TIPS
Drink water before, during and after class! It is very important to stay well hydrated.
Go at your own rate. Try not to overexert yourself. I have classes that are very intense and others that are low impact. Listen to your body. If you feel tired or out of breathe…slow down- minimize arms, legs and/or body movements. In time, with dedication and hard work your body will build up the endurance and strength needed to perform the intense 60 minute workout.
You do not need to be a dancer to take Zumba®. If you love music, I think this is for you. I am giving you a space with music, to move and to get a work out. We are not judging your salsa skills. We are all at different levels, we are all coming together to have a good time. I am always trying to learn as well.
Try not to get frustrated if you find the steps are too difficult to follow. Hearing the music, seeing the dancing, and participating is great way for you to learn and to improve on your skills. You will surprise yourself one day and think, “O! I got it!!!!”. The music is fun, energetic and addicting! You will begin to feel the rhythm in your body.
POSTURE:
VERY IMPORTANT. First, proper form will prevent injuries. Second, you will notice better results, especially in the core area. Maintaining good posture throughout your day (ie. when walking) will eventually become a natural part of everyday life. It’s like a continued exercise. Furthermore, proper form is good for preventing future problems.
ATTIRE & SHOES:
Dress comfortably with clothes that breathe. Find what is comfortable for you. Think safety and support. Arch supports can be purchased at any grocery store for $7 they make a huge difference. I used to have pain in my feet, now I have none. Also, if you feel burning in the balls of your feet, it is because your shoes don’t fit right and so your feet are rubbing back & forth inside of your shoes. Try different shoes on, or a smaller size. Everyone is different, keep that in mind. Dance Aerobics shoes, dance sneakers, or regular cross trainers works great.
At home– quick workouts! How difficult is it to do a 3 minute merengue song and work out your arms? It’s only 3 minutes of you day! It is nothing. Challenge your kids to a competition! Put on the song and have them work out their arms or do Tinikling. You can do it so quick at home, and I’ll tell ya, those ARM SONGS we do are amazing! I’m living proof of how effective it is! Get your family involved, it is a lot of fun, you will have your kids cracking up trying to do Tinikling (the Filipino stick dance) trying to keep up with the step. Ask me questions before and after class. I usually stay after class to talk to you. I am more than happy to go over steps with you that you are having trouble with. Sometimes all you need is a little individual attention to better understand how to do a step. I can help you.
Give me suggestions! Let me know if you think I should improve or change anything. Also, let me know what you like about the class so I can try to incorporate it more often. I DO take song requests all the time. If I am informed about your suggestions, I can take the appropriate actions to make changes; this will make the classes better and more enjoyable for all of us.
HAVE FUN! ENJOY THE MUSIC!
Drink water before, during and after class! It is very important to stay well hydrated.
Go at your own rate. Try not to overexert yourself. I have classes that are very intense and others that are low impact. Listen to your body. If you feel tired or out of breathe…slow down- minimize arms, legs and/or body movements. In time, with dedication and hard work your body will build up the endurance and strength needed to perform the intense 60 minute workout.
You do not need to be a dancer to take Zumba®. If you love music, I think this is for you. I am giving you a space with music, to move and to get a work out. We are not judging your salsa skills. We are all at different levels, we are all coming together to have a good time. I am always trying to learn as well.
Try not to get frustrated if you find the steps are too difficult to follow. Hearing the music, seeing the dancing, and participating is great way for you to learn and to improve on your skills. You will surprise yourself one day and think, “O! I got it!!!!”. The music is fun, energetic and addicting! You will begin to feel the rhythm in your body.
POSTURE:
VERY IMPORTANT. First, proper form will prevent injuries. Second, you will notice better results, especially in the core area. Maintaining good posture throughout your day (ie. when walking) will eventually become a natural part of everyday life. It’s like a continued exercise. Furthermore, proper form is good for preventing future problems.
ATTIRE & SHOES:
Dress comfortably with clothes that breathe. Find what is comfortable for you. Think safety and support. Arch supports can be purchased at any grocery store for $7 they make a huge difference. I used to have pain in my feet, now I have none. Also, if you feel burning in the balls of your feet, it is because your shoes don’t fit right and so your feet are rubbing back & forth inside of your shoes. Try different shoes on, or a smaller size. Everyone is different, keep that in mind. Dance Aerobics shoes, dance sneakers, or regular cross trainers works great.
At home– quick workouts! How difficult is it to do a 3 minute merengue song and work out your arms? It’s only 3 minutes of you day! It is nothing. Challenge your kids to a competition! Put on the song and have them work out their arms or do Tinikling. You can do it so quick at home, and I’ll tell ya, those ARM SONGS we do are amazing! I’m living proof of how effective it is! Get your family involved, it is a lot of fun, you will have your kids cracking up trying to do Tinikling (the Filipino stick dance) trying to keep up with the step. Ask me questions before and after class. I usually stay after class to talk to you. I am more than happy to go over steps with you that you are having trouble with. Sometimes all you need is a little individual attention to better understand how to do a step. I can help you.
Give me suggestions! Let me know if you think I should improve or change anything. Also, let me know what you like about the class so I can try to incorporate it more often. I DO take song requests all the time. If I am informed about your suggestions, I can take the appropriate actions to make changes; this will make the classes better and more enjoyable for all of us.
HAVE FUN! ENJOY THE MUSIC!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any previous dance experience?
No. You do not need any previous dance experience. The basics are taught to you. If you do happen to have previous dance experience, this is a good way to add new learned moves/styles to your experience.
What kind of intensity should I expect?
Zumba® is a High/Low impact class. Be prepared to sweat, learn moves and have fun! What should I wear? Wear comfortable clothing. Basically "work out gear." Good comfortable sneakers are very helpful. The best ones for Zumba® are ones that absorb shock.
What should I bring?
Water! That is a major priority. Always keep yourself hydrated. I am First Aid and CPR certified, however, don't scare the heebie jeebies out of me by passing out because you re not hydrated. A towel! I am a sweat box during Zumba®classes. If you are the same way, 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. I can't get the steps!
What should I do?
Practice, practice, practice! Sometimes an hour of class time just isn't enough to get all of the footwork. After repeating the movements, you will be a pro in no time. You can refer to the "Footwork" page also to view all of the basic footwork taught in class.
Do I need a partner?
Not at all. Everyone is learning the steps individually. This class has an aerobics class feel.
Do I need any previous dance experience?
No. You do not need any previous dance experience. The basics are taught to you. If you do happen to have previous dance experience, this is a good way to add new learned moves/styles to your experience.
What kind of intensity should I expect?
Zumba® is a High/Low impact class. Be prepared to sweat, learn moves and have fun! What should I wear? Wear comfortable clothing. Basically "work out gear." Good comfortable sneakers are very helpful. The best ones for Zumba® are ones that absorb shock.
What should I bring?
Water! That is a major priority. Always keep yourself hydrated. I am First Aid and CPR certified, however, don't scare the heebie jeebies out of me by passing out because you re not hydrated. A towel! I am a sweat box during Zumba®classes. If you are the same way, 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. I can't get the steps!
What should I do?
Practice, practice, practice! Sometimes an hour of class time just isn't enough to get all of the footwork. After repeating the movements, you will be a pro in no time. You can refer to the "Footwork" page also to view all of the basic footwork taught in class.
Do I need a partner?
Not at all. Everyone is learning the steps individually. This class has an aerobics class feel.
Good To Know
1. Bring/drink water.
2. Bring a towel.
3. Wear comfortable clothing/sneakers.
4. Don't over exert yourself.
5. Go at your own pace.
6. Practice.
7. Most importantly, Have FUN!
1. Bring/drink water.
2. Bring a towel.
3. Wear comfortable clothing/sneakers.
4. Don't over exert yourself.
5. Go at your own pace.
6. Practice.
7. Most importantly, Have FUN!
