Why is Zumba so popular?

MrsH2132012

It's the trendy cardio class of the moment.

Early 90's - Step aerobics
Late 90's - Kick boxing/Tae Bo
2000's - Spinning
2010's - Zumba
2020 - ??? no classes because we'll all be running from real zombies.

ETA - bootcamp, also popular mid 2000''s

THIS! lol
I'd love to see
2020 Lifting Heavy - because it DOES NOT make you bulky :bigsmile:

Legs_McGee

My friends and I tried it when they first started it at my gym a few years ago. I thought it was a lot of fun; I love dancing and the instructor was great - very energetic. I certainly wouldn't want it to be my sole form of exercise, but it was good for loosening up my hips and back. Then the good instructor left and was replaced by a lame one and the class was boring.

momswanson

I go to Zumba at least once a week to break up my work out schedule. I am not a fan, but Zumba Nation has taken over the gym, and it is the only cardio class offered. I agree, it is very instructor specific. There is one instructor that I really like, but her class conflicts with a strength training class that I like, so I am relegated to the class on Saturday with an instructor who stands at the front with her back to the class and admires herself in the mirror the entire class, and the majority of her moves consist of shaking her behind and her chest. I stay at the back and move any way I can. I am not particularly coordinated, and absolutely hated my first class. I described my effort as looking like I was waving down a passing plane or attempting to stomp out a campfire! I have gotten a little better. I figure that I can burn between 400 - 500 calories and it gives my knees a rest from runnning!

k8blujay2

I love Zumba. But right now I'm focusing on strength training. I'm hoping that I will be able to get some time to go to some of the evening classes. But I will have to see.

And I agree, it is very much instructor based. So if you go, don't judge it based on that one instructor. I have been to Zumbathons where instructors totally kicked my *kitten*... but then the instructor that I would typically go to I would have to bring the intensity (but to be fair, most of her students in those classes I went to were Zumba Gold ladies).

jeremyw1977

I've tried two different Zumba classes, and I too don't get what the fuss is about.
Both times I tried it, sure I broke out in a sweat..........that isn't too hard for me. On the other hand, I just didn't feel like I worked out..........no tiredness, no accelerated breathing or heart rate.

Aside from following the coreographed moves, I just didn't feel like much effort is required. The funny part is that they are have a "Zumba Certification" to teach that class.

DiamondRidge

I love Zumba - its fun and its a good workout. I have danced most of my life and I adore Latin music, so its kind of a natural fit for me. I was very nervous about the class before I went to my first one, because I was afraid of being the fat out of shape one in the class.... yeah, not so much. It was a blast! Just for the record, I do not use it as my only form of exercise. I'm working out with a trainer 3x a week doing strength training, cardio on my own at least another 2x per week, and then some form of something to entertain me 1x per week with a rest day to wrap it up.

I think of it this way - I'm burning a hell of a lot more calories "playing Zumba" as I put it, than is my fiance who spends that hour on the couch.

VpinkLotus

It's really fun, the music is fun and it obliterates cals. That's why I love it

VpinkLotus

If you didn't find it a strenuous workout than you need a different instructor I think

PunkyRachel

the same reason Tae Bo was popular in the 90's. it's just the current exercise fad. Which I do zumba myself, and love it!

mwitt07

I guess it's the newest trend in exercise but in all honesty it really is a fun class. I do have to say that the class I attend it really no more than high impact aerobics with some Zumba moves thrown in. It is not at all like the DVD's that I have and use at home but it is still a lot of fun and a great work out. I burn over 600 calories during our class and that's according to my Polar HRM. So it's a fun workout with lots of other women to encourage and laugh with. It's just a good time!

born2drum

Doesn't look like it does anything for you other than a bit of cardio. What do I know, I don't waste my time dancing that crap. I'd rather shuffle. Burns way more calories than ZUMBA!!!!

junejadesky

BECAUSE IT'S A DANCE PARTAY..............

SailorKnightWing

It's like being a straight girl going to a gay nightclub. You get to dance maniacally without creepy people trying to hit on you or rub up against you the whole time.

That being said, I went to one Zumba class and the teacher had no rhythm and she hated every minute of being there. It was a negative experience, but I'm not willing to write off the concept.

junejadesky

It's the trendy cardio class of the moment.

Early 90's - Step aerobics
Late 90's - Kick boxing/Tae Bo
2000's - Spinning
2010's - Zumba
2020 - ??? no classes because we'll all be running from real zombies.

ETA - bootcamp, also popular mid 2000''s

You forgot the 1980's: Jazzercise baby!!!

Calliope610

It's the trendy cardio class of the moment.

Early 90's - Step aerobics
Late 90's - Kick boxing/Tae Bo
2000's - Spinning
2010's - Zumba
2020 - ??? no classes because we'll all be running from real zombies.

ETA - bootcamp, also popular mid 2000''s

You forgot the 1980's: Jazzercise baby!!!

Don't forget Prancercise!

hot2def

Because it is SO much fun!! It's like a party! Although, you should check out more than one instructor. Not all instructors are created equal as not all parties are fun. Then class I attend has disco lights, bright colors, and awesome up-to-date music. We always have lots of fun. Am going to start taking my 8 year old daughter with me because she loves to dance!

junejadesky

It's the trendy cardio class of the moment.

Early 90's - Step aerobics
Late 90's - Kick boxing/Tae Bo
2000's - Spinning
2010's - Zumba
2020 - ??? no classes because we'll all be running from real zombies.

ETA - bootcamp, also popular mid 2000''s

You forgot the 1980's: Jazzercise baby!!!

Don't forget Prancercise!

OH MY!! How could I have forgotten! Boy we did some weird things in the 80's

caramelgyrlk

Where I go to the gym, I kept hearing about this Zumba class and finally I tried. The instructor was built like a female body builder and told us if we were conservative prudes, her class was NOT for you, as we are here to shake, dance and get dirty. The warm up had me out of breath and I was hooked on her Zumba class because she was really good. When she left, the attendance was so bad the class was cancelled. We have a new instructor who does not come close to the last one. I think its a fun class if you want to burn a few calories, learn how to gyrate and work your hips.

Kasmira0004

the same reason Tae Bo was popular in the 90's. it's just the current exercise fad. Which I do zumba myself, and love it!

I still do Tae Bo! hahaha

I love zumba, but don't go to any classes. I do it at home and it's great because my kids get involved too. I'm sure I look ridiculous but I think it's a fun work out.

JamieG8991

I LOVE ZUMBA!!! I love it because I love to dance and I'm getting an awesome workout at the same time. After an hour I am sweating like crazy!! I feel great!! I am addicted!!!

MercuryBlue

It burns a lot of calories, and it's fun (for some people), so they don't really feel like they're working out. At least, that's what I've heard. I don't enjoy it all that much, personally- but I think it's because I feel like a complete idiot while doing it, even when I'm alone. I have all the coordination of a blind bull wearing Jimmy Choos.

PepperWorm

I found it fun to do when in a group setting. Alone, I just felt really dumb spazzing out in my living room.

*shrug*

KRB28

I'm another Zumba lover! It's the only workout that I thoroughly enjoy. Yes the time does fly when I do a class and I sweat like crazy! I actually look forward to doing it and I can definitely start to see the changes in body from doing Zumba on a regular basis. Plus I love dancing and music. Some people might find it boring but I find running/walking on a treadmill boring. Definitely not for everyone but if your looking for something upbeat and to just let lose, Zumba is a good pick

Emmy360

ZZZZZUUUUUMMMMBBBBAAAAAA!!!
Love the calories it burns [major] in a short time.
It's fun
Can do it indoors on a rainy day.
Uses different muscles to walking =]
Always Changing It UP :flowerforyou:

Hazel0096

I am a terrible dancer. Down right HORRIBLE!!

A couple months ago I thought I would give Zumba a try and I found myself smiling and thinking how much I was enjoying myself during my class. I have been going 3 times a week since then. I love it!

I am still a terrible dancer but I am learning the dance moves and I don't feel like I am being spazzy at all. I feel like I get a great work out, get to listen to some really fun music and get out to meet some new people.

I will continue to go for sure, still really love it! I can honestly say this is the first time I've found an activity that I really WANT to do instead of telling myself that I have to do.

Lyadeia

I tried it once because the cardio kickboxing instructor had to work late on his other job and the Zumba instructor filled in his time slot at the gym.

It was fun, but most of the time I was trying not to fall down.

I guess some people just would rather not run, do kickboxing, do the step mill, etc...and some people just really like dancing.

corrsfan

I LOVE Zumba because it is by far the most fun workout I have ever done. I use DVDs at home, not a class at the gym and that definitely works better for me. I would probably be self conscious in a class. Zumba keeps my heart rate up there but because I'm having fun it doesn't feel that strenuous. This is the only workout which makes me spontaneously smile (I love Tae Bo, 30 Day Shred, etc. but you will not catch me smiling during those workouts).

Ivey05131980

I find that it's a completely different atmosphere than other group fitness classes. The class I go to, there are disco lights going, loud music that just makes you want to move and the actual Zumba moves are easy to learn and fun to do. I don't think there is anything "special" or "unique" about it that makes it better than any other aerobic interval class though. It's just a fun way to exercise for an hour.

THIS!!!

NRSPAM

For those who say they tried it once and didn't like it because they lack coordination, you have to try it a few times to learn the routines. Anyone can do it, you don't have to be able to dance. It burns a ton of calories!!! 500-1,000/hour, depending on your weight and how hard you push yourself. I love to dance, so naturally I love it! I tried hip hop abs, and didn't really like it, I thought it was boring, although it was nice looking at Sean T. . Zumba is fun! It's much more exciting than the treadmill/elliptical. Also, instructors make up their own routines, so if you didn't like one class, you might like someone elses. I try to keep my routines pretty simple, since I live in Alabama, not too many dancers out here. One reason I like it, is because since it's latin music, it's not the same songs you hear on the radio 100 times/day, so the songs are new and different., although we do use music that you'd hear on the radio too. I've been doing it for 2 years, and eventually became an instructor. I've lost 60lb's thanks to Zumba. I love, love, love it!!!

NRSPAM

I also want to add, that I have been very overweight since I was a little kid. Thanks to Zumba, I am now at a healthy weight. It's the only exercise that I can really stick to, because I love it so much. :happy: