ZUMBA - can anyone tell me what it is like?

[ZZZenAgain]

Friend just called, wants to sign us up for it. Had a quick google , is it like dance? I'm thinking it is a bit like aerobics, is that right? I'm ok with dance but I am not a gym freak, so lots of repetitious exercises etc I don't like.

[SeagullsAreLikeThat]

To me, it's the perfect exercise! It's part-dance, part-aerobics, you can make it as intense and energetic as you want to and it also exercises your brain trying to remember all the routines! It's the only exercise that has ever held my attention for long enough to have an effect.

[ZZZenAgain]

that sounds good. I might just go ahead and try it. I hope the routines are not too difficult though. >Brain is aging fast

[SeagullsAreLikeThat]

Have to say I look around the class and notice that the younger generation seem to pick things up far quicker than me, who is 40+ with two children and no sleep! The great thing is that absolutely no one cares how you look or whether you're doing the right steps or just making it up as you go along until you catch up again. That's what I love about it. My only advice is whereas you will instinctively want to stand at the back of the class, it actually makes more sense to go closer to the front so you can actually see what's happening!

[ZZZenAgain]

funny you should say that, I was just thinking I could always hover about at the back! I'm thinking I should attempt it. Is there a special kind of music you do it to?

[strandednomore]

Seagulls has hit the nail on the head. No-one cares if you can do it or not, you'll all look totally ridiculous, don't stop and think about it or you'll give up, the music is very, umm, rapid, and yes do stand at the front, it's a lot easier if you can see what the hell the teacher is doing. Not that that will help much - just make you realise how much better she is than you. All in all though it gets you moving and is a good, fun way to exercise. I'm going tonight!

[SeagullsAreLikeThat]

We do it to all sorts: mostly Latin American stuff but some street dance and we even do one to Jai Ho by the Pussy Cat Dolls! Try going onto You Tube and look up Zumba fitness and you'll find loads of videos. Don't let them scare you off though, some are a bit frantic!!

[strandednomore]

Ha we do Jai Ho too, love it. Is it a Zumba staple do you think - or are we actually at the same Zumba class???

[ZZZenAgain]

I'm having a look on youtube. Looks like fun. DO something for the hidden waist. Not sure about when they speed it up but ok I'll have a bash

THanks

[O2BNormal]

I went for the first time this week and I loved it.

I'm generally pretty fit (marathon runner!) but I don't do aerobics as I have absolutely no sense of rhythm, but after doing London a couple of weeks ago needed a new challenge.

I didn't find it that hard a work-out physically, but really enjoyed the fun of it and the mental work-out was great. I have decided I can do arms or legs, but not both together! Maybe the rest will come with practise. No one cares what you look like and even if they did they're all too busy concentrating on their own moves to notice.

I did stay at the back this week, but have decided to make myself move forward next time, for the reasons others said.

[ZZZenAgain]

I can't compete with a marathon runner (well done you!) but it looks like fun. Trying to decide what time to sign up for, there are two courses on the same day. Argh hate making decisions, friend can do either

[ZZZenAgain]

I can see the arm/leg coordination is stumping a lot of the people on the youtube videos (not the experts but the ones behind them). I think just make up your own arm thing. That's what I would do. Think I'll take the earlier course

[SeagullsAreLikeThat]

Stranded, wouldn't that be funny! I shall be looking round tonight now thinking Which one is Stranded?! However, I think it's a Zumba staple. I didn't realise until I looked on You Tube that even the dances are standard, I thought each teacher choreographed their own.

[ZZZenAgain]

bit like salsa aerobic

[FartBlossom]

Ive been to zumba a couple of times. I did get a bit out of breath, but didnt feel like Id been working out afterwards if that makes sense, but I suppose that's what its all about having fun and not feeling like you are exercising.

I think the new one is Bokwa, which I believe is zumba and boxing mixed together, could be wrong though as Ive never been to that before.

[ZZZenAgain]

think I might be out of breath though. Well, signed up, we'll see how it goes then

[SeagullsAreLikeThat]

Let us know what you think!