CC Plus Dance for Fun and Fitness

Zumba...What to Expect in Class

What is Zumba?
Zumba is an exercise class that combines dance and fitness moves. Inspired by Latin dance and music, Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines, including cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, mambo, rumba, flamenco, and hip-hop.

This is dance fitness with the emphasis on fitness, not complicated choreography. Zumba is easy, aerobic, and makes everyone look great! Routines include interval-training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat.

Zumba participants can burn approximately 500 to 1000 calories per class based on their cardio intensity and fitness level. It is a great cardio workout with only moderate impact. Zumba is an all over the body workout with an emphasis on the arms, legs, abdominals and the most important muscle, the heart!

What should I wear/bring to Zumba?
Comfortable active wear - sweat pants, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, anything comfortable and cool; a towel, and most importantly, water. Cross-trainers or a dance sneaker is the preferred footwear. But, it’s important to find a shoe that offers proper support and allows for ease of pivoting.

What can I expect when I come to Zumba?
Zumba classes are not like your normal, everyday aerobic class. There will be very little verbal cueing, usually visual and hand cues are given. The instructor may teach facing the class, or sometimes may teach with her back to the class. The class will consist of easy, simple movements with a combination of dance and fitness moves. The music is fun and invigorating and is mostly Latin. As mentioned above, different Latin dance styles will be used, as well as fitness moves such as bicep curls, lunges, and other body-toning moves. There will be a lot of hip and booty shaking too!

If you have any low back or knee problems (or any medical problems), keep your moves basic and ask your Instructor (before or after class) for an alternative way to do the move. The structure of the class starts with a warm-up and proceeds to intervals of faster and slower tempos throughout the duration of the class (AKA Interval Training), ending with a cool-down and stretch.

What if I'm not coordinated and I can't dance?
Be patient and don't get frustrated! Zumba uses a lot of repetitive steps in every class. After a few classes you will know the basic steps. Just have fun! Even if you can't do a step, just move to the music! There is no wrong or right way to Zumba.

What if I'm out of shape and I can't keep up?
Work out at your own pace until you are comfortable with the routine/exercise. Just hang in there, keep coming to class, and you will see improvement each week. You will notice you don’t need to stop as much, and your stamina will improve greatly! Joining your first Zumba class is a big step toward a healthier, better lifestyle. Be proud of yourself!

What kind of people are in your Zumba classes?
People of all fitness abilities, ages, sizes and nationalities take Zumba classes.

How will Zumba benefit me?
It depends on how you exert yourself! Physically, you will burn between 500-1000 calories in one hour! You will build cardio strength and tone muscles. Mentally, you will relieve stress and stimulate your brain by learning coordination and new steps. Plus it makes you smile and sweat at the same time! You'll find that after one class, you can't wait to come back again! You will be a Zumba Addict!

Can I take more than one class a week?
Yes! Zumba is a GREAT cardio workout! You should do a cardio workout at least 5 times per week. It doesn't necessarily have to be Zumba... walking, bike riding, treadmill, or any type of cardio workout will benefit you. However, Zumba is the choice for many people because it is fun and makes working out fun! See your instructor or visit our website for a complete listing of all of C.C.Plus’s Zumba classes - www.ccplusdance.com