Frequently Asked Questions & Tips for Everyone
Tips for everyone:
Frequently asked questions:
- Do I need any previous dance experience?
- I have two left feet...how can I get a good workout?
- Do you have beginner classes, because I'm concerned that I have no rhythm and I'm afraid that I'll look silly or embarrass myself?
- What should I bring?
- Is it hard?
- How many calories can I burn during a Zumba® Class?
- If Zumba® classes are so much fun, how can I be getting a workout?
- What if I can't keep up with the steps?
- Are the classes for men and women?
- Am I too old for Zumba®?
- Do I have to know how to dance to follow the workout?
- Is Zumba® Fitness popular?
- What are the best shoes for Zumba®?
What to Expect
- Something different! The moves and music may be very new to you... and that's why you'll like it.
- IMMERSION -- just jump in and do it. In Zumba, we don't count beats or cue every step. We just move naturally to the rhythm of the music.
- You DO NOT have to have rhythm or be a dance to take Zumba® classes! I REPEAT, You DO NOT have to have rhythm or be a dancer to take Zumba® classes!
- Be ready to sweat, that's what you came for, right?!
What to wear
- Wear PROPER SHOES --- The best shoes you can wear for Zumba classes are athletic style sneakers that provide a lot of support --- DO NOT wear jazz/dance sneakers (found at a dance supply store), those so called "toning shoes" such as shape ups, easy tones, fit flops etc., flip-flops, bare feet, only socks or any other such combination to class. These types of footwear, or lack of, are a liability issue for us and we cannot permit them in class.
- Wear loose, COMFORTABLE CLOTHING that breathes. You will work up a sweat. If you want to start off with a jacket or sweatshirt, that's okay, but be prepared to get HOT!!
What to Do
- Drink PLENTY OF WATER before, during and after class. Hydration is very important! We do have bottled water available at the studio for $1.00 if you forget yours.
- DON'T worry about the steps, Zumba is all about having FUN while getting FIT! There are NO MISTAKES in Zumba!!! As long as you're BREATHING, as long as you're MOVING, as long as you're HAVING FUN, you're doing Zumba correctly. It is ok to smile, yell, and GET CRAZY, in fact I strongly ENCOURAGE that you do :)
- Go at your own pace. LISTEN TO YOU BODY and do what is comfortable. You can always do more simplified versions of anything we do in class, just keep moving and do what you can do.
- STICK WITH IT! You'll be amazed by the progress you make each week.
- Be proud of yourself for making the commitment to exercise and to your health!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any previous dance experience?
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.
I have two left feet...how can I get a good workout from Zumba?
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.
Do you have beginner classes, because I'm concerned that I have no rhythm and I'm afraid that I'll look silly or embarrass myself?
Trust me you are not going to look silly or embarrass yourself. In our regular Zumba classes we follow the authentic Zumba format, which allows for a multi-level class. You'll see a mix of everyone from the beginner, intermediate and advanced fitness participant to the professional dancer. You can also come to our Zumba Gold class which is a lower impact and lower intensity class. Keep the following in mind when attending any Zumba class, you are not expected to move like anyone but you! No one will critique your dance or fitness skills. The most important things to remember while participating in a Zumba class are to let go, allow yourself to move naturally to the music, keep moving and to have fun!
What should I bring?
Water You will need it! Always keep yourself hydrated. We do have bottled water for $1.00 at the studio if you wish to purchase it. A towel Bringing a towel really helps with removing access sweat, especially off of the face. A friend Get friends to come with you to Zumba® class! That may give you that extra boost to stay motivated and fulfill your health goal.
Is it hard?
Your very first class will feel the most difficult -- the steps are new, the music is new, the whole workout is new -- but, in no time at all you will be moving along with the rest of us! We all had our very first class once too, even me! Just watch the instructor, look at our cues, keep moving and have fun. There is no right or wrong in this class! We just want you to have a fun, safe, cardio blasting workout!
How many calories can I burn during a Zumba® Class?
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.
If Zumba® is so much fun, how can I be getting a workout?
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!
What if I can't keep up with the steps?
It's normal if you have trouble following all the steps in the beginning. The important thing is to keep moving. You'll eventually pick it up. Don't worry, you'll be burning fat and calories right from the start — all while having fun!
Is Zumba Fitness for both men and women?
YES! In fact, Zumba was created by a man, Alberto "Beto" Perez. And now, more than 10 million men and women participate in Zumba Fitness in more than 100 countries around the world!
Am I too old for Zumba?
No way! You're never too old for Zumba!
Do I have to know how to dance to follow the workout?
NO! Zumba Fitness is for everyone! We make the steps easy to follow so anyone can get started quickly and easily. And remember, if you're having fun, then you're doing it right!
Is Zumba® Fitness popular?
YES! Over 10 million people participate in Zumba Fitness in more than 100 countries around the world. Over 7 million DVDs have been sold and Zumba Fitness can boast live classes in more than 90,000 locations!
What are the best shoes for Zumba®?
* Please note: You may not participate in our clases if you are barefoot, in only socks or are wearing inappropriate footwear such as flip flops or "toning shoes". Also we strongly discourage the use of jazz/dance sneakers or any footwear purchased from any dance supply store as this type of shoe can cause many foot injuries when used in Zumba fitness classes, such as plantar faciitis (they are however just fine for ballroom dancing).
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. Everyone's feet, body type, and dancing styles are different; it is important for you to try different shoes to find the best one for you! Rykä Studio D and Transition are both great shoes. Nike makes several styles that are great for Zumba®: Zoom Quick Sister, Musique, Cameo, Electro, Vomero to name a few. Several Nike styles such as the Vomero are available at Lady Foot Locker in Bellis Fair. If you tell the manager at Lady Foot Locker that I sent you, she will know which shoes to show you.
I recommend, and wear the Nike Vomero V shoe and the Rykä Transition, while Marcus wears the Rykä Studio D, both available at Zappos.com.
Example: Rykä Studio D |
Example: Nike Vomero V |
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Example: Rykä Transition |
Example: Nike Musique V |
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