| Zumba is now internationally known as a fun, | | | | visual cues so that the students can immerse |
| calorie-burning dance-exercise program. This exercise | | | | themselves in the music. |
| format is frequently featured in the news. Many people | | | | 2. What if I am out of shape, uncoordinated or cannot |
| are intrigued by this workout that feels like you are | | | | dance? Whenever somebody is new to exercise or |
| attending a party. As more and more people learn | | | | trying out a class for the first time I tell them to talk to |
| about it they are being drawn to Zumba classes all | | | | the instructor to make the instructor aware of this. |
| over the world. | | | | Then I tell them to do whatever they can do. Some |
| When new students come to my classes they have | | | | people start out doing only ten minutes of the class |
| many questions. The class is a fusion of fitness, | | | | and then increase it each time they repeat the class. |
| aerobics and several types of dance styles. This may | | | | Students can even sit out some songs to rest. The |
| create some confusion as to what to expect. Do you | | | | steps and moves can be modified by trading high |
| wear clothes for dancing or exercising? Do you have | | | | impact for low impact. For example, instead of doing |
| to know how to dance? Do you have to be in shape? | | | | the jumps just step in place. A non-dancer will learn |
| Here are some answers to the top five questions | | | | how to dance quickly. The dance steps are repeated |
| asked about taking a Zumba class. | | | | class to class. After a few weeks even an |
| | | | uncoordinated person will become more adept at |
| 1. What is it? Many people are not sure if it is hip-hop | | | | dancing. If someone is still intimidated by the class they |
| dancing, latin dancing, or some new form of aerobics. | | | | can look for a Zumba Gold class which is taught |
| The concept for the class was actually created when | | | | slower. |
| Beto Perez, a fitness and dance professional from | | | | 3. Can I start the class on any week? Many people |
| Columbia, forgot his music for a traditional aerobic | | | | are not sure if they should join a class that has already |
| class he was about to teach. Improvising, he used | | | | been established. Most classes are taught on an |
| music that he had on him which was his favorite latin | | | | ongoing basis and perhaps a few are taught with |
| music. Needless to say, the class was a hit. One of the | | | | limited sessions. This means that new students just |
| characteristics of a traditional aerobic dance class is | | | | jump right in! The format is taught in simple easy steps |
| that the music usually has a monotonous steady beat. | | | | and new students should be able to improve their skills |
| In contrast, Zumba uses regular songs with lyrics, | | | | in a few weeks. |
| choruses and changes in rhythm. The class is a | | | | 4. What do I wear to class? It seems it should be |
| combination of dance and fitness moves. The dance | | | | obvious to wear exercise clothes to this class. |
| portion is 70 percent latin using such steps as salsa, | | | | However it is the dancing that causes some confusion. |
| merengue, and reggaeton. The rest may be a | | | | This is a high energy class and you will sweat. Wear |
| combination of other world rhythms such as | | | | comfortable clothes that will keep you cool. Fitness |
| bellydance, African or hip-hop. The fitness moves may | | | | wear that stretches and allows you to move easily is |
| include muscle toning exercises such as squats, bicep | | | | the best. In addition, bring plenty of water to drink. |
| curls and plyometric jumps or running in place. The | | | | 5. What type of shoes do I wear? The best shoes to |
| emphasis of the program is to teach choreography | | | | wear are cross-trainers or dance-fitness shoes that |
| that is simple and easy. Zumba also affects the | | | | have little or no tread on the bottom of the shoe. |
| participant mentally by releasing stress and creating | | | | Shoes that have multi-directional support and have |
| joy with its party-like atmosphere. Another unique | | | | some shock absorption are best. Save the heels for |
| characteristic of Zumba is that it is usually taught using | | | | your ballroom lessons. |