Zumba Lovers talk to me! bring pics if you got''em!

HorrorChix89

I'm glad that my first Zumba class (that I took today!!) was full of women with 0 corrdination like myself lol at least I could keep a beat :laugh:

But we all had fun and I burned about 215 calories in 30 minutes. So I'm definitely going back...I'm just going to claim my spot int eh very back where only the wall can see me.

tweetsmom

Southernyanke, I have absolutely no coordination either, so I choose to do Zumba in the comfort of my own home! This way I only have to worry about tripping over my own two feet without taking out some innocent bystander! I will say my dog has been in th wrong place a time or two, but he has learned to stay out of the way now! :laugh:

135momma

Love this thread! Today was my first time trying Zumba 2 on the Wii- I had never taken a class or tried it before. I did 20 minutes and burned 215 calories. It said my moves were 84% accurate. I've been doing the Shred for the past 20 days or so but I got sick of it and needed more cardio. If I hadn't already showered I'd probably do it again b/c it was so fun. I think I'll try a longer workout tomorrow.

I'm doing it on carpet so what types of shoes are best? I just did it in bare feet today.

MamaWannaRun

Now, I haven't been to Zumba in a good two years. Heck, i haven't worked out until this month for a good two years BUT I love Zumba and had once considered getting certified to teach it myself so it is HARD class for me to pass up when I'm in THAT mood. I'm not exceptionally coordinated and I mess up quite a bit, but the music is generally AWESOME and I love a class where I can shake my booty and shimmy my top.. what's not to love?

I went into class to find 10 or so women ready for class. None were exceptionally fit, a few were a little younger than me, several were older. The instructor was petite and cute, with feet no bigger than my daughter's (age 6)! As class started up, a man joined the class along with another 5 or so ladies and we spread out across the two classrooms to accommodate the group's size. I ended up smack dead in the center of the two classrooms with a wall only a few feet from my back. The instructor stood almost directly in front of me. Good! I knew I stood a much better chance of keeping up if I could simply look straight at her and follow along.

The music started and we began to warm up and move. So far, so good! Zumba!
Within the first few steps, I knew I was in for a treat. New moves, new music, nothing much I had seen before. With that realization, also came the realization that it was going to kick my *kitten*. I tried to follow along but when I messed up (and yes, I certainly messed up, I found myself not staring directly at my instructor, but looking straight into the mirror that surrounds the whole exercise room, at myself!

With that first look, I was immediately horrified. Specifically, I was humbled.
Here I was.. a 40 plus something aged women in workout clothes that MIGHT have fit 4 sizes ago. My fat was trying it's best to simply escape the tight prison I had stuffed it into just a few short hours ago. Did I get dressed in the dark?

My arms jiggled, my skin pouched up and our of my workout tank (you know the little kind with the built in bra) and my breast did their best to stay tucked inside the top but were really well on their way to losing that battle. What was just as sad? My belly muffined over my yoga pant top and did it's best to wiggle and giggle and bounce with my every move. Thank goodness the majority of my legs were covered by the yoga pants!

I guess I stayed in the class because I was already there. I did my best to follow the instructor's moves and drank water like a crazy lady in between each and every song. My face was beet red and I was sticky. I don't really sweat, not sure if that is a blessing or not, but if you saw me, you might have been tempted to call the ambulance or make me sit down, as I was downright scary. I did the lunge moves, the fancy foot move and glanced at the clock about every 10 seconds... I silently prayed I would not die and mostly just hoped to keep moving during the class without passing out.

After the 3rd song or so, I again looked at the clock, silently hoping it would be 10:40 but was stunned to find it wasn't even 10:15! Slowly, I found I could recall a lot of moves and even keep myself in the same general direction as the instructor. When she faced left, I kept pace. When she turned, I kept pace. Sure, I wasn't doing exactly what she was doing, but I was keeping a little bit of the beat and not following. BONUS I think!

Then, that nasty, judgemental part of me arrives. I'm so disgusted with myself, I need to look elsewhere.

I'm impressed by the woman immediately to my left. She's a good 10 years older than me and about the same size. She does a great job following the instructor and seems to keep up with most of the moves. She's got a great hip roll too! Lucky husband I think!

I then glance around at the other women. Some are sweating buckets. One other woman shares the red face look that I so blatantly sport. The man is pretty uncoordinated but has a look of determination on his face that is absolutely priceless. Oh, about the dude... Did I mention, he was pretty darn fit and in his 30's? He stands at the end of the room so it is hard for me to see him, but the glances I do catch, seem to me to indicate he's been in class before and he doesn't hate it, not really.

There's one woman, maybe she is my age, maybe a few years older. She's definitely a few sizes larger than most of the other women, but she's there. She's wearing jean shorts and hippy looking tank. She's wearing earrings that hand almost reach to her neck and are a good 2 inches across. Since she stands behind me, I can only imagine that the earrings almost have to hit her in the face as she does some of these moves. Doesn't that hurt? Does she care?

Then, I'm called back to my own reality as the song changes and the dance moves get really intense. She's moving left, then right, then back to the left for two counts. There's a hip roll, a hop, a toe movement with one foot and dang, it's all consuming as I simply try to keep up with what she is doing. I'm boiling hot and just hoping the end of the hour will arrive, sooner, rather than later, later... after my death.

Then, without warning, there's a new song blending in with the other. It's almost like Prodigy, hardcore, but awesome. It makes me move. It makes me want to move and the instructor, bless her, hits the end beats with a super cool, POP POP of her hips and body before going back to the hard core pump. It makes me smile and it motivates me to move deeper into myself to find that part of me that can relate to this intensity. I find it, I embrace it. I give it every last ounce of energy I can must from my out of shape, super ragged body that was so sadly shoved into an outfit 4 sizes too small just this morning. I freaking love it! Endorphins I think!

I keep my movements going in the same general direction as the instructor for the rest of the class. I make it and I welcome the cool down like a 21st birthday! The song totally sucks, but I am moving, slowly and gently. My pulse is recovering and my body is slowing down from the mass rush of endorphins but it is good. I am alive. More alive than I can last remember. I feel awesome and also like death. I can't wait to come back!

As I leave, I ask the instructor when else she teaches and thank you for the great class. She tells me she is only teaching on Thursdays and Friday afternoons. I know I can't make the Friday class but tell her I look forward to seeing her again soon! I again thank the instructor and wave at a handful of my comrades, figuring, maybe someday soon, one or two of them might make for some new friends in my new little town. i I'm already making an entry into my phone to save the date for her next class.

ProudMomoftwo

My 14yo daughter and I started doing Zumba with a friend at her house 2x/ week. We have only just started ( this week ) but we are having a lot of fun with it. We are doing the Zumba Fitness dvds.
None of us are dancers by any means but the moves are repetitive and you pick it up.
Don't worry about moving like the instructors do at first - focus on just getting the movements down and feeling the music.
All the shoulder, ab, hip action will come as you get better.
Have fun with it - it is a good workout.

CanuckTracy

absolutely LOVVVVVE Zumba! I go 3 times a week for 2 hours each time....I would go even more if I could

msmissylowe

I can't dance and am not very coordinated. Add that to the weight I need to lose, and I thought Zumba would be a nightmare. WRONG! I've gone for 2 full weeks now, and am totally hooked! Definetly go to a live class and take some friends.
Its so much fun and you burn a ton of calories.

wowooo

I done Zumba for two years and then I got pregnant and had to give it a rest. I didn't have a lot of weight to lose at the time but more importantly it was my stress reliever. It appeared as though I shrunk instead of lost weight if that makes any sense. I actually gained weight but I'm pretty sure it was muscle I bought a Zumba video, but with a five month old it can be rough getting back into it. I workout a lot on the treadmill now but it isn’t as much fun. Keep rocking on ladies! ZUUUUUMBA!!!

JulieSchilling

I have tried and tried to get into the zumba class at my gym...actually for almost a full year...the classroom size is quite small and in order to get into the 7pm class you have to be there to get a pass (they won't give them out more than 30 minutes prior to class) but everyone starts lining up in the vicinity of the place they pass them out a full hour before the class. So in essence, you must stand there for almost 60 minutes to get in the limited space. So after a year of never getting one of those lovely laminated pass cards- I finally got in to an instructor who acted like we were all zumba instructors. She just went for it without checking for anyone who was new, without pointing any help or suggestions in my direction and I spent half of the class time more than 50% behind on the steps. I walked out and cried in the locker room. I read all of these posts and I think the instructor must suck? Or am I just that pathetic? Feeling very discouraged about ever liking zumba....

Chubbyhulagirl

I have tried and tried to get into the zumba class at my gym...actually for almost a full year...the classroom size is quite small and in order to get into the 7pm class you have to be there to get a pass (they won't give them out more than 30 minutes prior to class) but everyone starts lining up in the vicinity of the place they pass them out a full hour before the class. So in essence, you must stand there for almost 60 minutes to get in the limited space. So after a year of never getting one of those lovely laminated pass cards- I finally got in to an instructor who acted like we were all zumba instructors. She just went for it without checking for anyone who was new, without pointing any help or suggestions in my direction and I spent half of the class time more than 50% behind on the steps. I walked out and cried in the locker room. I read all of these posts and I think the instructor must suck? Or am I just that pathetic? Feeling very discouraged about ever liking zumba....

What a horrible experience!! Its gotta be the instructor. Every class i go to (3x week) the instructor asks if anyone is new and breaks some moves and info down. One even teaches a high intensity move for experienced students and low intensity for new, older or injured students. Try another instructor/gym. Dont give up just yet!!!

Andrealeah32

I cannot say enough about Zumba!! I have it for Wii and the DVDs. If you are starting out, expect that the moves maybe a tad difficult to complete AT FIRST...>BUT.....you have so much fun dancing to the music, you really don't notice any coordination issues. I found that I picked it up pretty quickly.

I have combined Zumba with P90 and it's helped me lose a ton of inches (close to 30inches all over since the beginning of January!)

YOU WILL SEE RESULTS!! Especially if you are consistent. I live in a remote location so it's not possible to go to a class but I have had so much success that I can honestly say the DVDS and Wii game ROCK!!!

I haven't taken my photos yet, but I will soon

Get Zumba now

honeydoozy

I read all of these posts and I think the instructor must suck? Or am I just that pathetic? Feeling very discouraged about ever liking zumba....

That sounds awful! The instructor can definitely make or break the class. Keep looking around for a local class (community centers/park & rec, YMCA, etc.) or get the DVDs or Game. You can also find some great YouTube videos of different songs/dances and follow along with the ones that you like. Don't be discouraged!

unicorn1081

you ladies really got me looking forward to a class! i mean I think all but the lady in the remote location said go to a class. i'm definitely gonna do that! anymore Zumba lovers out there?:flowerforyou:

aprildawn81

absolutely LOVVVVVE Zumba! I go 3 times a week for 2 hours each time....I would go even more if I could

LOL! That is me!!!! Well, I go 2x a week, seriously considering upping it to 3. I had someone tell me today I was turning into a Zumba freak. I would do it every single day if I could.

sabina2012

That is the only work out I am doing! I purchased their DVDs and I sweat like crazy although you are not too tired after the work out! Definitely join if you like music and fun work outs!!!

I started zumba about 4-6 weeks ago, and lost 9 pounds so far!

unicorn1081

oh my goodness look how many awesome results! You all are really getting me excited again. I really needed that! I'm planning to make Zumba my only cardio and I'm planning to continue at the gym strength training. I know about Zumba toning but I already have the membership, i may as well put it to good use. I really want to see what Zumba cardio alone can do for me, since you all had such great results with it!

bfl2010

I've been doing Zumba for about 8 months now...during that time, I've lost about 60 lbs. But the best testimony I can give you about my Zumba results is that last week I had a consultation with a plastic surgeon about a tummy tuck. While I was talking with him he told me that along with the tummy tuck he always does some lipo of the love handle area. Then when he examined me he said that I don't have anything in that area to lipo at all!! He said that it is very rare that he has a patient who doesn't need lipo in that area and he has never had a patient who has lost as much weight as I have lost and didn't need lipo there. I really think this is entirely a result of Zumba!!

Wonderful! U inspire me!

Chrissie_R

love zumba!!

Sugar_Junkie

:laugh:

This is amazing it made my afternoon. and so very true for folks like me who lack in the cordination dept.

jplord

Just jump in with both feet and participate. I have done Zumba once. I am 54, and the only guy in the class. I was told to go up to the front so I wouldn't be watching people's rears and I was right in front of the instructor. That was a good move. Easier to follow and learn when she is right there. Also I would slow it sown 1/2 spped to get the steps sequence correct, and then bring it up to speed once I was counting the sequence in my head. It is not easy and you will struggle, but it is FUN and your will want to do it again and get better at it.

klgraham9247

I love Zumba! Started a year ago and haven't stopped. I've lost 33 lbs with it and lots of inches. It is great cardio but also helps strengthen your core! Good Luck

boomboom011

Zumba por vida!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it!

SmexAppeal

I don't have time or money for classes, so I just bought the first set of Zumba Fitness with Instructor Beto. I absolutely fell in love. It opened a door for me to explore other fitness videos. So between Zumba and Hip Hop Abs, I actually have stomach muscle! I still have some fat over it that I have to conquer, but trust me, the way you sweat your booty off, you will literally sweat your booty off. By changing my diet and doing the Zumba or Hip Hop Abs 5 times a week, I have lost 15 lbs since January 19th. I have had some cheat days in there, but overall I am super happy with my results. Good luck and enjoy

poloplayer76

i started rumba a month ago but can't seem to get the steps - how do all the other ladies kno what to do?

jplord

I suggest either buying the dvds or videos to learn at home, or do what I did and position yourself in front of the instructor. Give yourself two classes per dance as a goal to learn.

MorissaW

I lost 35 lbs last year doing zumba and dieting, in 4 months. I went to 3-4 classes a week with one of those being a 2 hour class.
I am trying to get back into it since I have gained some of that weight back by not being able to go to the classes at all. I also bought zumba for the wii and I think it is GREAT to do at home as well.

wowooo

I did Zumba for two years. I was really into it. I went and danced at concerts and everything. I didn't lose weight because I gained from all the muscle toning, I did manage to shrink and get smaller. Great workout and very adicting. I recommend working out in a class too though. The relationships and groups you form for support is awesome. I workout on my eliptical machine now because I had my son and family time is very important to me. I quit Zumba when I got pregnant last year, but like I said I do workout on they eliptical machine. You burn up to 1000 calories in one workout while doing Zumba, this is if you are really bring it! Go girl, and have fun! Don't forget to throw in your own flavor, that's what it's all about.