Zumba is a new type of fitness dance that is becoming popular all over the world, almost becoming a way of life. Do you want to join the zumba movement? Are you ready to wiggle your butt and burn calories? You're in good company!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Right Zumba for You
Step 1. Attend classes
As zumba is becoming so popular, it will only take you a couple of mouse clicks to find a class near your home. The inventors of zumba have proudly stated that it is easier to make a list of places where Zumba is not taught than one where Zumba is taught. So, you have no excuses! The gym near your home or the dance or yoga school should be the first place to go to find out. Otherwise, try searching for a course near you on zumba.com
Find a certified zumba instructor. While technically anyone can teach zumba (strangely it's not copyrighted), certified instructors are always up to date on the latest zumba fashions, routines, songs, styles, and variations. To find one, all you have to do is ask
Step 2. Otherwise, dance at home alone
Being such a popular dance, you'll find hundreds of videos on YouTube or even Xbox and Wii games. If you don't like going to classes, or don't know where to go, or just want to stay home, zumba will come to you. There are literally dozens of titles available for the aforementioned consoles. They can be just as effective!
YouTube is also a great resource. Even if you've decided to go to class, watching a few videos on YouTube can help you get into the zumba mindset and get to the gym ready. But remember, every class and every instructor is different, even though the zumba lifestyle and mentality are always the same
Step 3. Study the different styles
If this dance has become famous all over the world there is also a reason: "Anyone can do it", and, by taking a look at the different types of Zumba, we can see it. Here is a list of the styles that currently exist:
- Zumba Fitness: or the "standard" Zumba. A dance with highly energetic rhythms with flavors of Latin music that guarantee sweat and fun.
- Zumba Toning: in this style we use weights called "toning sticks". Think of them as maracas for abs, glutes, hips and arms.
- Zumba Gold: dedicated to middle-aged people. These classes are more relaxed than Zumba Fitness but follow the same principles.
- Zumba Gold Toning: Don't be surprised, zumba toning is dedicated to older people who don't want to miss out on the pleasure of zumba. And believe us, they are a large group!
- Zumba Water: Also called "zumba pool party". You use the same moves as in zumba (plus others), but you dance half-immersed in the water… as you can imagine it's a bit more difficult!
- Zumba Sentao: This style focuses on a chair. It helps strengthen the torso, work on balance and helps the cardiovascular system in a whole new dynamic way.
- Zumba Step: This style contains all the step training for toning and strengthening the legs and glutes plus all the fun of the zumba fitness philosophy.
- Zumba in the Circuit: This style mixes zumba with the fitness circuit. Between one glute movement and another, resistance exercises are done to train the whole body.
- Zumbatomic: for the little ones!
Step 4. Try different classes and different instructors
As with everything else, each class and instructor will be different. Some courses are always busy, while others will be calmer, longer or shorter. Each instructor has their own particular style. So, if you start attending classes and are not satisfied, try another course before giving up. You might be surprised at the differences between one course and another!
Since there are so many different styles, try them all! If you like zumba fitness, try zumba toning or zumba water too. Don't get too habitual: surprising your body is as important as surprising your mind
Part 2 of 3: Let's get started
Step 1. Become familiar with Latin American dances
While being a dancer isn't a prerequisite to zumba dancing, it sure won't hurt to have a basic understanding of the genre. In zumba, there are elements of cha-cha, salsa and merengue - along with flashes of hip-hop and modern music (and body exercises, of course!). Thankfully wikiHow never misses the opportunity to help you out! Check out these guides to get a basic grasp:
- How to Dance Cha Cha Cha
- How to Learn to Dance Salsa
- How to Dance the Merengue
Step 2. Put on the right clothing
If you are not well equipped it will be quite difficult to follow the courses. The solution is simple: wear the right clothing! Zumba heats up fast, so wear light clothing or layered clothing so you can get rid of some clothes if you're too hot. Find your style. You will see zumba students dressed completely in latex and others dressed in baggy T-shirts. There is no right or wrong style!
As for footwear, wear new sneakers. If the shoes are too worn you will not be able to stay still on the supporting foot. If you fall in love with zumba, you might want to invest in dance shoes. A cheap dance shoe costs only 20 euros and can also be bought online
Step 3. Bring towel and water with you
While you may think that you are not really training because you will only spend an hour dancing, in reality, you ARE training. Since you will sweat a lot, you will need to bring a towel and a bottle of water. Most instructors take small breaks between songs, during which you will certainly be happy to have that bottle!
There are those who say they managed to lose up to 600 calories during a one-hour class. Which is great! You will have to do an hour less on the treadmill. Of course, it all depends on the energy you put into it. However, zumba generally consumes a lot of calories
Step 4. Don't expect to find a normal fitness class
Most fitness classes are seriously structured: the instructor stands in front of the students and talks for a full hour. Zumba is not like that. There is a reason you are asked when you start if you want to "join the party". Zumba is the only workout where the hours fly by and you forget you're in the gym.
Many recognize zumba as their way of life. Some even say they have found better friends in Zumba classes than outside. In your class, you will find friends to hang out with, celebrate and dance with. There is an atmosphere in these courses that you won't be able to find anywhere else. In short, you will never be able to do without it
Step 5. Dance
After this long chat it's time to get to the point. So what is zumba? Well, let's say zumba is a lot of things together. Some styles, like salsa for example, blend with hip-hop. Add a few steps of merengue and cha-cha and you'll get an idea. Let's not forget the aerobic aspect either! By shaking your backside and dancing the mambo you will be able to lose a lot of weight while having fun!
- No, you don't have to be a dancer. Remember when I said zumba is for everyone? If you go to class, let your instructor know you've never danced zumba before, and he'll explain everything to you. Stand in the front row and carefully and fully observe the instructor's body - don't hide behind, otherwise you won't learn!
- You don't have to lose weight. Do what you can. All the movements of zumba have been designed in such a way that everyone can strive as they wish. If you are not very fit, go slower!
Step 6. Do some testing
The first few lessons may seem a little difficult. You may feel overloaded, unable to keep up with the movements of others or have no idea what is happening, but already from the second lesson everything will be easier and you will remember the movements that are best for you. By the third lesson, you will have already become zumba addicted! Try again, then. Everything takes practice. The more you dance the more you will have fun!
Part 3 of 3: Burn Even More Calories
Step 1. Dissolve
For maximum results, you need to melt. Unleash your inner child and dance like no one is watching you. Trust us, and who cares if you shake your butt to the left while the others throw it to the right? If you melt and let yourself go, you will be able to learn zumba.
If you hesitate in the movements it is difficult for you to train seriously. If you stay stiff with your feet aligned and your arms at your sides you won't have fun, you won't sweat, and you probably won't even want to go back to the class. So, go all out
Step 2. Use your arms
This is the easiest way to get the most out of your zumba session. At first, you will be tempted to let your legs do all the work out of shyness. Remember to have arms too! Latin American dancers are so good because when they move they do it with their whole body - even with their hands. You want to be as good as them, right?
If in doubt, keep your arms stiff. You don't have to wave like crazy, but at least avoid holding them at your hips and keep them stiff. The beauty of zumba is also the attitude
Step 3. Move up and down
In zumba, there are squats, punches, and gym exercises, as well as traditional dance moves, such as when the instructor starts you off the floor and gets you up while dancing. If you have to do a choreography, go all out. The more up and down you go, the better your workout will be, not to mention the feeling the next morning! That sense of burning mixed with satisfaction.
Step 4. Move your butt
If you have it, sculetta. The whole class is rocking, join them! The only wrong way to do it is to not do it. The more you fidget, the more you have fun and the better your moves will be. So, shake shake shake… shake shake shake… shake your booty, shake your bootyyyy!
If there's a move you can't get right, shaking your hips and glutes a little bit will fix the solution. Of course, zumba is also a sexy dance. Unleash
Step 5. Add your personal touch
You can be shy, move exactly like your instructor, or move badly - move as you enjoy yourself the most. This way, you will be able to burn more calories. Are you looking to lose weight or have fun? Who knows!
Once you have mastered the movements fully, add your touch and energy to the dynamics of the class. The more people who let go completely, the better. You will be able to excite each other! Now, this is called training
Advice
- You will find that a pair of dance shoes really help! The reason for this is that regular sneakers make too much friction against the floor to allow you to slide your feet to the ground during the dance.
- Zumba involves a lot of glute movement, so be careful and wear a good bra if you're curvy - if you're particularly lucky, try wearing two! A pair of leggings, a yoga bodice, fine socks and your ballet slippers should complete the picture.
