Zumba class - anybody takes zumba classes?

I love, love, love Zumba!! It's a great workout and tons of fun. Don't worry about being on the right foot or doing the moves perfectly. Just keep moving, feel the music and the burn. Hope you enjoy!!

If you think you might have problems with your knee, you could see if your gym has an Aqua Zumba class or a Zumba Gold class. Aqua Zumba is (obviously) a pool party Zumba. It's exhausting, but easy on the joints! A Zumba Gold class is targeting the older adults or the deconditioned (beginner) participants. It is a slightly slower pace and the instructor should be better trained at modifying moves for specific injuries.

I just got done instructing a regular Zumba class this evening, and I burned 805 calories in 57 minutes! (177 lbs). Also, I know everyone is worried about what everyone is thinking about how they look, but as an instructor, I can say that nobody is looking at you! I can see everyone's faces, and they are either watching the instructor or themselves in the mirror! If you go right when everybody goes left, just have fun going left! No worries!

I just started Zumba last week as an addition to my workouts. I am in the 60-something plus catergory, and joined MFP about a month ago after I stumbled upon it.....and love it!. A word of caution about Zumba if you have knee issues (as I have the same problem)....It does involve a lot of knee movement to make the moves work properly --- BUT, if you adapt it to your abilities as I have, and not allow yourself to get frustrated because you physically can't do it all --- and if you modify it for your personal level, you should be good.

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That being said, it is a lot of fun (and you need to go in with the attitude of having fun)!! Suggestion, when you start learning the moves.....DON'T try to get the feet, and the legs; and the arms; and the head; and the rest of the boooody at all the same time. Start with the foot steps, then move on to the arms and the head....and then shake the boooody. I have to have knee replacement surgery on both knees sometime in the really near future from damage I did to them over the years. Not only do I need to drop at least 20-25 pounds, (and preferably 45-50 to reach my ideal weight) I knew I personally wanted to develop the strength in not only my upper body and core...but also as much as I can in my lower half prior to the surgery. Why......because I want to recover as fast as I can, and I know that increased muscle strength and endurance is going to do it for me. I used to dance and also teach dance (where some of my injuries came from 15 years ago).... and I want to dance again, as it is my passion. I also wanted to change up the workout routine that I have been doing for the last two months because I am at a plateau..... I do Elliptical (got up to about 55 minutes per session at least 4-5 times a week) and also Weight Machines (I have 12 that I work on alternating at least 3-4 times a week). The body goes into "Muscle Memory" when you repeat the same over and over and over again....then there is a plateau, and the workouts don't seem to progress as significantly as in the beginning. I came upon the Zumba class..... and number one....it is going to be extremely hard to make the body go into a "Muscle Memory" mode. So, I am now mixing it all up throughout the week.... I am doing about 3-4 Zumba classes a week mixed in with Elliptical; Weight Machines; Swimming (about 2 days a week)....and there is going to be some huge success in the upcoming weeks. I would also highly recommend you have an instructor to teach the proper movements, otherwise you could leave yourself open for injuries. There is a definite technique, and all it takes is twisting a movement the wrong way....then there could be damage that you might not be happy with. Also, if you have an issue with the knees....let the instructor know and they may be able to tell you how to modify the moves to compensate. There is always a way to compensate....just like low impact aerobics vs. high impact..... Good luck!!!

Zumba is awesome but I use it as a nice treat to my regular workout routine of just basic cardio everyday and weights every other day. I think doing Zumba every day can make it feel like a chore after awhile because it's pretty intense and the music may make you crazy The one thing I love about it though is how empowered I feel after and how it makes me fall in love with my body every time!!

I love Zumba; it is a high calorie burn and so much fun!

I have been doing Zumba for the past 2 years and I absolutely LOVE it!!!! It works for anyone, any body type, any weight, any athletic level. My best advice, start out slow and work at your own pace. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll "advance" and can start doing it at a higher impact. Don't start out expecting too much too fast until you've had a chance to get your body coordinated and you learn the routines. Once you learn the routines, then you can focus on the different areas of your body that the "routine" is trying to tone.

Don't get too overwhelmed with the first class, it'll take 3 or 4 classes to really become accustom to what Zumba is all about. If you stick with it you'll be pleasantly surprised at the result you see. I am amazed at how differently my body has changed in such a short amount of time!!

Most definitely take a water bottle and maybe a small towel!! Be prepared to sweat, but most importantly to have a great time!!

Enjoy! Keep us posted on what you think!!!

I am an Instructor for Aqua Zumba and Zumba. They are both amazing workouts! If you are worried about your knees, you can always try the Aqua Zumba class first, it's a little less strenious on them. The regular Zumba class is amazing as well, but does require you to be a little more flexable with your body because Zumba is based on Latin rythms, like salsa, merengue, etc. I'd say go for it! You'll never know if it is for you until you try it, right?!

I've been doing zumba twice a week for the last 2 years. My main advice is stand closer to the front of the class. don't go in the back. Remember everything is a pattern that repeats a few times a song. try to go in the same direction. when people jump keep your toes on the ground and kinda bounce. if you can't see the instructor too well, look for the people who seem to know what they are doing and try to follow them. those people will be obvious after a couple of song. Bring water and a towel. sometimes i bring a frozen wash cloth. Just have fun and don't be intimidated cause everyone has their first time and NO ONE IS LOOKING AT YOU.

Yesterdya when I went to the YMCA for my regular swimming routine. I noticed they were dancing and when I looked at the group exercise schedule the name of what they were doing was a zumba class. I have thought about taking some dancing at home so tomorrow I'm taking the first step and trying to add zumba dance class to my exercise routine. It looks pretty strenous. I hope it's not too hard on my knees. That's going to be my biggest concern.

I'd love to hear what you have to suggest since tomorrow will be first routine and what I should be on the lookout for (i.e. I'm planning on bringing my water bottle to stay hydrated).

Scott :drinker:

I love ZUMBA, my wife is an instructor an I attend her classes. But if like me, you have knee issues, I recommend you to be careful. Some Zumba instructors have no fitness certifications at all, or little or no formal education or knowledge of group training. Make sure you train with a certified group fitness instructor, not just a Zumba licensed instructor. I do Zumba at my own pace, I am a god dancer and can perform all moves, but safe workouts come first. .

I have been doling zumba for around 3 months. I do a "zumba - lite" class once a week, it's 45 mins and is meant for people who are on the older side or who, like me, are new to exercise or haven't exercised for a while. I think the idea is that you eventually upgrade to the normal, 60 mins class. I do enjoy it, even though I'm not very good at dancing or co-ordination, but the instuctors make everyone feel at home.

Zumba is such a great workout! You hardly notice that you're working out because you're too busy shaking it

When I started Zumba I stood in the middle but off to the right against the wall. That way I could see the instructor and not feel too insecure about my moves. Sometimes it helps to find someone in the class who knows the moves and stand behind them. Don't be afraid to stop and watch the steps then slowly try to copy them. You'll get it! As long as you are moving and having a good time that's all that matters