Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any previous dance experience?
No not at all! Anyone can do Zumba®! All ages, all body types and all skill levels! You do not need any previous dance experience. The basics are taught to you.
I have two left feet...how can I get a good workout from Zumba®?
Zumba® is not about getting every step perfect. There are no judges on the sidelines waiting to score us. Zumba® is about feeling the music and having fun...while getting a great workout. The more energy you put into your Zumba® moves, the better your results will be.
Do you have beginner classes, because I'm concerned that I have no rhythm and I'm afraid that I'll look silly or embarrass myself?
Trust me you are not going to look silly or embarrass yourself. In our regular ZumbaŽ classes we follow the authentic ZumbaŽ format, which allows for a multi-level class. You'll see a mix of everyone from the beginner, intermediate and advanced fitness participant to the professional dancer. You can also come to our Zumba® Gold class which is a lower impact and lower intensity class. Keep the following in mind when attending any ZumbaŽ class, you are not expected to move like anyone but you! No one will critique your dance or fitness skills. The most important things to remember while participating in a ZumbaŽ class are to let go, allow yourself to move naturally to the music, keep moving and to have fun!
What should I bring?
Water You will need it! Always keep yourself hydrated. We do have bottled water for $1.00 at the studio if you wish to purchase it. A towel Bringing a towel really helps with removing access sweat, especially off of the face. A friend Get friends to come with you to Zumba® class! That may give you that extra boost to stay motivated and fulfill your health goal.
Do I need a partner?
Not at all. Everyone is learning the steps individually, but please feel free to bring all your friends with you! This is an exercise class, not partner dancing.
How many calories can I burn during a Zumba® Class?
It is very difficult to estimate the number of calories burned during a Zumba® Class, because it depends on you, your body type, your body composition, the intensity, and the range of motion that you use with each workout. For example in one Zumba class, one participant could burn 400 calories, while another participant burns 1000 calories. We recommend monitoring how you feel and compare it to other activities that you do that have "calories burned" associated with it and then estimate accordingly.
If Zumba® is so much fun, how can I be getting a workout?
With Zumba® you get out what you put in! You can put as much or as little energy into it and you will get the appropriate results. Zumba® participants can burn approximately 400-1,000 calories per class based on their cardio intensity and fitness level. The Zumba® routines feature aerobic interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body. Zumba® is a total body workout with emphasis on the glutes, legs, arms, abdominals, and the most important muscle of the body…THE HEART!
What are the best shoes for Zumba®?
* Please note: You may not participate in our clases if you are barefoot, in only socks or are wearing inappropriate footwear such as flip flops. Also we strongly discourage the use of jazz/dance sneakers or any footwear purchased from a dance supply store.
Zumba® recommends any shoe that has good cushion support, medial-lateral support (for side to side movements) and low-traction rubber (for easy sliding and turning). There are a number of great fitness shoes and dance sneakers that fit this description. Usually court shoes or "aerobic" shoes are good for medial-lateral and pivoting movements. Running shoes are not ideal due to the heavy tread on the bottom of the shoes and because running shoes are designed more for forward movement.
The best shoe for you is the shoe that fits your foot well. Everyone's feet, body type, and dancing styles are different; it is important for you to try different shoes to find the best one for you! Ryka Studio D is a great shoe. Nike makes several styles that are great for Zumba®: Zoom Quick Sister, Musique, Cameo, Electro, Vomero to name a few. The Nike Zoom Quick Sister, Vomero and Cameo are available at Lady Foot Locker in Bellis Fair. If you tell the manager at Lady Foot Locker that I sent you, she will know which shoes to show you.
I recommend, and wear the Nike Vomero IV shoe--which works best for my particular foot-- while Marcus wears the Ryka Studio D, both available at Zappos.com.
Example: Ryka Studio D Style |
Example: Nike Vomero IV |
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