Zumba

BeautifulMe322
BeautifulMe322 Posts: 110 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey all! I have heard awesome things about Zumba. I am pretty overweight and extremely uncoordinated. Is Zumba an all ages/all shapes and sizes type workout or will I be stuggling to follow along and keep up? I just don't want to pay the money to do it and then not be able to have the full benefits of the class. Thanks for any insight you can provide!
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Replies

  • kwilkins1989
    kwilkins1989 Posts: 4
    I love to dance and, unfortunately, my gym does not offer Zumba. I received the Zumba videos as a Christmas gift and I love them. If you are uncoordinated, I would recommend purchasing these videos instead of going to a class only because the videos offer a tutorial called "Zumba Basics" where they break down each move so it is easy to follow. As far as I have understood, the classes are quite fast-paced and can be difficult to follow, but if you choose to attend a class just keep moving and you will still get a fantastic workout!
  • corrinf1979
    corrinf1979 Posts: 1
    Hi I'm also overweight and very uncordinated and have done Zumba classes, most people are that busy watching what there doing and there mistakes that noone notices what anyone else is doing. Try to get a friend to go with you you'll have a great time
  • irisheyez718
    irisheyez718 Posts: 677 Member
    See if you can find a Zumba Gold class. It's not as fast paced, but you still get a great workout and its lots of fun! They have it at my local YMCA. Good luck!
  • blankcanvas
    blankcanvas Posts: 177
    Try the Zumba for Wii...tracks your calories burned etc! Just do the short classes or one dance at a time each day or few days to build up..I threw my back out doing too much too fast:( but it's awesome!
  • stephlou90
    stephlou90 Posts: 1
    It is absolutely brilliant!
    I bought it for xbox kinect (because i daren't go to a class!) but it is so much fun, and high energy so you burn so many calories just doing an hour.
    Good luck, keep it up! :D
  • sunshinel397
    sunshinel397 Posts: 206 Member
    I love Zumba. I am pretty overweight, and not in great shape, and can't always keep up, but I find I get a really decent burn as long as I move. My class is full of people of various sizes and abilities and my instructor mainly focuses on having fun. I do the zumba toning which incorporates weighted maracas and regular dance zumba. Most places will let you try a class free so you should see if one in your area offers it. I highly suggest it and can't say enough good things about it!
  • XXXMinnieXXX
    XXXMinnieXXX Posts: 3,459 Member
    I have wii Zumba and its ace! Great way to start off and when you know the basics you can start a class. I may not do the moves perfect but I get a wicked calorie burn. Can't recommend it enough! X
  • TomsGirl86
    TomsGirl86 Posts: 26
    I also love the zumba wii :)

    If you go to some classes, like anything else, it'll probably take a couple of classes to completely get into the swing of things, but if you just throw yourself into it and don't worry about anyone else, you'll get it soon enough.

    If you're someone that feels a bit self conscious, i'd start out with some home dvds or the wii game until you feel a little braver.

    I don't think you'll be wasting your money though. A lot of places let you pay per class...if you don't enjoy it you can try something else, but as the saying goes, nothing ventured nothing gained xx
  • shelley234
    shelley234 Posts: 150 Member
    Hi i love zumba it is such a great and fun way to get moving. Im not that great with coordinated, but the instructor i have is great she breaks down the moves and does them for a couple of weeks before doing another set so u get used to them.

    Give it a go u will enjoy it, especially if u like a boogy.
  • CanuckTracy
    CanuckTracy Posts: 245 Member
    I love to dance and, unfortunately, my gym does not offer Zumba. I received the Zumba videos as a Christmas gift and I love them. If you are uncoordinated, I would recommend purchasing these videos instead of going to a class only because the videos offer a tutorial called "Zumba Basics" where they break down each move so it is easy to follow. As far as I have understood, the classes are quite fast-paced and can be difficult to follow, but if you choose to attend a class just keep moving and you will still get a fantastic workout!
  • katismiles
    katismiles Posts: 96 Member
    I've only been to one class but so far, I love it! They're sooo much fun, I'm going to another class at 2 today
  • CanuckTracy
    CanuckTracy Posts: 245 Member
    oops,,,exactly what kwilkins1989 said.. I attend the classes regularly but still miss some of the moves...as long as you are moving in the class...it is such a fun atmosphere..every age, size and ability you can imagine..you miss the move-you just laugh and catch up..it is an awesome calorie burn..my hair is literally soaked after every class..and I'm not alone :)
  • LadyZNW
    LadyZNW Posts: 48 Member
    Zumba is great for all ages and all sizes. i am extremely overwieight myself I have been to classes as well as owning the games
  • Lona728
    Lona728 Posts: 105
    I got the Zumba game for the Kinect on Xbox and I love it! You can start with the beginner's 20 minute class and that is what I have been doing. I have also done a couple of the classes at the local gym and people are so busy doing the moves themselves that no one will notice you. Do what you feel comfortable with.
  • Sparren
    Sparren Posts: 106
    I would recommend dragging a friend along with you to a class - they are great fun! Don't worry about being unco-ordinated, as someone else said - everyone is too busy doing their thang to worry about looking at the new girl! Talk to the instructor beforehand if you can, that way he/she might be able to show you a few moves, and what they mean when they are cueing. (I don't have a headset, so rely on non-verbal cueing to indicate whats happening next). It might take a couple of classes to get the hang of it, but most people who come back after that initial class are hooked!

    If you can stand up and you can hear music then you can do Zumba! My classes are fulled with mainly older/middle aged ladies of all shapes and sizes (my eldest is 62 and needs knee replacement surgery), and they just do what they can do, and they've learned to just keep moving if they can't quite manage to do exactly what I'm doing!

    Have fun!
  • FirewifeCarrie
    FirewifeCarrie Posts: 118
    You can get Zumba workouts on YouTube for free! I've done some of the actual Zumba workouts..but they aren't as fun as the one's I've found on YouTube. You can only find 2-4 minute ones but you can put them all together on a list and play them all at one time. You can find them with the latest songs to and they are so much fun! This is how I Zumba and I wouldn't waste money on a video (no offense) but if I can get it for free...why not!? :)
  • FluttershySweetie
    FluttershySweetie Posts: 216 Member
    Zumba is awsome! It is for all ages, sizes and variations of coodination. I as well started Zumba heavier and i have no coordination, stick with it and then you'll eventually fall into the groove! I strongly consider giving it a try. Most places your first time is free and you can pay per class as well!
    good luck!
  • daryls
    daryls Posts: 260
    I tried Zumba a few times but didn't think I got the same intense cardio workout as spinning or circuit training.

    I'm uncoordinated and that may be why I didn't feel the same burn. But, to each his own. And yes, there are people of different shapes, sizes, backgrounds, etc.!
  • jessibee
    jessibee Posts: 9
    Absolutely try a Zumba class!! A lot of gyms will let you try a class for free before signing up for anything. If you just keep moving even if you aren't quite getting the steps that's ok. If you continue going you will learn the steps in no time and it's such a fun and high calorie burning workout. Zumba is the only thing I can truly stick with in terms of a consistent workout and I have it for kinect, DVDs, and have done classes. When I move soon I'm going back to gym that offers all zumba classes for$15 a month. For me classes are more motivating then doing the DVDs or kinect but those are still fun! Try it and I bet you will love it!
  • ShalisaClam
    ShalisaClam Posts: 190
    Just got Zumba for Wii this weekend...I have two left feet, and two left hands!! lol It was fun and can't wait to do it again tomorrow! I am extremely overweight as well.... but I think it's going t be a good one for building up endurance. Good luck.
  • tatertotfishstick
    tatertotfishstick Posts: 91 Member
    I am overweight and just started this past week. I was a little intimidated... but once the class started it was so fun! Sure, it will take me awhile to get down the moves.. but that's part of the fun. Just do it! no excuses. Go... if you hate it, try something else. But I am positive it will be awesome. The class is so fast paced, no one is watching or worrying about you... they are trying to keep up! Let me know who you love it! I have never done the videos or wii, etc... I just walked into the class and jumped in.
  • sarabig2fit
    sarabig2fit Posts: 274 Member
    i started going to zumba at 330lbs.. or maybe more. I totally think no matter what, you could atleast try. if you have classes available to you, i'd totally go check one out. there is no shame in standing in the back and trying your hardest. there are people of all shapes, sizes, ages, abilities, even men to go the class i go to. :)

    try it out! i was scared at first but it is my favorite thing to do now. GL!
  • kwest_4_fitness
    kwest_4_fitness Posts: 819 Member
    I love to dance and, unfortunately, my gym does not offer Zumba. I received the Zumba videos as a Christmas gift and I love them. If you are uncoordinated, I would recommend purchasing these videos instead of going to a class only because the videos offer a tutorial called "Zumba Basics" where they break down each move so it is easy to follow. As far as I have understood, the classes are quite fast-paced and can be difficult to follow, but if you choose to attend a class just keep moving and you will still get a fantastic workout!

    I agree wholeheartedly! I only go to an actual class 2 to 3 times a month. But I use my Zumba DVD's 6 times a week. The basics DVD is great for those who need a bit of time to learn the choreography and it gives you a pretty good little workout, too. I say go for it! If you don't want to make the investment in the full 8 DVD set, you can do like I did and get the 4 DVD set for about $50 on Amazon.

    And remember, no matter what, just move your booty! I notice that a lot of folks, if they lose the steps, just boogie til they get back in rhythm.
  • shenitamo
    shenitamo Posts: 147 Member
    Crazy timing on this... I was JUST looking into how many calories you burn doing Zumba and so many of my friends LOVE it. Here is my plan: I am checking out the DVDs from the library...that's right....why buy when you can get it for free?! I am going to do the videos for a week or so and get use to the workout and then go to a class at my gym. I agree with the person who said don't be too intimidated about a class...so many people are focusing on themselves. I went to s step class the other day and it looked like I was stepping to a completely different song/routine but I still burned a ton of calories, so I am calling it a success. Dance on! :happy:
  • nataliemae2011
    nataliemae2011 Posts: 37 Member
    I go to my YMCA Got Zumba class every Monday! ; )
  • FRANKOMCGONAGLE
    FRANKOMCGONAGLE Posts: 3 Member
    ZUMBA IS GREAT IF EVERYTHING ELSE IS IN PLACE,,,EATTING PROPERLY,,DOIN STRENGTH AND CARDIO EXERCISES A ND GETTING PROPER REST,,,ALL MIXED TOGETHER RESULTS ARE ENDLESS...DONT GIVE UP WAHOOOOOO
  • FRANKOMCGONAGLE
    FRANKOMCGONAGLE Posts: 3 Member
    ZUMBA IS GREAT IF EVERYTHING ELSE IS IN PLACE,,,EATTING PROPERLY,,DOIN STRENGTH AND CARDIO EXERCISES A ND GETTING PROPER REST,,,ALL MIXED TOGETHER RESULTS ARE ENDLESS...DONT GIVE UP WAHOOOOOO
    IF I DONT DO IT TODAY I AM PUTTING OFF ONE MORE DAY OF GETTING WHAT I WANT........
  • Beatlegirl66
    Beatlegirl66 Posts: 68 Member
    I have been doing Zumba since March. Do I love it? No. I don't love any type of workout, but it is tolerable and I do like the music. I started by doing Zumba Gold once a week. In October I started on the regular classes. I am the biggest person in there and sometimes the moves are just to hard for me. I have trouble with the jumping around stuff. However, I just do what I can and keep moving. At first I would leave about 30 mintues, then 45 and now I do the whole workout.

    Your first time going will be hard. You might feel like I did that everyone knows what is going on but you. But everyone had a first week at Zumba and understands, plus they aren't there to watch you. LOL. I would recommend giving it a try. Zumba isn't for everyone, but you won't know unless you give it a shot.

    I also have Zumba for the Wii. It is alright, but I like doing it with an instructor in person much better.
  • nataliemae2011
    nataliemae2011 Posts: 37 Member
    Love your comment!
  • jzaz903
    jzaz903 Posts: 306 Member
    Your first time going will be hard. You might feel like I did that everyone knows what is going on but you. But everyone had a first week at Zumba and understands, plus they aren't there to watch you. LOL. I would recommend giving it a try. Zumba isn't for everyone, but you won't know unless you give it a shot.

    this! your first time will be hard, and you'll fall behind. but after a few tries, you'll get the hang of it. no one is watching you and judging you- they all had to learn it, even the instructor.
    i LOVE zumba. it makes the time go by so fast- usually i feel like i've been there only a few minutes, but the class is 30 minutes in. it's super fun and a great workout!

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