Calling all uncoordinated, rhythm-less fitness pals!

distinctlybeautiful
distinctlybeautiful Posts: 1,041 Member
edited November 23 in Fitness and Exercise
Have you ever tried Zumba or any other dance-like exercise class? How did you like it?

I've been thinking about trying one, but I'm not exaggerating when I say that I have absolutely no rhythm. I went to a pilates class and had trouble with the warm-up! Marching to the music? Ok. Add in the arms, and I was getting mixed up!

I guess I'd just like to know if anyone like me has had success in these types of classes.

Replies

  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I am a total choreography klutz. I can' imagine trying zumba (in public). Recently, I bought a zumba game for Wii it's the kids version (I think I can, I think I can!). Haven't tried I yet.

    Anyway, DVDs (for grownups) that will be right up your alley - Leslie Sansone Just Walk or Jessica Smith Walk On. They have videos on YouTube also so you can test drive a couple.

    "Walking" workouts are actually low impact aerobics with zero choreography.

    www.jessicasmithtv.com/videos/walking-workouts/

    www.youtube.com/user/walkathomemedia

    Maybe Zumba on Youtube can get you started.
  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    Have you ever tried Zumba or any other dance-like exercise class? How did you like it?

    I've been thinking about trying one, but I'm not exaggerating when I say that I have absolutely no rhythm. I went to a pilates class and had trouble with the warm-up! Marching to the music? Ok. Add in the arms, and I was getting mixed up!

    I guess I'd just like to know if anyone like me has had success in these types of classes.

    You have to keep going back, I know because I am a total clutz. I don't know my right from my left and the danged mirrors really confused me. But the more I went the better I got. Then I started taking spin classes which needs no coordination whatsoever and I never looked back :)
  • VegasFit
    VegasFit Posts: 1,232 Member
    I refuse to try Zumba. Lol. I hear that a lot of the classes are non verbal cueing and I don't have rythym to save my life! That being said I love group classes but they are athetic based like step but not the dancy step classes they seem to offer now. I did do well back in the day when I did Jazzercise because that was count based.

    If you decide to go just remember most people are too worried about themselves to notice you. Good luck!
  • boogiewookie
    boogiewookie Posts: 206 Member
    I tried zumba one....once! it was terrible lol. I was a hot mess! even by the end of the class I wasnt able to get the moves we had been doing the entire time! I like the suggestion of trying a dvd first
  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
    I can't move my body to music, so I run. That rhythm I get.
  • LisaAnn642015
    LisaAnn642015 Posts: 91 Member
    I haven't tried zumba in classes but I have a couple of zumba dvds and they are a lot of fun but admit some are very fast paced and you sweat your butt off lol! So I would say go for it! Have fun try it I think you'll be pleasantly surprised! :0)
  • SimpleGirlNoche
    SimpleGirlNoche Posts: 39 Member
    I kinda have rhythm but I'm quite uncoordinated and can't follow a routine (no matter how easy it is) to save my life. My advice would be to skip Zumba and just try freestyle dancing so you can still feel like you're having fun without worrying about steps
  • Bonny132
    Bonny132 Posts: 3,617 Member
    I tried Zumba, luckily at the back of the class, with my two left feet I seriously struggled, and for the first 5 weeks I hardly broke a sweat as I could not follow the class so I gave up, but hey I did try! Now I go to the gym, much better :)
  • SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage
    SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage Posts: 2,668 Member
    I'm a total klutz. I tried Zumba at the request of a friend - signed up for 6 weeks. It was the worst 6 weeks of my life. There were mirrors. I'm still in counselling to get over the trauma.
    Don't do it.
  • Bonny132
    Bonny132 Posts: 3,617 Member
    I'm a total klutz. I tried Zumba at the request of a friend - signed up for 6 weeks. It was the worst 6 weeks of my life. There were mirrors. I'm still in counselling to get over the trauma.
    Don't do it.

    This!
  • SimpleGirlNoche
    SimpleGirlNoche Posts: 39 Member
    I'm a total klutz. I tried Zumba at the request of a friend - signed up for 6 weeks. It was the worst 6 weeks of my life. There were mirrors. I'm still in counselling to get over the trauma.
    Don't do it.

    What was worse, the mirrors or the advanced steps that are disguised as "beginner" steps?...haha :D
  • ka97
    ka97 Posts: 1,984 Member
    Complete and total uncoordinated Klutz. Tried a zumba class - made myself go at least three times to give it a fair shot - hated it!!! Tried a choreographed kickboxing type class - didn't hate it and gradually got the idea.

    Spin class is great - no rhythm or skill or coordination required. I don't like to ride outside much though.
    Running and swimming are also great.
    I keep it simple - works better for me.
  • ki4eld
    ki4eld Posts: 1,213 Member
    *stumbles into thread*

    Yeah me. I love to dance, but it needs to be a set routine that I can memorize. This "we'll try this, then change up to this" is guaranteed to land me in the ER. So, I stick to walking and yoga (slow changes) and the occasional booty shaking in the house, usually so I can keep the dog and cat properly terrified of getting in my way.
  • distinctlybeautiful
    distinctlybeautiful Posts: 1,041 Member
    Hmm.. I feel just as torn as before.. Thanks for your replies though!

    I think I better try a video first because even the beginner videos I looked at on YouTube (before I asked this question) looked super hard. I sure do want to break this no-rhythm curse..
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    No coordination, don't know my left from my right, can't carry a tune.

    Love Zumba!

    Why? I feel so accomplished when I can coordinate. It is a new mind challenge.

    My first few classes were horrendous, I kept bumping into people, but every one was nice about it. I had to have a sit down I was so exhausted, no one minded. When I turned up for the 2nd set of 8 classes, I was greeted by a bunch of supportive friends. 3rd set of classes start mid September and I am already signed up.

    I surprisingly love the social aspect of going to a class.

    I find it a continual struggle, as I have never had to follow impromptu dance instruction, but at the same time I much prefer it over the repetition of running, walking, or any of the cardio machines at the gym (barring the rowing machine).

    As with all other exercises, good form/posture enhances the benefits.

    There, a positive review for you.

    Cheers, h.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    It is a matter of practice. The more you do it, the better you become. You might never look like a professional, but you will get better. And honestly, Zumba is about having fun. If you ever try a class, half of the people there, if not more are either completely out of shape or have zero coordination, no big deal.
  • juliebowling1
    juliebowling1 Posts: 36 Member
    I'm just the same. No natural coordination or grace. But I've found that my quest to actually have fun with exercise this go round trumps my embarrassment factor. I intentionally sought out a line dancing class, a Latin dance class and a body vive class that all challenge my awkward self to find to the beat and kick I the right direction. The great thing is, at least when I go, the room is filled with other dorks just like me. Of all ages, ethnicities it is and body types. It's turned from potentially embarrassing to a joyful experience. I figure I might as well enjoy and be able to laugh at myself. And boy do I sweat like a piggy! That's the best kind of work out. I say go for it!!
  • ka97
    ka97 Posts: 1,984 Member
    Hmm.. I feel just as torn as before.. Thanks for your replies though!

    I think I better try a video first because even the beginner videos I looked at on YouTube (before I asked this question) looked super hard. I sure do want to break this no-rhythm curse..

    What's to be torn about? If it's something that interests you, try it. If you discover you like it, stick with it. Coordinated/uncoordinated doesn't matter. The important thing is to find something that you enjoy and want to keep doing. And if you discover you hate it, no big deal just try something else.
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