I took a ZUMBA class!

Yes, I told a lot of you on Twitter that I was taking my first Zumba class yesterday.  I was surfing around Groupon and found a class for only $6– only 5 minutes from my work!  I couldn’t say no.

Background

In case you are living under a rock like I was and never really knew what Zumba was… according to zumba.com,

“Zumba Fitness^® is the only Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and contagious steps to form a “fitness-party” that is downright addictive.

Since its inception in 2001, the Zumba program has grown to become the world’s largest – and most successful – dance-fitness program with more than 12 million people of all shapes, sizes and ages taking weekly Zumba classes in over 110,000 locations across more than 125 countries.”

source

My instructor didn’t quite look like that… sorry, no tie die pants.  However, she was energetic!  For the first time in a while, I was nervous to take a group fitness class.  As a former dancer, I never got butterflies trying new things.  Ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, modern, I’ve tried them all.  I looked on Youtube to figure out what to expect, but walking into the gym I really had NO idea what I was getting myself into.  Each and every Zumba video I watched was different.  Some looked more like hip hop and others looked more like belly dancing.

Format

The class began with a warm up song.  After that, it was intense dancing for an hour.  Each song was a different type of dance:  Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, Bellydancing and more.  My favorite was bellydancing!  After about 50 minutes, it was time for a cool down.  We stretched to “You look beautiful tonight” by Eric Clapton.  A favorite of mine.

Level of difficulty

Moderate.  I could keep up, but some people in the class couldn’t.  (Although it didn’t really matter, because everyone was having a blast!)  Having a background in dance definitely helped with keeping up with the choreography.  I almost could anticipate what the instructor was going to do next.

Score

I rate this class a 9 out of 10.  It felt like a dance party with friends– just as the instructor noted in the very beginning of class.  The teacher didn’t correct anyone on their form or rhythm, which I think made people feel more comfortable.  The only downside to this class in particular is that the excitement level of the people taking the class could have been better.  Not saying everyone should be in top physical condition, but I wish they looked happier doing it.  It would have changed the whole dynamic of the class.  However, after all is said and done… I would definitely take Zumba again!

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Also, don’t forget to enter my Sharkies giveaway for a whole box of Sharkies treats!