Fitness Class to try: Zumba!
There are many misconceptions about Zumba. I often talk to my friends about going to a Zumba class and they always are confused why I love going so much. Many people think that Zumba is just a dance class that they have at a gym. This is what I thought before I tried my first class. If you ever have tried a Zumba class before, you know that this isn’t the case. In reality, it is an intense cardio workout that leaves you out of breath and wondering when the next class is.
When I first joined the gym Lifetime, I decided to try a Zumba class. During my first class I felt lost and behind. I went from being a cheerleader and dancing in tight strict motions to an hour long Zumba class where I am to move freely. As I stood in the back of the class trying to keep up, I was genuinely having fun while working out. Since I enjoyed the class so much and got a good workout in, I went back. Week after week turned into day after day and I was going to my Zumba class four times a week. “I can’t dance, Zumba wouldn’t be for me” my friends usually say when I ask them to come and try Zumba with me. I am not the best dancer, but that doesn’t stop me from going to Zumba. It is way more than just dancing. It is my favorite fitness class because you get an amazing workout while actually having fun. Zumba is a time to just let go of all thoughts and stress and just have fun.
In terms of the health benefits of Zumba, it is normal to burn between 600 -1,000 calories in just a one hour class! Zumba is total body toning class with aerobic and anaerobic benefits. It helps you destress and makes you happy! Personally, since I have started Zumba I have lost 15 pounds (in combination with other workouts and healthy eating, of course) but I like to credit Zumba for it all. Zumba incorporates various dance styles such as hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue and mambo. This might sound intimidating, but after many classes I have come to love various styles of dance and music. I love the music so much that I now have a Spotify Zumba playlist that I listen to frequently. Zumba has definitely made me step out of my comfort zone and explore new cultures. For the past two years that I have been doing Zumba, it has become my most favorite activity. It doesn’t feel so much like an intense cardio workout because I am having so much fun. Zumba is now such a close thing to my heart because it allows me to destress. The key to a great Zumba class is to not care what people think, just dance, let go, and have fun. A talented, energized and inspiring instructor is definitely helpful too.
Please give it a try even if you think you can’t dance or aren’t coordinated, you won’t regret it!
Good Luck!
Krystal Shaw