zumba help

My first zumba class I was all over the place and laughed at myself the entire time. I just faked it until I made it. You will eventually learn the moves, until then just keep moving. Just remember to keep your tummy tight and if you're doing leg songs ensure that you are in a proper squat position. Just have fun!

I am ridiculously uncoordinated. I am also 100% right sided, so the mirrored moves are near impossible. Then there are the girls in class that make every move just look super sexy. I am not one of them. Plus we have a full wall mirror that I refuse to look at. With all that being said, I work my *kitten* off in class and love every second of it!

Ive been dying to try Zumba but havent done it because I am beyond hopelessy uncoordinated. I trip over flat surfaces! lol Maybe I can find one of those classes for the older ladies and slip into that back of that one!

The zumba instructor at my gym just tells us to do the best we can, modify moves if needed, and if anything to just keep moving, so I'm sure it's fine if you're still getting a workout! Just make sure it's not mistakes that increase your possibility of injury
It took me a few times before I could properly do the moves in my class, but it was okay because I still go a workout!

It takes a while to get the moves down, so just have fun! Mirrors are helpful to see if you're doing anything remotely close to what the instructor is doing.
That said, I've been doing zumba for 3 years, and I've noticed that every instructor has his/her own style, so what's "right" in one class is not "right" in another...but that's a good thing! Do what feels best for you.
Do try to have proper form for squats and lunges, though.

i have been doing a class for months and LOVE it..
Tore my knee (doing other stuff) and I believe the muscle tone I had built up in my legs allowed me to get back to regular life much quicker. Within 2-1/2 weeks was back to class.
I am in no way a skinny fit woman. I have a long way to go but I LOVE to dance and zumba is dancing to me so its fun exercize.
We all goof up or dont get a move for a while when a new song is added but its ok like an earlier poster said you are moving.
Our teacher says the more you shake it the less you have.. And the group that are in my class are great and so much fun!! Keep going.. it works wonders!!

I assist at my friends Zumba class and i always say to those who are worried about getting all the moves right:

You could spend the entire session standing in the room just waving your arms you will be a) burning more calories than you would just sitting on the sofa and b) you are enjoying yourself doing so

Im sure you are doing fine and burning plenty perhaps bring a heart rate monitor next time you go and you will see how many calories you are burning doing it

~I agree 100% with you. I also assist @ my friend's Zumba class @ my local YMCA. It's a Zumba Gold class which is the lower impact version of Basic Zumba geared towards the older active adult and the true beginner. My friend actually puts on a mic& talks the class thru the steps, where there's no cueing in the Basic class. You should see if you can find a Gold class in your area, it would definitely help you learn the steps better. Otherwise, just do enjoy the music &do what you can, As long as you-re moving & having fun, that's all that matters. I've been taking Zumba since April of '09 on and off& LOVE it so much that I plan on becoming a certified instructor when I reach a goal of 50 lbs lost. :-)