Let's Zumba! Ask your questions of Beto, the founder of Zumba - chance to win one of ten Zumba DVDs! ANSWERS BACK.

[AngelieMumsnet]

You’ve heard of Zumba®. Now you can experience it at home with Zumba® being released on DVD and Digital Download on 7th December! To celebrate we have an exclusive Q&A with the creator of Zumba® himself, Beto Perez.

DVD available to order now here.

The team at Zumba say "Beto is the creative genius behind the Zumba® programme, the fitness formula that has revolutionised the way millions of people think of exercise. It’s fun, effective and best of all? Made for everyone! People from all around the world have joined the fat-burning dance fitness party and achieved amazing results - and now it’s your turn! In the new Zumba DVD, Beto takes you through the essential moves to get you dancing yourself into shape!

Beto began as a fitness instructor in his home city of Cali, Colombia, and upon arriving to teach class one day realised he had left his traditional aerobics music at home. In a moment of spontaneity, he unpacked his personal salsa and merengue tapes from his backpack, popped them into the sound system and taught his first Zumba® class. After a successful career as a trainer and choreographer in Colombia, Beto made the big move to the United States in search of the American Dream.

After several months, his talent and magnetism landed him a job as an instructor at a prestigious local health club. And with his catchy, easy-to-follow choreography, Beto’s class became the most popular at the gym. In 2001, his innovative style caught the attention of two entrepreneurs: Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion. Instinctively seeing enormous business potential, they wasted no time in teaming up with Beto to create Zumba Fitness, LLC".

Post your questions to Beto on this thread by 11th December and we will send 20 questions over to him for him to respond to. We will then post a link to his responses on the thread on w/c 14 December.

Everyone who submits a question will be entered into a prize draw where 10 MNers will receive a Zumba DVD!

thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

[IamtheZombie]

Let's Zombie?

[HeadDreamer]

I have been to Zumba classes in the gym. I find them too easy on the cardio side. My question is, can it be as good in improving or maintaining cardio fitness compared to classes that I felt I worked very hard in?

[InMySpareTime]

Does Zumba have to be so ruddy loud? There's a Zumba class in the hall over the road, and I can hear it at home 300 yards away, through two sets of walls and double glazing.
That's really put me off, however good the exercise is, I don't want to damage my hearing over it.

[SausageSmuggler]

Ooh I do like a bit of Zumba. My question is that it works with pop/dance music but do you think it could expand further by including other genres of music? I don't mean Adele or anything but there's a few rock and indie bands that have a good beat.

[OnePlanOnHouzz]

The nearest I've got to Zumba so far is watching that crazy advert for glasses where the Zumba lady is on the stage infront of all the oldies !! Looks a scream !! I live miles away from the nearest town. So I might have to Zumba around the lounge on my own !

[Queenbean]

I love Zumba!

I used to teach dance and now really enjoy Zumba, but have noticed that some people struggle with the timings for basic steps / using opposite arms to legs. Would it be worth doing a real basics at the start of the DVD - ie, how to do the basic steps, some tips about moving hips / using opposites etc?

Also would you bring out different levels of difficulty - a more advanced one could have more dance steps but in the Zumba format of repetition.

Keep up the good work, I love Zumba!

[hermancakedestroyer]

I tried a Zumba class once and felt quite embarrassed at dancing around in front of strangers. I would really welcome the chance to do a fat burning workout in the comfort of my own home and I know my children would too!

[confusedandemployed]

I second Queenbean's suggestion of Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced DVDs. I did my Zumba licence training 4 years ago and I love it! But I too can find some classes a bit low impact for my liking.

My question is - will there be another ZIN conference in the UK soon?

[Jinglebells99]

I've been going to Zumba now for a number of years, and just returning after a break of 6 months. How many Zumba classes would I need to do a week in order to improve my fitness and lose weight? I'm thinking the DVD could help with this.

[CherryPicking]

Could someone on your team please write a Zumba song that doesn't give people earworm? Thanks in advance

[vanillavelvet]

I love Zumba! I'd like to know if there are any tricks or techniques to looking as good as the instructors do when I'm dancing? Or is it something that either comes naturally, or not?

[Roseformeplease]

It is good cardio but how can Zumba also be a proper workout for the whole body?

[CopperPan]

I'm looking forward to getting fit again after a hysterectomy. My doctors have told me I will need to wait six weeks before I do any sports or exercise. Will it be fine to start going to classes by then, or should I wait a little longer?

[purplepandas]

How old would children need to be before starting zumba? I have a six year old, could she attempt it?

[RozTheSchnoz]

I've been doing Zumba classes for a few years now. I like it but it no longer leaves me out of breath and/ or sweaty like running or other fitness classes do... What can I do to make it more challenging for myself??

[redexpat]

Beto, how exactly did you feel that day when you realised you forgot your tapes?

Did you ever imagine that it would become so big and spread to so many countries?

What was the moment where you thought - Im onto something here.

[SinisterBumFacedCat]

I'd like to try Zumba but as an out of shape asthmatic I am a bit embarrassed about having to stop to catch my breath. How intensive are classes? Is it acceptable to pause for a moment during the class then carry on once recovered? I do other partner dancing but am able to recover during the odd 3 minute song, is this possible in a Zumba class?

[Syncope]

How much floor space is needed when doing the DVD? I'd really like to have a go but as I'm living with family at the moment, unless I want an audience while Zumba-ing I'll have to do it in the bedroom which has limited floor space!

[NewToRenting]

For a moderate regular workout, how would you recommend combining Zumba with other exercises? I mean, if I wanted a moderately active regime, would I say brisk walk 2 miles on Sunday, do an hour of Zumba on Monday, Zumba toning on Tuesday....

[Borderterrierpuppy]

I love it ! Do it once or twice a week, as well as getting my heart rate up and hit I find it a brilliant mood enhancer. My Zumba instructor is stopping classes next week for Christmas so please please send me a CD :) Big Zumba Mwah !

[Borderterrierpuppy]

Read hot instead of hit :)

[Cocacolaandchocolate]

I too wonder if the Zumba at home kits could have difficulty levels. Also focus areas such a lower Tummy or arms?

[LoisWilkersonsLastNerve]

Beto, The WII Zumba version has the classes taking place in interesting places like on a yacht in Miami or a New York rooftop. Where would your perfect Zumba class location be?

Lois

[sealight123]

Truthfully, I have never Zumba'd (Is that the correct term?)
It looks loads of fun but, I'm quite self-conscious with my body and my serious lack of dance skills. Is there different levels of Zumba? Beginners, Intermediate, Experts?

[WinterBabyof89]

I get plenty of cardio atm, but I am looking to gain muscle mass - will Zumba help me achieve this?
Many Thanks