How to Zumba?

When participants see a Zumba class in action, they can’t wait to give it a try. Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats.

Before participants know it, they’re getting fit and their energy levels are soaring! There’s no other fitness class like a Zumba® Fitness-Party.
It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating, often building a deep-rooted community among returning students.

Things You'll Need

• Dance sneakers or aerobics shoes
• Towel
• Water Bottle
• Zumba DVDs (if doing at home)

Useful Tips

• Zumba workouts can be intense for you. Consult your doctor before starting a new fitness routine
• Take timely intervals where necessary
• Wear appropriate clothes and shoes
• To increase a cardiovascular workout during aerobic activity, elevate the arms above the head
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during Zumba exercise. If you feel winded or experience breathing difficulties, take a break

Find a Class

Search for a Zumba class which you can attend on regular basis. You can call your local gym for recommendations or visit www.zumba.com in order to locate classes near you. Otherwise, you can purchase Zumba fitness DVDs for workout at home.

Dress Properly

Attend your Zumba classes dressed for comfort. You should wear workout clothing that can allow the air to pass through, because in Zumba classes you’d perspire a lot.
Wearing the appropriate shoes is very essential as well. Wearing lightweight supportive shoes which help you to move forward, backward and side-by-side, and buzz you along the floor!

Visualization

Improve your basics through visualizing; envisage the specific movements of each dance step.
Like in merengue, perform the basics, along with arm variations such as snapping your arms to the right and left, pushing them to the ceiling or folding them in front of your chest and then extending them.
Visualization creates a nerve route between brain and the muscles involved with that action, paving the way when you physically practice the move.

Follow your instructor wisely

Watch carefully your instructor for imitations to every step. Zumba instructors are trained to speak less; instead, they give indications to participants with hand and body gestures and provide clear demonstrations of steps and combinations. Feel your instructor as a mirror, so you only need to follow them along.

Feel the Rhythms!

Zumba dances are usually choreographed to basic Latin dance rhythms such as salsa, merengue and cumbia. Each dance incorporates simple steps assigned for a defined rhythm.
Merengue rhythms will constitute a 1-2 marching rhythm, and salsa will feature a 1-and-2 triple step rhythm.
Once you get the type of music you're dancing to, your steps will flow more naturally.

Stay Hydrated

Stay hydrated and aware of your exertion levels. High level of perspiration can dehydrate you.