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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

not to get the appeal of Zumba?

84 replies

manicinsomniac · 04/04/2011 14:06

I feel like a complete freak. Everyone I know loves Zumba, goes on about how great it is, how much fun, what an amazing workout etc. I was so excited when I saw it advertised at the gym. I like the Les Mills Body Jam but thought this seemed better, if anything.

When I tried it I found it so dull and slow moving. When the woman said we were going to start to cool down I looked around and nobody even appeared out of breath let alone seemed to have borken a sweat. I know I hadn't. Yet they still said they enjoyed it and had got some good exercise.

Any positive Zumba experiences out there? I go to a gym with a lot of high impact classes so I did wonder if they were intentionally keeping Zumba easy and that it might be a lot better elsewhere. I half thought about trying another class in the village where I live but I pay £50 a month to be a gym member so only really want to do their classes.

OP posts:
MikeRotch · 04/04/2011 14:09

its the linen trousers of excercise

blinks · 04/04/2011 14:11

'its the linen trousers of excercise' heeheehee

StewieGriffinsMom · 04/04/2011 14:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AlistairSim · 04/04/2011 14:12

What the bleeding heck is it?

Abcinthia · 04/04/2011 14:13

My zumba experience is completely different. Everyone in my class gets very out of breath and sweaty and I always feel exhausted afterwards.

merrymonsters · 04/04/2011 14:14

I like it. Maybe you need a different teacher.

I wouldn't describe Zumba as high impact, but it's more fun than a normal aerobics class.

mousesma · 04/04/2011 14:14

I think there is a lot of variety in the pace and quality of the classes. The one at my local leisure centre is very slow and easy but the one I attend at the church hall is very very fast paced and good fun.

Original poster
manicinsomniac · 04/04/2011 14:16

Abcinthia, glad there are some good classes out there.

Stewie, yes I do like Combat. I like all the Les Mills ones actually though there's no Attack or Vive at my gym so I haven't tried those.

Linen trousers? I feel stupid, I don't understand! I mean I guess your saying it's an easy option but why is that linen?? Confused I'm not very with it today!

OP posts:
StewieGriffinsMom · 04/04/2011 14:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
manicinsomniac · 04/04/2011 14:17

you're, that is, not your. Argh.

OP posts:
Original poster
manicinsomniac · 04/04/2011 14:17

haha ok, glad I'm not missing much then!

OP posts:
dinkystinky · 04/04/2011 14:17

I think it depends on the teacher - am not into dancing at all (love bodycombat, pump, boxfit etc) but really enjoy the zumba class that I go to as the teacher is great and makes it like a really high impact aerobics class.

AnneTwacky · 04/04/2011 14:19

I don't think zumba is supposed to be slow moving, at least our class isn't.

I would agree that you should try a different teacher, you might find it a bit more of a challenge.

WhatsWrongWithYou · 04/04/2011 14:20

I thought it was crap when I tried it - not demanding enough in terms of feeling like you'd worked out, but too much hip-swivelling and fast twisting which my dodgy back can't cope with.
I prefer the security of the static gym machines rather than being at the mercy of a flaky instructor who's done a weekend course.
Wasn't as bad as Nia though - that takes crap exercise classes to a whole new level!

Iwantscallops · 04/04/2011 14:21

My gym instructor described it as "a class for fatties to make themselves feel like they have done a little something".

I have been to a class a few times and have to admit I didn't like it. It wasn't (physically) hard enough and there is only so much Ricky Martin and Shakira I can take.

Skinit · 04/04/2011 14:23

Even the frigging NAME of it makes m teeth itch. Zumba....eeeeeeeeeeeek!

whatsallthehullaballoo · 04/04/2011 14:25

I think you get out of it what you put in!! I am reasonably fit - I get out of breath because if you do it all properly, holding tummy in, up on tip toes, low squats and high jumps etc you will get tired. Some people go out looking like they have just been for a walk - because they basically walk the steps! Work really hard and you will sweat!

MySweetPrince · 04/04/2011 14:27

Me amd my DD love it - we get really hot and sweaty after a class..and my DD has lost about 7lbs since starting the class......Ricky Martin?? Ours is more Bollywood than Hollywood...lote of booty shakes and twisting, great workout. Oh, and I'm not a fatty trying to feel good about myself, I did all the aerobic stuff when in my twenties..now I'm over 50 this suits me better.

Seona1973 · 04/04/2011 14:27

the one at my local sports centre is like the one the OP describes (low impact and slow i.e. crap!) but the other one I go to now is much faster and upbeat and you feel as if you have had a good workout. None of the tracks she plays feature Ricky Martin or Shakira!!!

Original poster
manicinsomniac · 04/04/2011 14:28

what's wrong with you - Nia? Haven't heard of that one, what's that like?

I just looked at the timetable for the gym I go to and have never before noticed that the three Zumba classes have different 'sweat drop' ratings. Two drops for two of them but only one drop for the one with a different instructor (which is the one I went to). The others are at inconvenient times but I will try one of them when I can and see if it's better. Because latin dance should totally be my kind of exercise if I find a way to get enough calories burned through it.

Iwantscallops - that's kind of funny but I'm not sure an instructor should have said it. Bit offensive, they should be encouraging everyone to do what they can and to feel positive!

OP posts:
QuickLookBusy · 04/04/2011 14:28

I enjoy it and certainly break into a sweat. I think it must depend on the teacher. It's the only class I really enjoy.

And Iwantscallops I think your instructor sounds a bit mean. Its insrtuctors like him/her who put people off exercising!

Niceguy2 · 04/04/2011 14:29

My gym instructor described it as "a class for fatties to make themselves feel like they have done a little something".

Agree! It's better than doing nothing.....but not by much.

Seona1973 · 04/04/2011 14:30

maybe you went to the over-50's class Wink

QuickLookBusy · 04/04/2011 14:30

Are you a "fattie" then Niceguy?

Desperateforthinnerthighs · 04/04/2011 14:34

You need a different instructor....I go to Zumba, its fast paced and I sweat like a pig Blush

They say the average zumba class burns 700 cals - you were def at the wrong one!!

Try Spinning, a fabby workout also :)

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