you really wannakind of take it to the far end
of,
Devin (34:55):
Deep as you as you want to go.
Yeah.
Lisa (34:57):
That's beautiful Well thank you so much Devin.
I really appreciate you comingon and talking to us about Zumba
and salsa and just all thingsaround that.
Devin (35:07):
you, Lisa.
No, thank you so much for havingme, Lisa.
I, I really did enjoy it and Iwish you all the success and
your projects and podcasts
Lisa (35:14):
Thanks, you too.
Devin (35:16):
We look forward to, I guess, seeing you in the future
and, and sharing this with theworld.
Lisa (35:21):
Great.
Great.
And I'll have all the links for,you know, your different podcast
and your website and if peoplewanna get in touch with you in
my show notes so you can checkit out there.
Well, thank you so much again.
Okay.
Bye.
Devin (35:37):
Bye.
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