Zumba - My First Experience
Published on Jun 2nd, 2008 in Fitness with
I took my first Zumba class the other day.
What is Zumba, you ask? My definition of Zumba is that it is a mixture of Latin moves, hip-hop, and a touch of belly dancing. For a more formal definition, check out the Wikipedia site.
The Zumba exercises were more low-impact, yet high-energy, and they didn’t affect my bad knee, which was very important to me! There were a lot of side-to-side movements and lots of hip shaking. The music had a Latin and club feel and pumped out infectious beats that made me want to keep moving, even after the hour was over!
Now, I can’t say that I got the hip shaking down to an art, but this exercise class was fun… and a great workout! You don’t need a dance background for Zumba; there were a mixture of levels in this class. However, I think it always helps having a little bit of coordination! Even the not-so-coordinated folks had a great time, even if that was from laughing at themselves trying to wiggle their hips. I admit I was part of the laughing-at-themselves group from time to time, but I think my years of dance instruction from years past helped give some appearance of Latin smoothness (or at least in my mind)!
The studio claims a Zumba class can burn up to 500-700 calories. I don’t know how many calories I burned, and honestly I don’t really care. I went to this class to try something new, and I had a blast. I’ve been itching to dance again - in a formal class environment as opposed to at home with the blinds shut - and Zumba provided that fix. I’d like to go back for more classes. 
Here’s a video giving you a sample of one of the Zumba dances. (If you’re reading this in a feedreader or email, you may need to click through to view it.)
That looks really fun! I bet that I would enjoy it. I like upbeat workouts.
Emily,
Give it a try if you’re able! I’m positive you’d love it!
Looks like so much fun! Will you be going regularly?
I LOVE THE ZUMBA.
took me a bit initially to get over the EVERYONE IS STARING AT ME, realize no one cared, and shake my booootyhips
That is SO AWESOME. I’ve been doing a Tae-Bo video recently which is almost more like dancing. I’d forgotten how much I missed the fun side of dancing. Ballet/yoga is fun, but it doesn’t make me feel sexy. I should see if our Zumba video at work is checked in, I’ve seen at least one cross my desk.
Sagan,
I am definitely going to make a point of going back! There are some evening classes, so I’ll just have to coordinate my schedule.
MizFit,
No one watches each other for fear that they are the ones being watched!
That and we’re all focused on the instructor to know what move comes next!
Mrs. Micah,
Zumba can definitely make you feel sexy… or silly - depends on how well you pick up the moves.
With your dance background, I don’t think you’ll have any problems.
Hope you find that video!