The movements are easy to follow dance steps which means that you do not have to know how to dance to do Zumba. Zumba is fun, different, easy, exotic, effective, sexy and is rapidly becoming the next fitness sensation!
FAQ
What is a typical Zumba class like?
Zumba is a one hour fitness class based on the principle of interval training - alternating high intensity and lower intensity exercise which works for both beginners and advanced exercisers. In Zumba, changes in intensity are driven by the different rhythms of the music and the steps - without the negative effects of high impact aerobics. We start with a warm up, then move through 8-10 routines which vary in intensity and style - merengue, salsa, reggaeton, cumbia, quebradita, calypso, even a little bellydancing and hip hop! Zumba blends traditional dance steps with basic fitness moves so everyne can participate - it's very easy to follow. We finish with standing abdominal work and then a cool down and stretch to bring the heart rate down and relax the muscles.
Prepare to sweat! Zumba will get your heart pumping and increase your endurance - you'll have more energy and burn fat. The moves will work your core (abs, back and hips) to strengthen and define them. Besides the physical benefits, Zumba is a "feel good" workout, not a dreaded chore - the music is motivating and fun, you'll leave happy! Some people have told me it reminds them of the music you hear on vacation! It's a good mental break from our busy lives - time for yourself, which we all need! Finally, check out the testimonials on www.zumba.com from people who have lost weight or overcome injuries through Zumba. Obviously, results vary by individual and depend on diet and frequency of exercise, but you may be pleasantly surprised by the scale, the mirror, by how much better your clothes fit, and by how much more energy you have!
What do I wear to Zumba?
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for exercise that allows freedom of movement and preferably fabrics that wick the moisture away from your body (e.g., coolmax or dri-fit). Most importantly, shoes should be comfortable with plenty of cushion and lateral support. You may find that running shoes or cross trainers may have too much tread to allow for side-to-side movement. Lesser-tread althletic shoes such as Puma, Nike, Adidas may be preferable. Dance sneakers such as Bloch or Capezio are an excellent choice for some people. I do not recommend bare feet or sock-feet for class due to lack of support and safety concerns! I also recommend you bring a towel and water to class.
What if I can't get the steps right away?
Don't worry, you don't have to be a professional dancer or have Latin genes to Zumba. The steps are very easy to follow and once you see the basic moves for each rhythm, which repeat often, you'll catch on. Plus in Zumba we combine these steps with basic fitness or aerobics moves so it's not complicated choreography. The routines are designed so you can get a good workout even if it is your very first Zumba class. The songs are repeated for 8-10 weeks, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to practise. Somw people worry they are "a complete klutz!" - don't worry! We tend to be our own worst critics! Everyone is so focussed on getting into the music, and following the instructor, no one will even see what you are doing! The most important thing is to just move, have fun and don't take it too seriously! Focus on the feet first, then the arms/hips, etc. and the rest will follow! I guarantee it gets easier with every class! You can always see me before or after class if you want to review a step in more detail or have questions. Remember, Zumba was created so that anyone and everyone can do it!
I have a bad back/knees/ankles/elbow, vertigo, etc. Can I still Zumba?
Please let me know if you have an injury or condition that may cause some discomfort! The steps can be modified for your safety. If you have not exercised in a long time, please see your doctor to obtain clearance to start classes. Zumba can be intense, so go at your own pace and listen to your body! Take a break when you need one! You don't have to keep up with everyone else your first class! Don't overdo it, I want you to have fun and come back!
Are all Zumba classes the same?
All Zumba classes will contain a mix (roughly 70/30) of latin and international rhythms. Most of the songs we use are recommended by the Zumba network and are chosen by Beto. However, you will find that no two Zumba instructors are exactly alike (by the way, make sure that your instructor is licensed to teach Zumba, not an impostor!) We can choose our own music for the warm ups, cool downs and occasionally throw in a different song or rhythm into the mix I will try to change a song every 7 weeks, but the steps and rhythms remain similar, so it's never boring, and not too difficult. As well, I use the suggested Zumba choreography for some of the routines and mix in my own steps as well, so it's fun and interesting both for the instructor and the class.
Can I bring my 70 year old mother and my 17 year old daughter to Zumba too?
Of course! Zumba is for everyone - I have never seen a class that is so accommodating to all ages, sizes, shapes and abilities! I've had three generations from one family in my class at the same time!
Are all Zumba classes the same?
Yes and no. All Zumba classes follow a general structure of mostly latin dancing and a specific formula for choreography but as far as the routines and moves, that will vary depending on the instructor. Also depending on the instructor's background, the Zumba class might have more aerobic moves vs. dance moves, and vice versa. I am a dance aficionado, so you'll find the classes I teach will be very dance inspired. When it comes to anything in life, find an instructor and a class you vibe with.
How many calories will I burn during a Zumba class?
It is very difficult to estimate the number of calories burned during a Zumba Class, because it depends on you, your body type, your body composition, the intensity, and the range of motion that you use with each workout. For example in one Zumba class, one participant could burn 500 calories, while another participant burns 1000 calories. We recommend monitoring how you feel and compare it to other activities that you do that have "calories burned" associated with it and then estimate accordingly.
How is Zumba different from other dance or aerobic classes?
Zumba involves dance and aerobic elements. Unlike a typical dance class where counts are used, Zumba is all about following the music with repetitive movements. You never have to worry about keeping counts in your head. Zumba however is not entirely 'dance' since cardio moves like squats, lunges, and such are incorporated to provide a full body workout.
How long is a class?
A Zumba class is 60 minutes long that includes a warm up, high and low intensity routines, followed by a cool down. Unlike most workouts, you won't be staring at the clock praying for the class to be over. You'll have such a good time, this class will fly by.
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