How fit do you need to be for Zumba?

[plaingirly]

I have got to the point where I hate how I look and can't stand to look in the mirror.

I was thinking of going to a zumba class as there is a new one near me that doesn't have many people going yet.

It is terrifying though!

I have about 5 stones to lose and am so unfit. I couldn't even run for 2 minutes. Can't believe the state I have got myself into by 26. So sickening!

How much of a work out is zumba? Do you have to be fit to go?

[plaingirly]

Can't say that I do!

[lynniep]

I have done 5 different zumba classes in the last couple of months, and whilst the basic moves are the same, the class depends entirely on the instructor. It varies from very easy to extreme high impact! You really need to just go along and try it. The instructor at my 2nd favourite class is not a slim lady and also is of a certain age, but she's got the moves!

[musttidyupBeforeSantaComes]

She turned out to be a beautiful swan

[plaingirly]

Still some hope for me then!

Looking forward to Zumba on Monday!

There is also a Bokwa class nearby but that looks way harder and faster than Zumba.

[musttidyupBeforeSantaComes]

Never heard of it

[Asterisk]

I'm also thinking of joining a Zumba class but have a couple of questions for already-shimmying ladies. Can you do it on a pay-as-you-go basis or are you obliged to sign up for going every week? I would prefer a drop-in class as I need some flexibility around work/kids. Also, is the music nice? I can't be doing with that high-energy monotonous trance stuff.

[hortensemancini]

the music depends a bit on the instructor, but it's mainly bouncy Latin American/European pop music with the salsa/samba/reggaeton rhythms that form the basis of the moves. The class I go to (which is a highlight of my week!) mixes up similar chart pop with the more usual Zumba tunes, we get a bit of Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Pitbull, etc.

I really like the music - you feel like you're dancing more than doing an aerobics class.

[Northumberlandlass]

Asterisk The classes I go to are pay as you go or pay monthly depends which suits. They are run by two lads who originally started out in gyms running zumba classes & then set up their own company & we do classes in school/ church halls etc.

The music is dance, but it certainly isn't monotonous. Its not my type at all, but I absolutely love dancing to it. Very energising!!

Give it a go. I haven't been able to make last few classes and I feel really down about it. I really go to dance my troubles away

[girlsyearapart]

For anyone who fancies trying Zumba - try different classes as some I go to are very fast & high intensity.

I do another one at the school hall near my house which is more of a community class - even an 80 year old couple at the front!

It means I can do the high intensity one one night and the lower one the following night.

The classes offered are different anywhere you go.

I second the comment about spinning getting you fit & helping weight loss but I do think you need to be fairly fit to start with.