Starting zumba tomorrow!

[Cookies Galore]

I'm excited! I normally walk/jog around town and sometimes kick a soccer ball around with BF, but I want to do more, especially since I haven't been doing any physical activity all winter.
Where I work, we get class offers from our partner company down the block. Normally these happen during lunch and there's no way in hell I'm returning to work all sweaty and gross. Zumba is finally being offered from 4-5 and I work until 4, so it's perfect. It's also $40 for 8 weeks, so I had to sign up!
I went online this weekend and started doing some videos and I really do think I'll enjoy the class.
Tell me I'll love it!

[cael]

That's great! I know a lot of folks who love it. Make sure to let us know how you like it! I bet you'll love it

[Deleted]

Good luck!

I did Zumba for a while, but had to stop as it was too hard on my knees.

[chiver78]

I hope you like it, I know a few people who swear by it. I just couldn't get into it.

[thyme4change]

It is just the latest version of aerobics - right?

[Cookies Galore]

Feb 14, 2011 12:00:10 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

It is just the latest version of aerobics - right?

Pretty much, but I'm a procrastinating, lazy SOB so it's a productive step forward for me.

[Deleted]

Zumba made me homicidal, suicidal, and practically an alcoholic...I dance much better after drinking

Good luck. I really hope it works out for you.

[vl]

Wikipedia:
"Zumba: The workout music is the key ingredient to Zumba classes. The score, created with specific beats and tempo changes, transitions the workout from one toning, strengthening or cardio move to another, and targets every major muscle group in the body. The Zumba program borrows from the following dance styles: Cumbia, salsa, merengue, mambo, flamenco, cha-cha-cha, Reggaeton, samba, belly dancing, Bhangra, hip-hop, and tango.

There are different types of Zumba classes:

Zumba—The original Zumba class including basic rhythms like merengue, foxtrot, salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, belly dance, waltz, tango, samba.
Zumba Gold—This is designed for the older adults.[8]
ZUMBA Toning—This class focuses on calorie-burning and strength-training. Participants use weighted, maraca-like Zumba Toning Sticks.
Aqua Zumba—This is for ages 14+ and is similar to water aerobics.[9]
Zumbatomic—for girls and boys ages 4–12. It incorporates urban dance styles like hip hop, reggaeton and pop with concepts such as coordination, discipline, confidence and teamwork.[10]

If you can keep a beat, this is the way to go. No age limits. Works your WHOLE body, not just some of the parts.

[Malarky]

It's a great workout. Hope you enjoy it.

[dianartemis]

get a pair of flat dance type shoes. Not ballet flats. After your class, talk to your instructor, they can tell you more about it.

I haven't been able to get back into Zumba for a while. I fell down my stairs in Jan and bone bruised a pinky toe. Then last Sat I got the other foot when I nailed the curb got the other foot, and now have lots of bruising and swelling on the big toe.

[Deleted]

Well, meghan, how did it go?

[Cookies Galore]

Feb 15, 2011 15:40:24 GMT -5 @luann said:

Well, meghan, how did it go?

I'll let you know! Class starts at 4.
I'm glad I'm starting today because I have so much excited energy right now. BF got some great job info earlier, so I'm bouncing off the walls.

[Cookies Galore]

Fudge! Class was canceled. I did go home and followed along with some videos online. I'm a big quitter, though, so I'm looking forward to working out with other people.

[chicg]

oh dear, another zumba post. My WIRR girls would laugh at me...I'm obsessed! I take about 5 classes a week. I think the key is the instructor, the first time I took it a few years ago I thought it was lame and didn't like it. Tried it again on a whim when a new studio opened by me and I was looking for a fun workout I could stick with, I fell in love. There are several great instructors at my studio but one is simply amazing, she changes the music all the time, pushes us without acting like a drill sargent. More important, it got me in the habit of working out on a regular basis again and I've added other classes to my routine as well. If you don't "get" the moves right away, just stick with it. THere are woman (and a few guys) in our class of all shapes and ages. I have arthritis in both my knees and an old fracture injury, you can make it lower impact if you need. Good luck, hope you enjoy it!

[Cookies Galore]

Thanks, chicg. My problem is that I think big and then do... nothing. I do well when I work out with others, which is why I think starting with zumba (I do like to dance) would get me on a positive track. When I attempt to jog around the neighborhood myself I do half-assed run up one of the hills and then quit and go home. When I go with BF or a friend, I can speed walk five miles easily. For some reason I do great with other people there, I guess to motivate me.

[Artemis Windsong]

If you are excited, you will have a great time. I enjoyed the one class I took. It was a tickler to join and part of the heart healthy promo. I got a one hour free pass and will probably try Pilates. Maybe it's my imagination but the Pilates girls seem stick figurish.

[chiver78]

oh, but Pilates is good. you'll learn controlled movements and stretching, both of which make you stronger overall.

[Deleted]

I LOVED Pilates... great for the core and for flexibility.

[Cookies Galore]

Just had my first class and I loved it. So much fun!

[sapphire12]

Glad you enjoyed the class!