Signed up for first zumba class - what should I expect?

SolidGoaled

I start soon.... what should I expect? I have experience with Turbofire and step aerobics back in the day. It is a one hour class - should I assume it is advanced, since it is so long? Thanks for your advice in advance.

edenjoy3

i think it depends on the instructor on how advanced it is...I do three diff zumba classes at my gym and all three instructors are very different in style and difficulty...have fun you'll do fine ..just keep moving

SolidGoaled

Bumping:

I guess what I am wondering, is what other zumba fans (or even non fans) experienced their first time - what surprised you? Was it as fun as you thought it would be? Did you feel "worked out" enough, or did you find yourself having to hop on the treadmill later to get more of a sweat on? Were there any clothing requirements or upgrades you invested in to improve your Zumba experience? Thanks for reading!

xsmilexforxmex

My first time I had trouble keeping up... the moves are fast paced and can be a bit complicated to luck up fast but that depends on your instructor... each one has their own style.. my gym has 4 and I only go to one's class because she does more moving and less foot work that I'm bad at.. but I should mention I'm picky and do this same thing with yoga... zumba is a great work out to me but if you're finding it too easy you can always move more.. like jump a little into steps and move your arms more enthusiastically..

xsmilexforxmex

Also I should mention that depending on how you move and your instructor, you can easily burn more than 700 calories in a 60 minute class..

SolidGoaled

AnnieUS - have you confirmed your 700 cal burn with a heart rate monitor? Just curious. I will be wearing mine to class, thats for sure - I am really looking forward to some good calorie burns!

iamvillanueva

I think a 1 hour class is the norm. I always say, you have to have a sense of humor to enjoy Zumba. You just have to have fun and not take yourself too seriously. My instructor will make us do crazy stripper moves sometimes that look absolutely ridiculous because there is just nothing sexy about a sweaty chubby girl, but it's a lot of fun. Like others said, it's all about the instructor. I only take from one instructor at my gym and if she has a sub, I won't even bother staying. After you try out the class, you can ask the other members about the any other instructors and how their difficulty levels compare.

iamvillanueva

My instructor has told me that her hrm shows a burn of 600-700 calories. Of course, she is also yelling out choreography.

maryjay51

the last zumba instructor i had was when i was on a trip to oklahoma and i joined a gym there for two weeks during my stay.. the zumba instructor was mad crazy lol ..in a fun way of course..she informed us that zumba is all about jigglin' and if you werent jigglin', you werent doing zumba.. what a riot she was !

oddree80

Expect a really fun time! A word of advise....do not be shy and move to the back because you are nervous about getting the moves right away. Everyone is so busy trying to keep up no one will be watching you. Go to the front so that you can see the instructor it made it a lot easier for me. Also I was told to not worry so much about the arm motions at first. Really get the movement with your feet and add the arms when you have the step down. I think that was the best advise that I got before I went. Just remember let loose and have FUN!! let us know how is goes after your first class!



Audrey Louise

cantobean

My first zumba class: I was confused, felt really uncoordinated, started to doubt that this was for me, and then....looked around and saw that everyone was just as confused and uncoordinated as I was!!!

My best advice would be to stick with it, not worry about getting all the moves down on the first try or how silly you probably looked shaking your hips or doing that pelvic thrust or body roll. Everyone looks silly and feels uncoordinated, and once you get over that, you'll realize that you actually had an awesome time!

I took a beginner class (actually, a year later, I am still taking the beginner class because I love the teacher and it is fun and laid back) and it is an hour long. I love that my class has old people, young people, women, a couple men, fit people, overweight people, and everyone in between!

I did drop in on one class with an awful instructor, and the experience was terrible. As long as you have someone fun and sweet who knows what they're doing, you'll have a good time!

SolidGoaled

In other classes I've attended (step aerobics) the instructor would always do the same routine for a 3-5 classes before switching it up - that way, you had a chance to get the hang of it and really get a good workout in a few times once you caught on. Is Zumba done the same way? What did you all experience with your instructors?

Thanks for all the advice so far.

lalalee13

Yes there are several "standard" moves that are used in various routines. We usually do them for several weeks- introducing a new song every few weeks. We also have a zumba 101 class- the instructor takes time in between each song to teach the steps. You will definitely not need to get on the treadmill following a zumba class! Like many have said- just keep moving! A lot of times they will show up how to tailor the steps to be high or low impact. Have fun!