Zumba for fitness [Archive] - Simple Living Forums

wren

1-1-15, 6:18pm

Has anyone here tried Zumba as a form of exercise? Did you like it enough to keep doing it?

I'm looking for a wintertime exercise when it's too stormy outside to go walking. I noticed in the local paper that there is a Zumba class at the evening community school this winter, but it would involve a one-hour commute each way in the dark, over slippery rural roads in a semi-reliable 16-year-old car. Plus, the cost of gas. In other words, not too practical. Then I discovered that youTube is full of Zumba videos, as well as wonderful Cuban Salsa music which I really like. Maybe I could stay home and improvise my own Zumba sessions?

Any thoughts, ladies?

sweetana3

1-1-15, 6:57pm

With that commute, I would do it at home. You would gift yourself two hours of commute to devote to yourself and an exercise program.

Alan

1-1-15, 8:15pm

I'm not a lady but I did spend a year or so at Zumba with my wife once per week. She went 3 nights per week until she broke her elbow and once repaired, never got back into the routine. In my experience, it can be a good cardio workout if you really get into it as my wife did. Big exaggerated movements, high steps, sweeping arm movements, etc. She is planning on returning in the spring because she can feel the difference post Zumba

I always went with her on Thursday evenings because that was the groups after class Margarita night at the local Mexican restaurant. I enjoyed the class but spent all my time there one beat behind, desperately trying to catch up. It was fun!

Simplemind

1-1-15, 8:34pm

shadowmoss

1-2-15, 5:20am

catherine

1-2-15, 7:29am

I highly recommend gaimtv.com

They have really motivating 21-day challenges. I did a yoga for beginners one last September, and I completed the challenge and then went out to find a yoga instructor for once a week lessons, just to be sure I'm doing the asanas properly.

There is a fee, but I find it very much worth it, and it looks like they're having a special:

http://www.gaiamtv.com

Zoe Girl

1-2-15, 9:23am

i provide community programs at my school and they have been asking for zumba for a long time! at other schools that have our community programs the zumba classes are crazy popular. i need to get them started immediately when we get back from winter break. i see a lot of fun there, i might even try it myself although i am not so coordinated so i usually try to protect those around me

KayLR

1-2-15, 1:25pm

The Zumba classes at the Y I belong to are greatly attended. They look really fun. I attended one several years ago at the invite of a co-worker. It was in a grange hall and the "class" was attended by at least 100 people. I thought I was going to be killed! I didn't know what I was doing and got in the way of those who did.

Now, I did attend one at the Y which was smaller and roomier. I enjoyed it more as the instructor was very easy to follow and offered adaptive moves. It really does take more than a time or two to get the hang of it---and I'd like to do that, but it hasn't worked into my schedule yet. They don't offer them at times that are really very good for me.

wren

1-2-15, 1:51pm

With that commute, I would do it at home. You would gift yourself two hours of commute to devote to yourself and an exercise program.

Thanks, that's a good point. I'd only thought about the difficult winter driving, rather than the loss of 2 hours.

wren

1-2-15, 2:05pm

I always went with her on Thursday evenings because that was the groups after class Margarita night at the local Mexican restaurant. I enjoyed the class but spent all my time there one beat behind, desperately trying to catch up. It was fun!

I think it's great that you went with your wife, and had fun. I never expected any men would be interested when I asked my questions; sorry about that! As far as being one beat behind, that describes me perfectly, too. I think the point is to move to the music and enjoy the rhythm.

wren

1-2-15, 2:16pm

Not yet but I'm looking to add it to my winter routine this year. I'll keep you posted as I have been known to get stink eye from instructors for cracking myself up when I can't get moves right. I so want to do beautiful Tai Chi but I just can't get the moves put together. I do enjoy yoga.

I took Tai Chi about 20 years ago, and had nearly learned the set, just needed to practice it all the way through. Then we ended up with a different instructor who would often stop us in the middle of a move (with us trying to balance ourselves while he talked and talked). After that, there was no more flow, which used to be the best part. It can be beautiful when done without stopping. Most of us dropped out of the class.

Alan

1-2-15, 2:22pm

I think it's great that you went with your wife, and had fun. I never expected any men would be interested when I asked my questions; sorry about that! The group we were in had a pretty good representation of couples in their 50's & 60's. We old guys tended to group together in the back, for two important reasons, our lack of rhythm wasn't so obvious to the rest of the class and the view was better. :|(

wren

1-2-15, 2:22pm

anyone have zumba/yoga/whatever exercise YouTube videos to refer me to? I'm interested as I work nights and on my nights off I get bored. Not much open at 1-5am except casinos and I'm going to try to stay away from them more this next year.

Here's one zumba video I liked, by Keaira LaShae. It's very basic and not too fast. I like her joyful personality, and the way she explains each move clearly. Once I learn the moves, I think I'll switch to real salsa music, it's more danceable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H24O3o-82-k
Once you're on youTube you can type in key words and find anything else you want.

wren

1-2-15, 2:25pm

The group we were in had a pretty good representation of couples in their 50's & 60's. We old guys tended to group together in the back, for two important reasons, our lack of rhythm wasn't so obvious to the rest of the class and the view was better. :|(

LOL :laff:

Mary B.

1-2-15, 2:33pm

Has anyone here tried Zumba as a form of exercise? Did you like it enough to keep doing it

Any thoughts, ladies?

My DH and I just started doing Zumba in the mornings. We have a WI and a program for it called Zumba Dance Party. The instructor's name is Gina Grant.

I think anyone who stays a step behind is brilliant. I will count it a great victory if I catch up to that point!

I find it a sufficiently aerobic workout, and it will become more so as I learn the moves and can concentrate more on intensity and less on "omg what is she doing now??" In the meantime, I like that it requires me to move all parts of my body, and helps with balance and agility.