What do I need to know for the first class? CUING - Zumba is different than other aerobic classes in that we do not verbally cue much. The idea behind Zumba is to listen to the music and dance. It is normal for new students to be confused during their first few classes. Some students just don't like this aspect of Zumba. However, many students (that were lost in the beginning) find it much more enjoyable later that we are not interrupting the music. We do physically cue, so you are not completely on your own. PARTICIPATION - We encourage our students to sing, free-style, laugh, yell, smile and anything else that comes to them during the class. We will show you moves to the song and you can change them as you wish. Maybe you have bad hips and need to stay withing your limits...please do so. Maybe you are tired and need something less intense. Just change the moves accordingly! SHOES – cross training shoes, aerobic dance shoes, dance sneakers (the ones with the round pivot point on the ball of your foot) are good for Zumba. Even if you have old sneakers with well-worn treads, choose those over running shoes. You can also take duck tape and put it on the bottom of your shoes if you are getting more traction than you want. No sandals, heels, bare feet, or sock feet.
Why wouldn't I want traction? Some traction is good, but we do a lot of turning and twisting which can be rough on the knees and hips if you choose to do them and have a lot of traction.
CLOTHES - You will not be on the floor, but you wil be bending over and moving a lot so wear something you are comfortable in. Lightweight, wicking and absorbent workout wear will do. You will sweat, but that's a good thing. Many students wear yoga pants, or cardio workout clothes that flow easily with movement. Whatever you choose, be sure you are comfortable. Shorts, pants, capris, tank tops, t-shirts, hats, etc. are all welcome.
HYDRATION – You are encouraged to bring something to drink to the class. You are welcome to get a drink at any time during the hour. We do have about 3-5 second between songs and will take the occassional break, but you can leave the floor at any time. You will sweat a great deal, so be sure to stay hydrated.
FEAR – There are no mistakes in Zumba. Don’t worry about doing all the steps correctly. Zumba is different than other aerobics classes in that the instructors do not verbally cue very much. So, everyone will be a little lost for the first few sessions. The reason for this is that you are encouraged to listen to the music and dance instead of following the instructions of someone else. If you are sweating, breathing and having fun, you are doing Zumba correctly.
 For more information, please see our FAQ page |
New students can save time when the get to the class by completing our waiver/information form and bringing it to class with them. Also, all students (new and seasoned) can take a look at this video that was completed by another student that demonstrates all the basic moves used in Zumba. We use these exact moves or variations of these. You can practice at home. You will be surprised how many of these you already know how to do! ~HINTS~
When you begin taking Zumba classes, focus on the instructor's feet before incorporating the arms. After you get the footsteps down, you can add arms and eventually hip movements.
When there are two instructors, one will likely be doing easier (less impact) variations to the moves while the other does the more intensive version. When there is one instructor, she will do both the easier and harder versions. Choose one that is good for you and continue regardless if she begins doing something with more or less intensity. She will also stop at times to check on the students, keep dancing! ~WARNING~ Zumba is comprised mostly of latin dance moves, so there is a lot of hip movements. Booty shaking is a great leg, hip and ab workout. Let yourself go and "shake what ya momma gave ya." If you don't feel comfortable, you can do squats, or free style through those parts. |
