Zumba Fitness®...What to Expect in Class
For you by Anita McNab

What is Zumba Fitness?
Zumba is a fitness class that combines dance and fitness moves.  Inspired by Latin dance and music, Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines, including Cumbia, Merengue, Salsa, Reggaeton, Mambo, Rumba, Flamenco, and a Hip Hop. Music selections include both fast and slow rhythms to help tone and sculpt the body. You could burn between 600 to 1000 calories PER class, BUT it all depends on how you exert yourself...

What do I wear to Zumba?
You can wear any type of fitness clothes to sweat pants, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts; anything comfortable and cool. As for shoes, wear studio or dance shoes - anything that will give you support. Some cross-trainers are not suitable. When you go shopping for shoes, please let the sales person know that you are in a fitness class that does a lot of dancing moves. Please do not wear running shoes to class! You have a great chance of injury if you do!

What type of shoes do I wear to Zumba?
Please do not wear running shoes to class, because you will risk injury. Any type of shoes that are used for Dance, Studio, or Cheerleading will work for your Zumba classes. Some Cross-Trainers will do, just as long as there are not any deep treads on the sole. Just keep this in mind, "If it looks like tire treads on the sole, do not get them". You will be depending on the balls of the feet for movement, pivot of the feet, and smooth transaction of "side-to-side" steps.

What can I expect when I come to Zumba?
Zumba classes are not like your normal, everyday aerobic class.  There will hardly be any verbal cueing (but I will continue to use verbal cueing as needed and I will always use hand cueing) and Zumba uses "tracked music" and not continuous music.  The Zumba instructor will lead the class in easy, simple movements with a combination of dance and fitness moves. Usually visual and hand cues are given.  The music is fun and  invigorating and is mostly Latin. As mentioned above, different Latin dance styles will be used, as well as fitness moves, such as bicep curls, lunges, and other body- toning moves. There will be a lot of hip and booty shaking too!  Safety is our Number One concern too... If you have any low back or knee problems (or any medical problems), keep your moves basic and ask your Instructor for an alternative way to do the move. The structure of the class starts with a warm-up and proceeds to intervals of faster and slower tempos throughout the duration of the class (AKA Interval Training), ending with a cool-down and stretch. Most of the Zumba classes are cardio workouts...some Instructors may add Hand Weights, a Step routine, or add another form of exercise to Zumba.  Just make sure to bring a bottle of water, because you will sweat!

What if I'm not coordinated and I can't dance!
Be patient and don't get frustrated!  Zumba uses a lot of repetition steps in every class. After a few classes you will know the basic steps.  Remember... this is how Beto, the Creator of Zumba puts it....Feel the Music!  Most of all, just have fun! Even if you can't do a step, just move to however the music makes you feel!  There is no wrong or right way to Zumba.

What if I'm out of shape and I can't keep up?
Know your own body! Most people know their limits. If not, see your doctor before attempting any type of exercise. Work out at their own pace until you are comfortable with the routine/exercise.  Just hang in there, because you already took your first step toward a healthier, better lifestyle - you started out with a fun, rewarding class.  Be proud of yourself!" 

What kind of people are in your Zumba classes?
People of all fitness abilities, ages, sizes and nationalities take Zumba classes.

How will Zumba benefit me?
It depends on how your exert yourself!  Physically, you will burn between 300-1000 calories in one-hour! You will build cardio strength and tone muscles. Mentally, you will relieve stress, stimulate your brain by learning coordination and new steps, plus it makes you smile and sweat at the same time!  You'll find that after one class, you can't wait to come back again!  You will be a Zumba Addict!

Can I take more than one class a week?
Yes!  Zumba is a GREAT cardio workout!  You should do a cardio workout at least 5 times per week.  It doesn't necessary have to be Zumba... walking, bike riding, treadmill, or any type of cardio workout will benefit you... however, Zumba is the choice for most people, because it is fun and makes working out fun!

Can I just try one class to see if I like it?
Most Instructors encourage you to try out their class!  Make sure to ask the Instructor if you could try the class out.

One last thing to remember when searching for a Zumba Class...
Make sure the Zumba class that you are interested in is a LEGIT CLASS!  There are many "Zumba" classes being offered that are not taught by authorized Zumba Instructors!  Please remember: If a company is offering Zumba classes, the individual Instructor MUST be authorized to teach the Zumba class and NOT the company.  There is no such thing as a company "being authorized to teach it" It must be the Instructor.  Also, in the name description of the class, It cannot have "Zumba" described anywhere in it if the class does NOT have an authorized Zumba Instructor teaching the class. Zumba® and Zumba Fitness® are legal registered trademarks of Zumba LLC.