Find a Licensed Zumba Instructor. Only Licensed Instructors can teach Zumba and all licensed instructors are listed on http://www. zumba. com. Licensed instructors who belong to ZIN (the Zumba® Instructor Network) have access to the newest Zumba fare – updated routines, more song choices, more variation in style and the specialties like Zumba Toning, Aqua, Step, Sentao etc. To find out, all you have to do is ask!
YouTube is a great resource, too. Even if you are taking a class, watching a few videos can help gear your mind up for what you should expect and knock that learning curve down a notch. But remember, every class and every instructor is different, though the Zumba mentality and lifestyle remain the same.
Zumba Fitness: This is your standard class. It has high-energy rhythms and distinctive Latin beats that will guarantee you’re sweating and having a great time. Zumba Toning: With this class, you use toning sticks. Think of them as fitness maracas for your abs, glutes, arms, and thighs. Zumba Gold: This class is aimed at baby boomers and above. The class is a bit calmer than the standard, though it follows the same basic principles. Zumba Gold Toning: No surprises here, it’s Zumba Toning for the wise-beyond-their-years population. A large group, for the record! Aqua Zumba: Effectively marketed as a “Zumba pool party. " You do the same (and more) Zumba moves, only halfway emerged in water. You can imagine how much tougher it is! Zumba Sentao: This class is centered around a chair. It helps strengthen your core, work on balance, and steps up the cardio in a new and dynamic way. “Zumba Step”: All of the Step toning and strengthening for legs and glutes plus all of the Zumba® fitness-party fun. Zumba in the Circuit: This combines Zumba and circuit training. Between dancing your butt off, you’ll be doing strength exercises to get an all-around workout. Zumba Kids: For the little ones!
And since there are so many different types of Zumba classes, experiment with that, too! If you like Zumba Fitness, try to mix it up on occasion with Zumba Toning or Aqua Zumba. Keeping your body surprised is just as important as surprising your mind!
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And when it comes to footwear, aim for an exercise shoe that’s worn in. If it has too much tread, you won’t be able to float and pivot like you want. For the record, it’s worth investing in some dance sneakers if you do decide to stick to it. They’re only about $30. 00 from a discount dance supply store and can easily be found online.
Some swear that in an hour’s class, you could burn near 600 calories. [3] X Research source That’s amazing! That’s an hour avoided on the treadmill! Of course, it depends on how much energy you put into it. But there’s serious potential there.
Many feel that it’s a way of life. Some even say Zumba-ers make for better friends. [4] X Research source In your class, you become friends who hang out, party, and dance together. There’s an air about it that you won’t find elsewhere. It’ll suck you in!
No, you don’t have to be a dancer. Remember how Zumba is for everyone? If you’re taking a class, just let your instructor know you’re new to this thing, and they can give you the rundown. Be sure you can see their entire body, though – don’t hide in the back! There is no pressure to be super fit. You just do what you can when you can. All the moves are of such a nature that you put as much effort into it as you want to. If your fitness level isn’t great, then you just take it slower!
If you’re tentative about your moves, you won’t get the workout you’re meant to get. If you keep your feet toeing the line (more literal talk here) and your arms at your sides, you won’t have fun, you won’t sweat, and you probably won’t come back. So go for it!
When it doubt, just hold them strong. You don’t have to flail them around like a madman or a six-year-old, but do hold them out from your sides, strong and sassy-like. Half the fun of Zumba is the attitude!
If you think you’re doing a move that can’t incorporate a bit of a hip swivel or booty shake, think again. There is a sexiness at the core of Zumba, for sure. Let yours out!
And once you have the moves down, adding your own flair, your energy will add to the dynamic of the class. The more people who are taking the leap, truly letting loose, the better it’ll be. You’ll all be able to feed off of each other’s buzzes! Now that’s a high quality workout!
