Zumba anyone?

Pretty much everybody feels that way about something they haven't done before. Just remember start at the back so you are close to your water when you need it and hang in there the more of it you do the better you will get.

I was worried about that at first when I started zumba (I am well over 100 pounds overweight)... but honestly I didn't notice anyone but the instructor because typical zumba gives no verbal cues.. only visual.. so you have to watch and learn from her so I figure if I am watching her then everyone else is also watching her and not me.

And I know I don't do the moves just right.. but I am keeping my heart rate up and moving and sweating so I am burning calories even if my body has a different rhythm than the rest of the class.

My favorite thing about our zumba class is that we have such a wide variety of people that attend. All shapes, sizes, ages, etc.... I never feel out of place. And although the next day I sometimes feel like I got run over by a truck, I feel so AWESOME right after class. I just love it

Have fun... and if they are watching you just give it your all and look at them with that "why are you all doing this wrong?" look

I'm not going to lie...you will feel foolish at first. Just remember, half the ladies in there (probably all of them actually) have the same insecurities. Zumba is more than a workout...it's a state of mind...it's about empowerment and feeling sexy and embracing your curves...showing them off. It doesn't take long for the foolish feeling to go away tho. It's really about learning the steps. Once you get the hang of it, it gets better. Plus it is soooo much fun!!!

You're going to love it!!! I'm a licensed Zumba instructor and everyone is scared at first. Its an amazing work out and the time flies! Bring lots of water and a towl your going to love it!

I have been doing Zumba faithfully for the last 6 months and it is FANTASTIC. I don't even feel like I am working out. I go to both classes and use my DVDs. It has made such a difference in my weight loss that almost everyone at my job is now doing it 3 x a week after work. For instance, since January 18th, I have lost 5 inches off my waist and 4 off my hips (not to mention my thighs, arms and neck). This was the first time I had actually measured myself and I was shocked!!! I have gone from a size 32 to a size 20 and still going down, so it does work. Just stick with it, at first you may be confused about the dance steps, but you will get it. You will find that it is just different variations of several dances. I have lost 97 lbs since January, most of it since using MFP and Zumba, so it really does work! Good Luck!!!

I personally enjoy the atmosphere of classes but I know a lot of people that don't.

Just keep in mind that everyone there is too busy worrying about their own workout to really judge anyone else. Zumba is super fun and it seems like the people in those classes have an even more positive attitude than others.

I love zumba!! I go twice a week and sneak in a third class whenever possible! I agree with the others, you feel awkward at first but then after a couple classes you start to know the moves a little better. Also agree with the fact that everyone is watching the instructor and not worried about how others look. It's great fun, all I can say is keep moving and have a blast!

Go for it and have some fun! as a Zumba Instructor i always welcome everyone before class starts and let them know that there are no rules to Zumba. if we're shaking to the right and you're shaking to the left, it doesn't matter as long as you are moving and having fun! i have new ppl in my classes every week of all sizes, shapes, ages, and endurance levels. we ALL had our first class. we understand how you feel coming in for the 1st time and we all try to welcome you as family. i've been teaching aerobics for 14 years and add a lot of fitness to my routines but always mention for those just starting out to pick a level they are comfy with. make modifications to what fits you best. no one watches each other, they are too busy concentrating on their workout and/or following the instructor. as instructors, our job is to educate and make it fun so you will come back again. we are all in this together! go have some fun and enjoy your zumba class!

I want to do do Zumba too it looks like so much fun, but to be honest I am petrified. LOL I am not sure I can handle it. I feel the same about yoga too, but here is the thing.

No one else's opinion matters but yours. An accomplishment is just going if you can handle 20 minutes woohoo you will do 30 the next time 40 after that and before you know it if you just keep going you will become the instructor. Loosing weight getting fit it is like everything else we do in our lives.

Finding that job is petrifying.....till we get it....then we forget.. you will with this too.. First kiss..first relationship...it is all the same...this is your first be excited...Trust yourself sweetheart....This is just one of your many shining moments....

i hope this makes you feel a little better about attending your 1st class and feeling silly. i've been doing this over 14 years and love to attend other instructors classes when i can. since every instructor has their own choreography and own style i have no idea what the routines are when i take another class. i stumble around like everyone else. i stand in the middle or back since i don't know the moves. usually the ppl in the front row are regulars and know all the moves. i feel silly at times but again, we are all there to have some fun and no one really cares how well you do. dance like no one is watching!