Zumba question

It can vary. I've logged anywhere from low 500s to mid to high 600s. I find that my calorie burn is lower when I am learning a new routine (new instructor/class) compared to when I know most of the moves. I use a heart rate monitor to find out my calorie burn though. I got mine off ebay, it's the Polar FT4 and it was pretty reasonably priced since it isn't the latest model. It was definitely worth the investment as it takes into account, your height and weight as well as your heart rate when it calculates how many calories you burnt in the time period specified.

As for Zumba tips, I say have fun, give it a few classes and try different instructors. They say it takes a few classes before you get really comfortable with the routine, but it is worth it. I have a couple instructors who are my favourites and their classes are so much fun that it doesn't end up feeling like exercise. Each instructor is different, so if you don't like one class try another instructor.

It depends on your weight/height and how much effort you put into it. You can google "zumba calories" and find some site that can tell you calories burned depending on your weight etc.
I usually put 400 or 500.

And for tips... I don't know... Just enjoy it, it should be fun if you can't catch all moves, try to catch legs first, than arms. After 2-3 classes you'll remember it. Good luck

That sounds like a lot. I would have guessed about half that. I know because I used to do cardio and zumba didn't feel as physically demanding.

I burn on avg abt 580-600 calories per 60 min session. A few others I know burn mid to high 600s - and they have HRMs as well. It depends on the intensity of your moves and the routines. In the classes I go to, they normally show us high intensity options as well as low intensity options.

ya, zumba burns a lot of calories. i find i can go on a treadmill or elliptical for over an hour but i'm in pretty good shape after it, but with an intense zumba class, i'm dead after 60.

I would check your heart rate, if possible, between songs then average your numbers and use a heart rate into calories burned to calculate. There are several websites that you can go on to use the calculator. I compare the figure to 'high impact aerobics' to see if there's much of a difference. They're usually very close numbers (today the difference was 3 kcals). I'm doing this until i can afford a heart rate monitor. I usually burn 450-600. Can't wait till i have a polar to really know. I am using a heart rate monitor app on my phone, it works very well, just looks silly in class I'm sure, but i just go off to the side like I'm toweling/getting water for anyone considering zumba, stick with it, YOU WILL get the moves eventually i would everyday (live classes) if i could afford to.

I might start a class next week too, so I'll be following this thread!

It really depends on how much energy you put into it. Zumba is so much fun especially when the music is great. One lady wears a pedometer to the class I teach, and it usually reads about 5000 steps for one class, but those certainly aren't your average strolling-walking steps. You have to really know the moves to get the upper body into full swing. I remember from my old aerobics days (30 years ago) that if your arms are up and moving, you expend a lot more energy than if they are down by your sides hanging there.
Even so, the calorie burn is only a guess. I enter 600 for a class where I finish in a total sweat with a red face and I know my pulse has had racing intervals. And as low as 400 when I have my older group and things are slowed down a bit.

As a lot of people already mentioned, your best estimate is going to come from a heart rate monitor. If you don't have one you could try this site:
http://caloriesburnedhq.com/zumba-calories-burned
It gives an estimate based on weight, duration, and intensity, but doesn't factor in your age or height. My guess is if you're new and still learning the steps, you will want to choose "low" intensity--if you are older maybe choose a value even a little lower than that.

Maybe try out different instructors and find one that is the right fit in terms of energy & intensity for you! My favorite instructor incorporates a song with weights (for arms), some standing ab moves (and a voluntary stay late & do more abs song), a song of all squats/butt/legs, and a pretty high level of cardio... it's tough, but I love it! With zumba you can get good results if you put in a good effort. It's pretty crazy to see some of the ladies from class shrinking little by little, week by week :-) Good luck to you!

edited to add: Tips for your first class... Stand where you can see the instructors feet! Try to follow the steps first & add arms later. Most instructors are really good about giving hand signals (or verbal cues) as to the direction you'll be moving next, or hold up fingers as to how many repetitions of a step you'll be doing. It took me 2 weeks to realize that's what she was doing... I was totally the goober in the back of the class copying her hand signals. Also... wear comfy sneakers & bring water!

eh I guess my internal calorie counter is wrong then haha.

Maybe not, maybe that instructor's choreography just didn't incorporate a lot of very high intensity moves. It varies A LOT...

I am 5-4 and about 210 pounds, my hrm says anywhere from 8-900 cals, per 60 min live class. My instructor is pretty intense, there are no breaks between songs, and i only stop to down a little water and right back into it. My sister also has an hrm she is only about `140 5'6 hers says she burns between 5 and 600 a class. So it all depends on weight, and activity level. As far as advise, just don't give up, at first you may not be able to keep up, if something is challenging, just try to keep your feet moving! My instructor suggested to mainly focus on the foot moves at first. Most of our songs have a pattern of movement in them, left right left left. It will take a few classes to get the hang of it, but once you do it is an awesome way to release stress!!! I am able to go to class, forget about a horrible day and walk out of there smiling! Also drink lots of water, to stay hydrated, you will def work up a sweat once you get used to it and stay moving. But the best advise is just have fun :happy:

I burned about 375-400 calories when I was taking classes.