Zumba?

Yes, and yes. I started Zumba in August and this is the first workout I've stuck with. It can sometimes get a little boring, but that's when you just put your own little spin or "flavor" into the dance. Hope this helps!

I don't have an hrm, but I know I sweat like crazy. There is a website, you put in your info and it will tell you about how much you're burning. I've seen some posts on here saying that they use an hrm and it's pretty close, give or take a few. It's at zumbacalories.com. It will get you sweating!

I love zumba. It's the only workout I actually LIKE. I haven't tried the dvds, but I have gone to several different classes on a regular basis. I have a body bugg, so it is the most accuate calorie tracker out there. I work my butt off! And I have never burned anywhere near 1000 calories. On average I burn just under 500. Usually it is 460-490 for a one hour class. Maybe the dvds are a higher intensity..I don't know. But I just wanted to tell you what my bodybugg tells me.
I still love zumba!

Ps. That online ZUMBA calorie calculator has always lined up accurately for me when I use the "low intensity" option. Which is crazy because it sure doesn't feel low intensity to me! On the flip side, it has lined up pretty well with the "high intensity aerobic" thing here on MFP. :-)

HTH!!

zumba is for everyone! It's well worth your money and it's not just a great workout but it's so much fun!

If you have never done Zumba there are tons of videos on youtube here are some links of the videos I do and best thing about them is they are free and the choreography is pretty easy to follow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRxgHkR_Bbo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCf-unnLh6o&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UYrrx79qwM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vThDM2fdus&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfsaSHjoFUo

This instructor is my favorite she has a lot of videos and there are also many other instructors with tons of videos try them and see what you think, I was addicted after day 1:) Good luck!

I was wondering myself if the DVD, game, or classes are better? I'm scared to go to the classes and all the girls are 100 pounds. I swear I'll walk right out, lol.

Great idea. I have never thought about looking up different sessions online rather than attending a class.
I love going to the actual Zumba classes, my Zumba instructor is AWESOME! But sometimes with my hectic work schedule, it makes it a challenge.

Zumba is my addiction! I go to classes, have the videos, and have the Wii game! When you go to the classes, you will see every body type there. I have seen a wide range of ages too! Even some men attend. I felt really uncomfortable when I first went, but then I realized everyone is there for the same reason: to lose weight. Then I just didn't care anymore and you're moving so much that you don't really pay attention to your neighbor anyways. I have burned up to 690 calories and as low as 450 for an hour. It is still a lot of calories for one hour! I have a HRM to help me.

I was wondering myself if the DVD, game, or classes are better? I'm scared to go to the classes and all the girls are 100 pounds. I swear I'll walk right out, lol.

CLASSES are the best. You can't shut it off when you get tired. You are accountable to finish & give it your best effort. And the atmosphere makes it a lot more fun! You just have to find the right instructor. Also, my classes have women of all shapes, sizes, & ages, so you would NOT be alone. Most of the women in class want to lose weight, so they are not tiny! Give it a try. I'm sure you'll love it!