What is Zumba Fitness?

Zumba is a fitness class that combines dance and fitness moves.  Inspired by Latin dance and music, Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines, including Cumbia, Merengue, salsa, reggaeton, mambo, rumba, flamenco, and hip hop. Music selections include both fast and slow rhythms to help tone and sculpt the body. You could burn between 350 to 900 calories per class, BUT it all depends on how you exert yourself.

What do I wear to Zumba Fitness?

You can wear any type of fitness clothes including sweat pants, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts; anything comfortable and cool. As for shoes, wear cross-trainers with a low tread, or dance shoes that will give you support.  Just keep in mind, if your shoes “looks like a tire” on the bottom (e.g., running shoes), do not wear them in class. You need to lesson the chance of injury to your knees, since you will be doing a lot of pivoting moves.

What can I expect when I come to a My Zumba Fitness class?

My Zumba Fitness classes are not like your normal, everyday aerobic class.  We use minimal  verbal cueing with hand and directional cues – although, you will certainly hear lots of hootin’ and hollerin’ with the occasional burst of singing!

All instructors on the My Zumba Fitness team are Licensed by Zumba Corporate, members of the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN), and required to participate in ongoing training.  Each has her own style and will lead the class in easy, simple movements with a combination of dance and fitness moves.

The music is fun and invigorating and is mostly Latin. As mentioned above, different Latin dance styles will be used, as well as fitness moves, such as bicep curls, lunges, and other body-toning moves. There will be a lot of hip and booty shaking too! While FUN is a goal, your safety is our number one concern; if you have any low back or knee problems (or any medical problems), keep your moves basic and ask your Instructor for an alternative way to do the move.

The structure of the class starts with a warm-up and proceeds to intervals of faster and slower tempos throughout the duration of the class, ending with a cool-down and stretch. While the main thrust of any Zumba Fitness class is a cardio workout, don’t be surprised if a dance move transforms into a squat, lunge or power move – that’s why Zumba Fitness gained the term “exercise in disguise”.  Zumba Toning classes use light hand weights with even more “large muscle” work to build strength, endurance and flexibility.  Our Zumba In The Circuit format is packed with strength training exercises to burn fat, build muscle and improve your balance, flexibility and endurance. No matter what class you attend, be sure to bring some water and a small towel, because you will sweat!

What if I’m not coordinated and I can’t dance!

Be patient and don’t get frustrated!  Okay, I admit, the first few classes may be frustrating, because you may not know the songs and will not know the “teaching style” of your Instructor. You may feel like you have two-left-feet, but I assure you, after you attend class a few times, you will catch on! You could also arrive early or stay after class and ask your Instructor about moves that you do not quite get.   Zumba uses a lot of repetition steps in every class. After a few classes you will know the basic steps.  Remember… this is how Beto, the Creator of Zumba puts it….Feel the Music!  Most of all, just have fun! Even if you can’t do a step, just move to however the music makes you feel!  There is no wrong or right way to participate in a Zumba Fitness class!

What if I’m out of shape and I can’t keep up?

Know your own body! Most people know their limits. If not, see your doctor before attempting any type of exercise. Work out at your own pace until you are comfortable with the routine/exercise. Within a few weeks, you will see improvement…you will not stop as much… and your stamina would have improved greatly!  Just hang in there, because you already took your first step toward a healthier, better lifestyle – you started out with a fun, rewarding class.  Be proud of yourself!

What kind of people are in your Zumba Fitness classes?

People of all fitness abilities, ages, sizes and nationalities take Zumba Fitness classes. We encourage family members to workout together so if you are a mother-daughter team, sisters, or any other combination of family, ask about our family discount! (same household).

How will Zumba Fitness benefit me?

It depends on how your exert yourself!  Physically, you will burn between 350-900 calories in one-hour! You will build cardio strength and tone muscles. Mentally, you will relieve stress, stimulate your brain by learning coordination and new steps, plus it makes you smile and sweat at the same time!  Socially, you will meet some amazing people who will encourage you to keep at it.  You’ll find that after one class, you can’t wait to come back again!  You will be a Zumba Fanatic!

How many calories can I burn during a Zumba Fitness class?

It is very difficult to estimate the number of calories burned during a Zumba Fitness class; it depends on your fitness level, body type and composition, the intensity, and the range of motion that you use with each workout. You can find our by wearing a heart rate monitor that accounts for your age, weight and height. Participants have been measured to have burned from 400 calories up to 1000 calories in a one hour class. We recommend monitoring how you feel and increasing intensity as your able – the harder you work, the more calories are burned!  Our Zumba Challenge provides the program to help you achieve your weight loss and/or fitness goals (details coming soon!).

Can I take more than one class a week?

Yes!  Zumba Fitness is a GREAT cardio workout!  The minimum guidelines for general fitness include a cardio workout at least 5 times per week.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be an organized class… walking, cycling, treadmill, or any type of cardio workout will benefit you… however, Zumba Fitness is the choice for most people, because it makes working out fun!

Can I just try one class to see if I like it?

Absolutely! We offer a drop in rate of $12 for you to try out a class for the first time!

What is Zumba in the Circuit or ZITC?

The workout incorporating Zumba Fitness into a circuit training routine is unique and effective! Moving around a series of resistance training stations working your upper and lower body is combined with all the same moves and grooves of a “regular” Zumba Fitness class. It’s a true integration of cardio and resistance training – which is proven to have the best results for weight loss. Our team of ZIN offers our own version of this amazing workout. Try it once and you will be hooked!