Should I attempt a Zumba class?

PattyRain

Another tip: if the routine seems too complicated, just drop the arms and focus on getting the foot work first. Once you got the footwork or the steps down, then you can incorporate the arms movements.

I agree. And don't be afraid to modify. It was interesting to hear the different modifications everyone was doing in class that I never would have caught on my own. One woman didn't raise her arms above her head because it made her dizzy. I don't turn on my left leg because of a bum ankle. Another woman never jumps.

Just have fun. Zumba is the only exercise I have ever been disappointed about missing because the class was cancelled. I have been frustrated when I couldn't exercise, but missing zumba disappointed me.

childofArtemis24

yes, take the class. I have been going for 7 months now , and I am addicted to it. The women in my class have dropped so much weight, it is unreal. My mom alone has dropped 30 pounds in less than two months. So yesss take this class.

maews

Don't have any worries,i have been going to zumba classes for many weeks now and love it.Most don't care what you wear or about your size,their all there for the same reason.I'm probably the oldest in my class and i don't mind a bit.Just go and let go and enjoy it..it's a lot of fun.There should be other zumba classes in your area that you can check into and where ever you feel the most comfortable,go and have a good time.

Anastasia60

the most fun I ever had!! was a bit nervous as well. I just started myself, did the second class last night and already felt more comfortable with the moves!

dogacreek

Definitely GO! My gym started a class and I talked a girlfriend into going with me. We figured since it was a new class, that would be the best time to join and it was! I was over 200 pounds when I started and have lost another 40 pounds since. It has been a real lifesaver for me. The gym grew boring, but not zumba. :happy:

jen7eleven

Thank you all for the encouragement!!

Update: I DID IT! and it was soooooo much fun! :laugh:

Everyone's advice here was spot on. There were a lot of people who had never taken a class before so that made me feel less nervous. And we were all laughing and cheering in between songs while trying to catch a breath, sip some water, and wipe some sweat.

I'm so glad I went for it and I hope this thread helps anyone else who is wary like I was!

dogacreek

I'm so glad you went - this will be the beginning of a new love! It is hard to call it exercise when you are having so much fun.

kaej925

A zumba gold class was going right before my class the other night. From what I saw, Zumba Gold is Zumba just toned down a bit. I believe it was originally designed for the "older" crowd, but may people have found that it is a great way to start. It is more low impact. That being said, I jumped right into a regular class and just do what I can do. The leader may be hopping and I just march if I am too tired.

ladytinkerbell99

I was so terrified of starting because I'm chubby. But I started Zumba and love it. I stand near the back to prevent those who are better than me from having me bump into them. The point isn't necessarily to do all the moves all the time. The point is to keep moving in class and do the best you can. Enjoy!

^ Thank you for this advice. I have wanted to try but I have so many problems with dance classes. Thank you.

kcoftx

Thank you all for the encouragement!!

Update: I DID IT! and it was soooooo much fun! :laugh:

Everyone's advice here was spot on. There were a lot of people who had never taken a class before so that made me feel less nervous. And we were all laughing and cheering in between songs while trying to catch a breath, sip some water, and wipe some sweat.

I'm so glad I went for it and I hope this thread helps anyone else who is wary like I was!

It is amazing how so many people can be in the same room, make a lot of mistakes, laugh about it and call it fun but it truly is! Everyone has their own beat, modifications and style. Just move and have fun! I'm so glad you went too! Way to go stepping out of your comfort zone. I bet this becomes your new addiction. I do other exercise for different purposes but this is my FUN class. It is just a bonus that it burns so many calories!

Haha about the breaks to sip water and wipe sweat! So true!

jenny95662

Does your center offer Aqua Zumba? That's how I started. My next step will be Zumba Gold and then regular Zumba. It's great fun!

my gym just started this what is it exactly.

krm0789

I swore I'd never do Zumba. I don't dance - ever - & the videos were a total disaster for me. I just couldn't get the moves.

Then a friend dragged me to a class & I am in love! I continued to be a disaster the first few classes, & every time I have a new instructor or they do new routines, but it's so much fun. If I start to feel discouraged, I look at everyone else in the mirror, realize I'm not the only one looking like a fool, and carry on. It's such a good workout!

cowgirlup327

I LOVE my Zumba class. It is seriously my favorite night of the week. I was also shy about going, but I take another class at my gym right before Zumba, and most of the other people go to Zumba right after so they encouraged me to come. Best choice ever! It is so fun. If you know anyone else at your gym, going with a partner would make it a little better. But if you don't know anyone, I'd say stand toward the center of the group so that you can see plenty of others doing the dance moves, but you're also kind of tucked away. At my gym, the entire gymnasium (basketball court) is open and full of people. The instructor for my class dances at the front and side, and during different dances will zig-zag through the group. Don't be shy about taking a break to get some water whenever you need it. My class has every shape, size and age of participant. Go for it!!!

lacroyx

The gym I go to is [finally] offering Zumba in their class line-up. I'm veeerrry shy and easily embarrassed when it comes to things like this, which is why as much as I wanted to try zumba I just kept putting it off.

If I do go, does anyone have advice for a newbie? :blushing:

I think I'm just very self-conscious about being chubby and lacking overall coordination aka looking like a fool.

guy here. 6'3, 300+ lb. 1 of 2 men in a class full of women. I stick out. do I look like I fool? probably but I am too busy trying to keep up and not fall on my face to worry or care.

teenytinii

yes you should go!

i dont go to zumba but my gym has a cardio kickboxing. i never wanted to go because i was too scared to look like an idiot not knowing the moves and all. well i def look like an idiot, as do most of us jumping around but the thing is - no one is watching you but you! go and have fun!!

squishycow7

yes, go go go!

I love it. and I never even really liked dancing of any sort, or at least didn't have the confidence to do so.

my only advice is DONT be discouraged if the first few classes you look like a fish outta water. you'll get it eventually, and NO ONE is judging you as much as you're judging yourself. they've all got their eyes glued on the instructor as much as you do.

in fact, the only people I even pay attention to in class are the people who look AWESOME doing it, so don't worry about! have fun!

TinkrBelz

I teach Zumba, so this is what I say to all of my new girls.

You will feel stupid and will be lost. BUT, we all were our first few classes. Then, as you get familiar with the moves , you will start to feel more comfortable. You will dance YOUR way, so do not compare yourself to anyone else.

I have A LOT of very large women in my class. They are awesome and look great dancing! I love seeing all ages and sizes in my class. It makes me happy that they come to my class to have fun and get into shape.

Go there and have fun and just know, we have ALL been the new girl and know how awkward it is at first....so just relax and enjoy!!

andreanicole686

GO FOR IT! It's fun and everyone is a bit awkward at first anyway!

EmmieLou8181

Hi Jen

I bought Zumba for my Wii and it gives you a great workout and no one has to see. If I were you though, I would hold your head high and give it a go as people will think a lot of you for having a try!

Good luck.

Em

Smuterella

i love zumba, must get back into it once i've finished C25K. It is, quite simply, an hour of high intensity silly dancing (or at least that is how my instructor describes it).

KyleB65

GO FOR IT!

I know how hard it is to be the "big" person in a class and I know how hard it is when you feel like the only person in the class who cannot keep up or who cannot seem to "get" the movements!

If you can find it in yourself to push past this, you will find that pretty much everyone in the class is self conscious and everyone who puts the effort in during the class will be sweaty I tired by the end!

And, if you dig down deep and call upon the most dogged determination you can find. It will not take long before you get the routine and master it!

Best of luck & more important - enjoy!

fashionista954

Zumba is seriously the most fun cardio class I have ever come across. No one in the class is going to be watching you because they'll be focused on themselves, but I also wouldn't recommend going to the front of the class. Just try it! You'll have a blast if the instructor is good. The music is awesome and the atmosphere is so energetic. Plus it's really fun to watch yourself shake it and my mom swears by it for her weight loss.

^ This!!

Zumba is an awesome workout class. In the beginning I was a bit nervous also, but then realized that everyone is just there having a good time while burning some major calories at the same time. I'm starting to go to Zumba classes on fridays after work and I lreally ook foward to it. I also learn new moves that I can use when I go out dancing

RunHardBeStrong

I was so terrified of starting because I'm chubby. But I started Zumba and love it. I stand near the back to prevent those who are better than me from having me bump into them. The point isn't necessarily to do all the moves all the time. The point is to keep moving in class and do the best you can. Enjoy!

This! Go for it, you won't regret it! Don't worry about messing up here and there...I've been doing it for 4 years and still mess up at times but no one ever notices because they are focused on themselves!

rmwinters

You will do awesome! I have a feeling you'll love it too (and not be so willing to work out alone)! Have fun!

Ladyzumba

Zumba instructor here...I say yes yes yes! Try it and I'm sure you will be hooked.
I suggest going to the front of the class so that you can see the instructor's moves.
Remember to have fun and commit to several classes. It only gets easier after the
First class.

mishkat

I have been scared to try it. I have talked to people who love it and also to people who hated it. I am very self conscious and I also fear for my knees. They have been bothering for a while now and I dont know how much impact they will take from a zumba class.

Is it considered a high impact workout? Is there a way to not hurt my joints too much while enjoying zumba?

Smuterella

It isn't high impact, you don't leap about, it is just dancing, lots of hip swinging type stuff.

ZumbaGypsy

Absolutely! It is invigorating for mind, body and spirit!

ZumbaGypsy

Zumba is exhilerating! If you haven't taken a live class, I highly recommend it! It is wonderful for the soul as well as the body! I wish I found Zumba four years ago when I first quit smoking; maybe I wouldn't have gained the 40 (yikes) pounds that I have gained since then. I did lose twenty when I first started Zumba classes about a year and half ago, but they have slowly crept their way back I am right now on a kick start the diet again and going to 4 Zumba classes a week, instead of 3! With a great instructor and motivating class, Zumba brings a smile to your face and an extremely high calorie burn!

Posts by members, moderators and admins should not be considered medical


"Dance like no one is watching"

Carol.

kcoftx

The Zumba classes I go to could potentially be hard on your knees, and in my case, my feet BUT people modify those moves constantly. I keep the jumping to a minimum. If I can do the same move without it, I do. It is also important to know the proper form for squats.