Many people trying to lose weight or improve their cardiovascular health will do well to turn to aerobic fitness classes such as Zumba. Zumba fitness classes began as a group class for gym members regularly taught by Zumba founder, Beto Perez of Columbia. When Beto forgot his normal fitness class music one day, he substituted music from his personal collection of Latin dance music tapes to accompany his class. The students loved the new class music and dance steps and Beto went on to develop Zumba, a new type of cardio dance class.
Step 1
Find Zumba classes which you can regularly attend. Call your local gym for recommendations or visit www.zumba.com and click on "Find a Class" in order to locate classes near you. Alternatively, you can purchase Zumba fitness DVDs for home use, via the Zumba.com website.
Step 2
Attend your Zumba classes dressed for comfort. You should wear workout clothing that breathes, because in Zumba class you can expect to perspire. Wearing the correct shoes is very important as well. Wear lightweight supportive shoes in which you will be able to move forward, backward and side-to-side, as Zumba steps will take you all across the floor.
Step 3
Watch your instructor for cues to every step. Zumba instructors are trained to speak very little; instead, they cue participants with hand and body gestures as well as provide clear demonstrations of steps and combinations. Your instructor should be your mirror, so you only need to follow along.
Step 4
Listen for unique Latin rhythms. Zumba dances are most often choreographed to basic Latin dance rhythms such as salsa, merengue and cumbia. Each dance will feature simple steps designated for a defined rhythm. Merengue rhythms will feature a 1-2 marching rhythm, and salsa will feature a 1-and-2 triple step rhythm. Once you recognize the type of music you're dancing to, your steps will flow more naturally.
Step 5
Stay hydrated and aware of your exertion levels. Official Zumba Instructor Theresa Miles of Cary, Ill. suggests class members drink plenty of water in between dances to support their efforts and keep energy high. Zumba fitness classes are intended to be danced in intervals of varying intensity, so make sure you stay aware of how thirsty, tired or breathless you might become during the more intense intervals. Expect to reach a moderately high level of exertion during certain up-tempo songs in the class, and then cycle down during the slower, more relaxed songs.
