How to Join a Zumba Exercise Class
Zumba can be a truly enjoyable addition to your healthy lifestyle. It combines aerobics with several dances, including salsa, rumba and samba, and is often done to a reggaeton or Latin beat. Unlike aerobics, the routines often start on your left side and incorporate arms, hips and feet into most moves. You will get to know the choreography after attending classes for a few months. You will burn calories, laugh and have fun at the same time you are becoming leaner and trimmer.
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Things You'll Need
- Health Club Information
- Parks and Recreation brochure
- Internet
- Computer
- Local Exercise class schedules
Instructions
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Find out if Zumba is available in your area. Your local YMCA, parks and recreation department, dance studio or health club is a great resource. Call them and find out dates, times, requirements and pricing. You can also search online at the official Zumba site (see Resources, below) for classes and instructors in your area
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Search online at the official Zumba site (see Resources, below) to find classes and licensed instructors in your area. Zumba instructors must attend a Zumba training course to earn an instructor license.
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If you have not had a physical examination in a while, see your doctor and make sure you are healthy enough for exercise. Zumba can be very intense. If you have bad knees, talk to your physician before attempting a class or wear a knee brace, as you will be jumping, skipping and placing demands on your legs.
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Tips & Warnings
Dress in light shorts or sweat pants, and wear a headband or tie your hair back. You'll sweat a lot, so wear cotton socks and a T-shirt or tank top.
Purchase a light exercise or cushioned dance shoe. Heavy shoes could cause injury and slow you down or twist your knees and strain joints.
Always consult a medical professional before starting any exercise program, especially if you are over age 50 or have not exercised in a while.
Be sure to warm up before your Zumba class. A few minutes on a stationary bike or stretching should suffice. Do not rely on the in-class warm-up alone, as it is typically not sufficient for a beginner or someone who has not exercised in awhile.
References
Resources
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