Ways to make Zumba more challenging?
nielym
Posts: 4
Hi there! So I've been doing zumba 4-5 times a week for about a month now, and I absolutely love it. It's the one workout which never seems to get boring, and of course my body has transformed a bit since last month.
There's just one issue... Obviously, as with any other cardio workout, the more you do it, the easier it gets. I had a 4-day Zumba hiatus and none of the workouts I've done since have given me the same satisfaction... even the toning DVDs don't seem to be as challenging as they once were, and I'm using 3-pound weights instead of the suggested 1-pound weights. I'm not sure if my body needed rest and that's why I find the workouts so easy, or if there's another reason behind it, but the challenge is pretty much gone!
Do you have any tips to make the workouts more challenging? I would hate to stop doing Zumba just because I can't feel the burn!
There's just one issue... Obviously, as with any other cardio workout, the more you do it, the easier it gets. I had a 4-day Zumba hiatus and none of the workouts I've done since have given me the same satisfaction... even the toning DVDs don't seem to be as challenging as they once were, and I'm using 3-pound weights instead of the suggested 1-pound weights. I'm not sure if my body needed rest and that's why I find the workouts so easy, or if there's another reason behind it, but the challenge is pretty much gone!
Do you have any tips to make the workouts more challenging? I would hate to stop doing Zumba just because I can't feel the burn!
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Replies
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bump so I can see some ideas too0
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Three pounds is not a lot of weight. Your body is already used to that amount. If you want to build muscle, lift heavy weights and do things l like dumbbell curls, lunges with weights, squats with weights, deadlifts, chest presses, one arm dumbbell rows.
If you really like Zumba, do it one a week and do other more challenging cardio exercises for the rest of the time. Try jogging, the rowing machine - or even try another type of exercise class if you like that kind of a set up.
Bottom line - You are making progress, which is why Zumba and 3 lbs weights don't work any more. That's a good thing. Lift heavy, move harder and faster.0 -
somebody on my friends list does zumba on their toes for a better workout, she seems to like it but i've never tried!
maybe you should try a different class if you are not getting as much out of it as you used to. I started with zumba but had to move onto more 'difficult' classes as i got fitter. x0 -
I love zumba too but I have come to the realization that it's not going to get any harder. I simply stopped doing it so much..... I've realized it's not going to make my body change anymore since I'm too use to it.... I started trying other classes, I enjoy body pump, spin class and step. Perhaps you would like some of those as well... I might do zumba on rare occasion (if I had a hard workout the day before) but I would just hate to waste my time doing something that is not getting me anywhere.... it sucks but it's what I have to do if I want to change my body. "If it's not challenging you, it's not going to change you".0
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Different instructors pace their classes differently so definitely try a different instructor. Also you could ask the instructor for ways to up the challenge. I know dropping deeper into the moves to add a squat component helps, also maybe ask about using Toning sticks in the regular class also. I'm just getting started with Zumba so I haven't reached that point yet. I did try a kickboxing class and it certainly worked different muscles than my Zumba class.0
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By walking past the class and going to the rack to do heavy squats instead?0
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^^ WHAT HE SAID!!!0
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I am actually using DVDs at home, which is part of my problem! I may start going to the gym, but trust me, the last thing I need is a bigger lower body, which heavy square unfortunately have often led me to!
But thanks for your tips, I will try to change up my workouts from now on.0 -
I love Zumba® and will likely never quit no matter what. I say move harder and more intense. If you are doing videos and not a class that's the problem. U need another video. If you have a good instructor they tend to automatically change up songs and routines so if it is a class it's never the same and your body should never get used to it. Also if even still u are not feeling challenged then do Zumba® wearing ankle weights or something or do Zumba® as your easy workout day...and incorporate other workouts as the others suggested
ETA I have done the vidoes the game and the classes with various instructors let me tell you...the class>game>the videos ...the video is basically nothing compared to the class the game is almost as good as going to class...0 -
Yea, so something else...zumba is glorified dancing, its barely a workout0
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Have you tried ankle weights and wrist weights?0
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You def need to try a different instructor. I have one that I am in love with for sure. He kicks my butt every time and always has new routines. I have been doing it consistantly for 4 months and I am always dripping sweat when I leave the class. I would for sure shop around to a new instructor if possible.
**saw you did the Dvd's.. (My poor brain) I would try an instructor. More hardcore for sure!
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I guess I need to take a Zumba class if others think it's too easy... I bought Wii Zumba Fitness 2 and honestly can't even keep up with the beginner songs because the character on the screen moves so quickly and there isn't a lot of warning as to what moves are coming next (just a shadow of the movement in a PIP screen).0
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Yea, so something else...zumba is glorified dancing, its barely a workout
Dare ya to actually take a Zumba class and do all the moves as fast as the instructor says and with good form, then you can diss it if you still think its not exercise. It isn't strength training, no, but I certainly burn more than I ever did on the elliptical or the treadmill.
Also, I took a kickboxing class intead last night, and let me tell you compared to Zumba it was way less cardio, I did get a good workout, but Zumba definitely burns more calories.0 -
Yea, so something else...zumba is glorified dancing, its barely a workout
I'm interested to see if you have ever tried this "glorified dancing" or if you just make quick judgements without the proof to back it up?0 -
You're probably familiar enough with the moves in the video to kick things up a notch. Make your steps a lot bigger. Turn steps into leaps. Really, jump every chance you get. Turn your six-step into a pivot turn. Since you're doing this at home, you don't have to worry about running into people - just figure out what moves you can sub in for what the instructor is doing that will cause you to move your body more.
I've also found that the Zumba classes at my gym are a LOT more difficult than the standard workout videos. My instructor increases the music speed and uses a lot of jumps and direction changes in her choreography. Trying a class might help you a lot.0 -
Do it with one leg.0
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Zumba is more than glorified dancing, I used to burn 1000 calories in one hour, come out dripping with sweat. Each move is supposed to be done a certain way and if your doing it in the right form you will feel it. If you have a good instructor, like some others said, they will change up the routines so that you are not constantly doing the same movements. The workouts on DVD are not as challenging as a class.0
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I used to wear a weight belt in dance rehearsals. It helped me get more out of my conditioning, as well as making it more difficult for my partner to lift me - building strength.
Really though...I would just keep doing zumba because it's fun, and find another way to burn those cals and challenge your body. It's important to change your routine every so often or your results will stall.0 -
Definitely try to get to a class. My instructor is awesome, she is constantly changing things up and she does a lot of fitness moves.0
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Find an aqua Zumba class in your area. It's gotta be more difficult in the water!!0
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Yea, so something else...zumba is glorified dancing, its barely a workout
PS: Dancing is HARD.
Case and "pointe": Buff ballerinas
Misty Copeland0 -
GO TO A LIVE CLASS! And find an instructor who challenges and motivates you! Some Zumba instructors have a very dancy-style while others teach a very fitness oriented class.
Do not go above 3 lbs with the toning sticks due to the added stress on your rotator cuff. The 'resistance' from Zumba toning comes from your opposing muscle group, not the actual weight. Remeber to keep you entire arm engaged and 'squeeezzzeee' as the instructors always say.
Feel free to shoot any additional questions via PM. I'm a certified Group Fitness Instructor and I hold licenses in Zumba and Zumba Toning 0 -
I'm assuming that you're not going to the class but you're doing the DVD routine. I say put aside the DVD and go to a class. I'm sure there will be a major difference when you're moving across the floor keeping up with the instructor. My instructor is the greatest and changes it up on us so it's always a challenge and new.0
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By walking past the class and going to the rack to do heavy squats instead?
^^^LMBO, this was funny! But I love the Heavy Squats and my Zumba class!0 -
By walking past the class and going to the rack to do heavy squats instead?
Don't assume that people who do cardio don't do heavy strength training as well.0 -
Zumba may well be glorified dancing....but hey I would be happy if I had a dancers body...
That aside...I have lost consistently since I started on this site...at least one pound every 6 days and my main exercise is Zumba....Yes it gets easier but I just work harder, jump higher etc.....Love it!!0 -
Do it on one leg0
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You can add some weights like the ones you put around your ankles or wrists or even some 2 or 4 lb dumb bells for some of the moves0
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Yea, so something else...zumba is glorified dancing, its barely a workout
PS: Dancing is HARD.
Case and "pointe": Buff ballerinas
Misty Copeland
My daughter's Dance School idols her, she is amazing to watch!0
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