Hey guys, thanks for checking out the site. This is a little informaiton resource for anyone who is new or thinking about taking the Zumba class. I will give a general overview of what Zumba is and what you ought to expect. Check it out and come and visit my class.
Zumba Fitness - What to Expect in the Class
What is Zumba Dance?
So what is Zumba? Zumba is a dance aerobics class that is a mixture of dance moves and fitness exercise. This class was inspired by red hot Latin music and dance moves. You will find a variety of dance styles in the Zumba class from Merengue, Mambo, Cumbia, Salsa and Hip Hop. The music in the class can be very fast or slow. The tempo is set at a pace where it will help to firm up and tone the body. During the Zumba class, you should expect to burn anywhere from 700 to 1000 calories. The amount you burn really depends on how much your push yourself.
What Should You Wear to Zumba?
When it comes to clothing, you can essentially wear any type of workout clothes. You can wear anything that you are comfortable in, from shorts, sweats, tank tops and tshirts. When it comes to the Zumba shoes, well you can wear sneakers or anything that will support your feet. You should stay away from running shoes as they are no suitable for the class. If you are thinking of going to buy some shoes, then you should tell the person that you are specifically looking for sneakers that are for a dance aerobics/fitness class.
When it Comes to Zumba Shoes, What to Wear?
For all of you who are thinking of wearing running sneakers to the class, DON’T, simply because you could injure yourself. The right sneakers would be the ones that you use in cheerleading, dance or studio. You can also wear cross-trainers, just as long they do not have thick soles under the bottom. A word of advice, if the sole of the shoes look like tractors, then stay away from them.
What should you expect when doing Zumba?
When you are doing Zumba, you should be aware that it is not like your typical dance aerobic class. The class is pretty basic and the instructor will lead the class by doing simple movements, which will be combination of dance moves and fitness exercise. You will be having tons of fun. The music that you will be dancing to, is rhythmic and invigorating. As I mentioned above, you will be used in a variety of Latin dance waltz, as well as different fitness moves to get yourself in shape. You will be moving your hips a lot, as well as your booty. We always state that safety is our #1 the concern. If you happen to have any back or knee problems, you should keep your moves very basic. You can also ask your instructor to give you alternative moves if you find the moves that you were going to intense.
The class is structured by starting with a warm-up. As the class continues, you will find that there will be intervals of faster and slower tempos. Once the class is about to finish, you will have a cooldown and stretching period. Because Zumba is a cardio workout, you'll find that some instructors will have step routines, as well as adding hand weights. The Zumba is very intense and as such, you need to make sure that you bring some water, as you will be sweating a lot.
What Happens if I Cannot Dance?
There are tons of people in the class who cannot dance. You just have to be patient and do not get frustrated. Zumba dance uses tons of steps that are repetitive. Once you do a couple of classes, you will have a good feel for the basic steps. While doing the class, all you have to do is feel the music. It is fun and even if you cannot dance to save your life, once the music takes over, you will be doing it perfectly. Remember, there is no perfect way to do Zumba.
What happens if I am out of shape and can't keep up?
The most important thing is to know your body. A lot of people who take the class, are not aware of the limits. If you are unsure, you should check a doctor before taking this class, as it can be a bit intense. To enjoy this class, it's a good idea to work altered your own pace, until you are absolutely comfortable with this particular routine. Just take it easy from the beginning and after a couple of days, you will definitely see some improvement. Your stamina will increase and this is all part of your step towards a better and healthier lifestyle.
What Type of People Take Zumba classes?
You will find people of all ages and weight levels doing Zumba. Anyone who wants to get fit will be there.
Is There a Benefit to Zumba?
There is definitely a health benefit to doing Zumba. Depending on how much you put out, you will find yourself burning about 350-1000 calories in 1 hour. In doing this class, you will be able to tone your muscles and also build up your cardio strength. It is a great stress reliever and it is an excellent way to stimulate your brain. Once you do one of these classes, then you will instantly become a big Zumba fan.
Can I take more than one class a week?
Absolutely! If you want a great cardio workout, Zumba is it. It is a good idea to do cardio workout at least four times for the week. It doesn't have to be Zumba, it could be walking on the treadmill, biking, running or any other type of cardio workout that will have some benefit to you. The reason why most people to Zumba, is because it is fun and there is nothing better than what you love to have fun.
Can I Take One Class to See If I Like It?
If you ever come to Zumba class, you will find that most instructors will encourage you to try out their class at least once. You can definitely get a feel to see if this is perfect cardio class for you.