Zumba?

I LOVE ZUMBA! I used to stick to the backwall, but now I'm always in the front row! I would find a place that has a bigger class as opposed to one thats smaller. I went to a class where I was the ONLY person along with the trainer... awkward! In a bigger crowd, I feel that I blend in. There's such a diverse group of people, that no one really stands out. Biggest, smallest, oldest, youngest...... no one notices!

I have never taken an actual Zumba class at the gym, but a while back I was talked into doing the videos with some of the girls I work with (who had been doing them for quite a while already). When I started out I felt extremely akward and self conscious the whole time. After a few workouts I realized we were all there to have fun and get ourselves in better/healthier shape and no one was paying much attention to who moved better or had more rhythym. I've been doing it for a few months now and while yes, I still feel akward (even have the occasional tangling of the feet) and know I look silly during certain steps, I have an absolute blast doing it (all while burning mad calories). So I say fo for it and give it a try! You never know, it may become a cardio workout you look forward to doing!!

:happy: Good luck!!

I started 6 weeks ago and have been going 4-5 times a week. I love it. I stay in the back row and the leader of a couple of my classes jokes about it. I concentrate on making sure I "move" through the whole thing and its gets easier as you keep going. I was very very sore for a week or so but am no longer. Be careful with your knees... I had to give up running a few years ago and my knees did hurt one week. I think I had not been careful with them. Now, I wear knee braces and I think wearing them actually helps me remember to be very careful in some of the "twisting, turning" moves. Its a lot of fun!

Yeh like the girls said if you enjoy the class its great. I am probably one of the bigger in my class because its all full of skinney minneys - but the class is an intense workout and you're concentrating too long to be looking at anyone else.

Right instructor, right class you will love it regardless. and realisitically who cares - your there to excercise and enjoy yourself just think of all the people your size who wouldn't get off their bum to go!!

Just throw yourself into it - i was crazy self conscious at the start I have no rhythm and i don't even know my left from my right but its so much fun and my fitness has gone way up. Wouldn't miss that class at all now!!

Good luck

It occurred to me the other day that being self concious in zumba is of no use. Everyone else is so busy thinking about how they look and how they are moving that they are too busy to worry about what you are doing. Get out and dance!

I do Zumba four days a week and have two awesome instructors. I started at 277 and am now down to 249 since Thanksgiving. Zumba is awesome because you can go at your own fitness level. As long as you are moving, no matter how, you are doing it right. I live in Texas and 24 Hour fitness offers Zumba and childcare. Try it, you won't be sorry.

It occurred to me the other day that being self concious in zumba is of no use. Everyone else is so busy thinking about how they look and how they are moving that they are too busy to worry about what you are doing. Get out and dance!

I do Zumba four days a week and have two awesome instructors. I started at 277 and am now down to 249 since Thanksgiving. Zumba is awesome because you can go at your own fitness level. As long as you are moving, no matter how, you are doing it right. I live in Texas and 24 Hour fitness offers Zumba and childcare. Try it, you won't be sorry.

Congrats on your awesome loss!

Im 220 plus as well and no one cares, my friend dragged me in and i felt foolish, but I let go and had a wonderful time! cant wait for my next class

Try it !!!! I was very heavy at my first Zumba class not to mention my 2 left feet. I loved it. I stayed in the back of the class and just tried to follow the moves as best i could and when i couldnt keep up i just kept moving at my own pace and own moves lol. I realized that no one was looking at me as everyone else is just trying to keep up. Every person there started as a beginner.

I have been going 1-2 times a week for the last 7 months and i am now in the front row of the class. I'm not perfect and i certainly dont look as good as the instructor doing the moves but, i FEEL good doing it. Once you learn the moves it gets much easier. Believe me i am not one to do anything where people can notice me...im very self concious like that. But, thru zumba i have gained confidence!

The MOST important thing is that you are enjoying yourself! I also think that having the right instructor makes a difference. Where i go we have 4 diff instructors and i have taken all of their classes and i find there is one i just prefer to stick with now. Some are too fast or move to quickly around etc...just find one you like.

I love Zumba and Im did it at almost 200 lbs its so much fin and no one cares what you look like dong it just go out and have fun with it dance girl dance :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :laugh:

Chiming in...I'm 215 right now and LOVE doing Zumba!! I'm a big girl AND I'm super uncoordinated but I just keep going. It's the best workout that I've found yet.
Bring water, a towel, and just try to work through the side cramps. After a couple times, you'll get the hang of it and you'll love it!!

I stay in the back still because I have very little coordination. I noticed the other day that the girls with some extra weight actually look a little better doing zumba in my opinion. I just look like a stiff mess but I still try. Usually I notice the other people because I am trying to figure out how to do the moves. Some people make it look easier than others. I love my local YMCA because they have child watch and they have fun classes with a range of people in them. There are people younger, older, bigger, and smaller than me. I kinda like all the variety.

I love zumba and there is no back row where I go - the instructor is in the middle and we're all around the outside. I am shy, stay in the back everywhere, won't go to a gym because I don't want to be seen but with zumba - I'm the one who works out hardest besides the instructor, who gets "noticed" and complimented. I THRIVE at this like I haven't at anything visible! I haven't been there for three months because of overtime at work and wow, I'm back to "flabby" & feeling yucky. HOPING to get back on Wednesday and can't wait! Just go and enjoy yourself, concentrate on your own workout and who cares who sees!