You've never been to a Zumba class?! Don't panic! You're about to have some serious fun and get a great workout!
Like you, I was once a participant, so I know exactly how you feel. I have been teaching Zumba since late 2008.
Here are the top 10 tips to help you survive your first Zumba® class:
1. Let the instructor know you are new:
The key to having a successful class is by letting the instructor know this is your first time. Your instructor can answer any questions, find a good spot for you in the room, and let you know what to expect from your first class.
2. Let the instructor know if you have any health issues or existing ailments or injuries:
Providing health information to your instructor is very important. The instructor will be able to offer you modifications or changes to ensure a safe class and will be able to check on you during the class to make sure you are OK.
3. Try not to hide at the back
Positioning yourself at the edge and back of the room is not a fun place to be at the best of times. Zumba instructors rely on visual cues and if you are at the back you may not see the cues clearly. Try to find a spot in the middle of the room.
4. Drink water
You'll need a good bottle of water because Zumba® makes you sweat! The general rule is one litre of water for every hour of exercise. It is very important to stay hydrated.
5. Wear appropriate clothing
Since you'll be sweating, make sure you are wearing light, breathable fabrics. Bring a sweatshirt or jumper to layer over after class. A good sports bra is a must as well!
6. Wear suitable footwear
Please come to class with comfortable trainers or a sport shoe. Ideally a shoe with a thin tread is best. You don't need expensive footwear, just a good, comfortable pair of exercise footwear.
7. Arrive before class starts
Please arrive early as you don't want to miss the warm up part of the class. This is a very important part of the class. Your muscles are warmed up and then you are ready for the Zumba® party! Missing the this part of the class is can cause injury.
8. I'm not a dancer, help!
Yes you are! We are all dancers in our own unique way! Try to relax and let the music take over. No one is looking or judging your moves. You''ll get a better workout if you are relaxed and enjoying yourself.
9. Take a breather
Need to take a little time out? That's fine. Slow down your moves, rather than stop and sit. Take a sip of water and rejoin after that. A Zumba® class typically keeps moving, with a brief pause sometimes between songs.
10. Talk to your instructor after class
After your first class you may have some questions. Let the instructor know what you thought of the class. We love feedback. It takes a few classes to feel comfortable with the moves and the format. Your second class will seem easier as you will probably remember some routines or parts of a routine.
OTHER FAQ's
The best way to find out about all the excitement of Zumba® is to visit the official website:www.zumba.com. You'll get great information about the organization. Please read below the answers to some common questions about Zumba®:
Q: What is Zumba®?
A: Zumba® is a fun and effective cardio workout and is based on the principles of interval training
(alternating between fast and slower rhythms) and resistance training. These methods are known to be effective in improving your cardiovascular system, plus toning and sculpting your body.
Q: What kind of Music does a Zumba® class use?
A: Music is the heart and soul of a Zumba® class! We party to the rhythms of salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, tango, samba, cha-cha, flamenco, and many more!
Q: Do I need any previous dance experience?
A: No not at all! Anyone can do Zumba® ! All ages, all body types and all skill levels! You do not need any previous dance experience. The basics are taught to you.
Q: I have two left feet...how can I get a good workout from Zumba®?
A: Zumba® is not about getting every step perfect. There are no judges on the sidelines waiting to score us. Zumba® is about feeling the music and having fun...while getting a great workout. The more energy you put into your Zumba® moves, the better your results will be!
Q: What are the best shoes to wear for Zumba®?
A: Zumba® recommends any shoe that has good cushion support, medial-lateral support (for side to side movements) and low-traction rubber (for easy sliding and turning). There are a number of great fitness shoes and dance sneakers that
fit this description. Usually court shoes or "aerobic" shoes are good for medial-lateral and pivoting movements. Running shoes are not ideal due to the heavy tread on the bottom of the shoes and because running shoes are designed
more for forward movement. The best shoe for you is the shoe that fits your foot well. We cannot recommend one single shoe to all people, because everyone's feet, body type, and dancing styles are different. It’s important for you to try different shoes to find the best one for you.
Q: What do you bring to a class?
A: We recommend that you wear comfortable workout clothes and a pair of INDOOR athletic shoes. Also, bring a towel and lots of water!
Q: Can someone do a Zumba® class if they have no dance or fitness experience?
A: ABSOLUTELY! Zumba® is for everyone! This is a fitness class designed for you to move it, shake it and above all, have fun! Our choreography is kept simple and we design it so you can get a fabulous workout while having a fabulous time! The more you do the classes, the more familiar you become with the moves and if you feel you can’t get a move… smile, shake it and just freestyle!
When you come to a Zumba® class, please remember that you should work at your own pace during the class. That means, you must read the signs of what your body is telling you — rest when you need to, take a water break when needed or simply perform the steps with less intensity if need be. This is your class — which means it’s your fitness experience and you should move at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Q: Is it OK to attend a Zumba®class if you are pregnant?
A: Please consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program. If you are pregnant, have a pre-existing medical condition, or have had any previous knee/hip injuries you may attend a Zumba® class, but please remember
to carry out the class at your own pace and modify/change any steps that may cause any discomfort.
Q: How many calories can I burn during a Zumba® Class?
A: It is very difficult to estimate the number of calories burned during a Zumba® class, because it depends on you, your body type, your body composition, the intensity, and the range of motion that you use with each workout. For example in one Zumba® class, one participant could burn 400 calories, while another participant burns 1000 calories. We recommend monitoring how you feel and compare it to other activities that you do that have "calories burned" associated with it and then estimate accordingly.
Q: If Zumba® is so much fun, how can I be getting a workout?
A: With Zumba® you get out what you put in! You can put as much or as little energy into it and you will get the appropriate results. Zumba® participants can burn approximately 400 -1,000 calories per class based on their cardio intensity and fitness level. The Zumba®routines feature aerobic interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body. Zumba® is a total body workout with emphasis on the glutes, legs, arms, abdominals, and the
most important muscle of the body…THE HEART!
Like you, I was once a participant, so I know exactly how you feel. I have been teaching Zumba since late 2008.
Here are the top 10 tips to help you survive your first Zumba® class:
1. Let the instructor know you are new:
The key to having a successful class is by letting the instructor know this is your first time. Your instructor can answer any questions, find a good spot for you in the room, and let you know what to expect from your first class.
2. Let the instructor know if you have any health issues or existing ailments or injuries:
Providing health information to your instructor is very important. The instructor will be able to offer you modifications or changes to ensure a safe class and will be able to check on you during the class to make sure you are OK.
3. Try not to hide at the back
Positioning yourself at the edge and back of the room is not a fun place to be at the best of times. Zumba instructors rely on visual cues and if you are at the back you may not see the cues clearly. Try to find a spot in the middle of the room.
4. Drink water
You'll need a good bottle of water because Zumba® makes you sweat! The general rule is one litre of water for every hour of exercise. It is very important to stay hydrated.
5. Wear appropriate clothing
Since you'll be sweating, make sure you are wearing light, breathable fabrics. Bring a sweatshirt or jumper to layer over after class. A good sports bra is a must as well!
6. Wear suitable footwear
Please come to class with comfortable trainers or a sport shoe. Ideally a shoe with a thin tread is best. You don't need expensive footwear, just a good, comfortable pair of exercise footwear.
7. Arrive before class starts
Please arrive early as you don't want to miss the warm up part of the class. This is a very important part of the class. Your muscles are warmed up and then you are ready for the Zumba® party! Missing the this part of the class is can cause injury.
8. I'm not a dancer, help!
Yes you are! We are all dancers in our own unique way! Try to relax and let the music take over. No one is looking or judging your moves. You''ll get a better workout if you are relaxed and enjoying yourself.
9. Take a breather
Need to take a little time out? That's fine. Slow down your moves, rather than stop and sit. Take a sip of water and rejoin after that. A Zumba® class typically keeps moving, with a brief pause sometimes between songs.
10. Talk to your instructor after class
After your first class you may have some questions. Let the instructor know what you thought of the class. We love feedback. It takes a few classes to feel comfortable with the moves and the format. Your second class will seem easier as you will probably remember some routines or parts of a routine.
OTHER FAQ's
The best way to find out about all the excitement of Zumba® is to visit the official website:www.zumba.com. You'll get great information about the organization. Please read below the answers to some common questions about Zumba®:
Q: What is Zumba®?
A: Zumba® is a fun and effective cardio workout and is based on the principles of interval training
(alternating between fast and slower rhythms) and resistance training. These methods are known to be effective in improving your cardiovascular system, plus toning and sculpting your body.
Q: What kind of Music does a Zumba® class use?
A: Music is the heart and soul of a Zumba® class! We party to the rhythms of salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, tango, samba, cha-cha, flamenco, and many more!
Q: Do I need any previous dance experience?
A: No not at all! Anyone can do Zumba® ! All ages, all body types and all skill levels! You do not need any previous dance experience. The basics are taught to you.
Q: I have two left feet...how can I get a good workout from Zumba®?
A: Zumba® is not about getting every step perfect. There are no judges on the sidelines waiting to score us. Zumba® is about feeling the music and having fun...while getting a great workout. The more energy you put into your Zumba® moves, the better your results will be!
Q: What are the best shoes to wear for Zumba®?
A: Zumba® recommends any shoe that has good cushion support, medial-lateral support (for side to side movements) and low-traction rubber (for easy sliding and turning). There are a number of great fitness shoes and dance sneakers that
fit this description. Usually court shoes or "aerobic" shoes are good for medial-lateral and pivoting movements. Running shoes are not ideal due to the heavy tread on the bottom of the shoes and because running shoes are designed
more for forward movement. The best shoe for you is the shoe that fits your foot well. We cannot recommend one single shoe to all people, because everyone's feet, body type, and dancing styles are different. It’s important for you to try different shoes to find the best one for you.
Q: What do you bring to a class?
A: We recommend that you wear comfortable workout clothes and a pair of INDOOR athletic shoes. Also, bring a towel and lots of water!
Q: Can someone do a Zumba® class if they have no dance or fitness experience?
A: ABSOLUTELY! Zumba® is for everyone! This is a fitness class designed for you to move it, shake it and above all, have fun! Our choreography is kept simple and we design it so you can get a fabulous workout while having a fabulous time! The more you do the classes, the more familiar you become with the moves and if you feel you can’t get a move… smile, shake it and just freestyle!
When you come to a Zumba® class, please remember that you should work at your own pace during the class. That means, you must read the signs of what your body is telling you — rest when you need to, take a water break when needed or simply perform the steps with less intensity if need be. This is your class — which means it’s your fitness experience and you should move at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Q: Is it OK to attend a Zumba®class if you are pregnant?
A: Please consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program. If you are pregnant, have a pre-existing medical condition, or have had any previous knee/hip injuries you may attend a Zumba® class, but please remember
to carry out the class at your own pace and modify/change any steps that may cause any discomfort.
Q: How many calories can I burn during a Zumba® Class?
A: It is very difficult to estimate the number of calories burned during a Zumba® class, because it depends on you, your body type, your body composition, the intensity, and the range of motion that you use with each workout. For example in one Zumba® class, one participant could burn 400 calories, while another participant burns 1000 calories. We recommend monitoring how you feel and compare it to other activities that you do that have "calories burned" associated with it and then estimate accordingly.
Q: If Zumba® is so much fun, how can I be getting a workout?
A: With Zumba® you get out what you put in! You can put as much or as little energy into it and you will get the appropriate results. Zumba® participants can burn approximately 400 -1,000 calories per class based on their cardio intensity and fitness level. The Zumba®routines feature aerobic interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body. Zumba® is a total body workout with emphasis on the glutes, legs, arms, abdominals, and the
most important muscle of the body…THE HEART!