Drink water (or some kind of sport drink) BEFORE, DURING and AFTER class! Very important to stay well hydrated.

Go at your own rate. Do not kill 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, don’t use your arms or slow down. Your body needs to build up endurance and strength, don’t think you have do it all right away.

You don’t 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.

And do not get frustrated that you are not getting the steps right away. Hearing the music, seeing the dancing, and just jumping in is great for you to start getting better. You will surprise yourself one day when you are like “O! I got it!!!!”. Get the music into your body! It will grow on you.

POSTURE:
VERY IMPORTANT. First of all for safety from injuries. Secondly, because if you have good posture, you work your body better. You will especially feel it in your abdomens. Ask me in class if I did not show posture in that particular class. Make posture 24/7. Walk, paying attention to posture. It’s like a continued exercise, plus 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!!! They are like $7 at any grocery store . But it made 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 shoe. Try different shoes , or a smaller size .  Everyone is different, keep that in mind. Dance Aerobics shoes, dance sneakers, or regular cross trainers works great.

At home– quickies! 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! I’m not perfect, I know. Tell me if I do something wrong, or you don’t like something. Tell me also what you do like, I DO take song requests all the time. If I know these things, it helps me make the class better for all of us.

HAVE FUN! ENJOY THE MUSIC!


 

Frequently Asked Question

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.


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