I've done the classes.
Horrible for my arthritic knees!

I have joined a Cancer program
Exercise and Thrive
sponsored by Fred Hutchison cancer center
and Lance Armstrong foundation.

Take it at the YMCA, I've heard about Zumba the
last couple of years, but couldn't afford to
take a class. But eh YMCA has classes, and since
I have a free membership to the Y for the duration
of this exercise class, I've done the Zumba classes.
I love them. Great cardio! But then I sprained my
ankle, so it's been weeks since I've done it. Pluse
the times are hard to get to, but I'm going to
start Wednesday again!

a friend of mine got the WII Zumba and says it's really
good, so I might look in to that also!
have fun!

I've taken a few zumba classes. I have to say I really prefer belly dancing to it. It toned my body better and I lost more weight.

Zumba's fun but it's a very intense work out and I find most people drop it after a short time for one reason or another. It's a very high cardio work out so you may want to check with your doctor before starting zumba too. I believe zumba is suppose to alternate between fast and slow rhythms but many instructors may not always do that.

Like I said it's fun.. but it seems to be an exercise better suited for 20-somethings that are in great shape and have time and energy to do more intense workouts. I've done the follow along with the tv shows classes, but never bought a Wii or Kinect Zumba game and don't intend to.

Below is one of my favorite Zumba videos...

Here is a link that might be useful: Zumba

My daughter starting taking me to her Zumba class twice a week and I really loved it, however, with a bone spur on my heel and arthritis on the same foot I couldn't last but a month. I noticed a difference in my body and weight loss but reluctantly had to stop going. It is very intense workout with slow down periods in between and then a cool down at the end.

There's a Zumba class at my gym during one of my regular workout times. I have a different workout routine, but it sure looks as if the particpants are having fun. It is consistently packed.

Our parks and rec dept. offers both Zumba and Zumba Gold classes. The Gold classes are for active people over 50. I took it last summer and it was fun.

Kat, which YMCA do you belong to? My sister teaches Zumba in one near Gig Harbor. She also teaches at Form Fit 24-hour Fitness. She's very fit. I hate her. LOL Of course she *is* 5.5 years younger than me so that makes me feel a little better.

I personally about died doing Zumba. I blew my knee out three years ago and even though it's about 98% healed, I thought for certain the jumping up and down with Zumba would blow it out again. Probably won't try it again in my lifetime. I'll stick to the treadmill and hiking.

Jodi-

One of our water instructors is thinking about becoming water zumba certified. $250 that will have to come out of her own pocket. She's thinking.

I watched the video, what makes Zumba unique from other aerobic type of classes? Is it a certain dance move or what?

DD's MIL has been doing Zumba for several months - 3 times a week and has lost 60 lbs! She also got Zumba for the Wii for Christmas. She loves it. I need to at least try it. Looks like fun.

Linda

I have been to Zumba from two different instructors. One of those sessions was way beyond me, but the other one was just right. We had a lot of fun at it.

I've taken it and am starting it again tomorrow night at a different place because the one I used to go to quit doing it becuase the instructor quit. Anway, last time I had no problem keeping up to it but I'm not so sure now. As the instructor at the last one used to say, if you can't keep up, just keep moving. Eventually you'll get it and will be able to keep up. Anyway, I'll have to let you know after tomorrow night what I think about it now.

pieonies, Zumba uses Latin inspired music. IMO, the music is a little more universally danceable than some other music types. The music also kind of inspires the dancing, and you don't count, etc. Like I mentioned, I think the music is suppose to have rapid and calm periods for your heart rate to go up and down... other aerobic workouts seem to stay more consistant.

Also, there usually aren't vocal cues (or counts), you just visually follow the instructor. I've had 4 different instructors and only one would I really consider a good instructor. Problem is, I think you can get certified in an afternoon; so it's kind of easy to become an instructor compared to some other exercise certifications.

From what I've experienced, the key is really being able to keep doing it long term --not having any joint or physical problems so you can handle a hard workout long term-- well, because if you quit, just like a diet, you'll probably just gain your weight back. The other important thing is finding a really good instructor who knows what she is doing, knows what music to use when, and one who is able to teach students of all levels and have them all really enjoy the class.

We have zumba classes at our club, and they have to be certified.

Think it will be fun doing water zumba.

Jodi, Olympia! Not Gig Harbor.

one of my Weight Watcher buddies became a certified
Zumba instructor. It took way more than an afternoon!
lol She is good! and I have seen some awful instructors.
I'm doing the Zumba gold right now til I get back in to \
shape! It is a cardio workout. Aerobics.

just a fun way to get it in as opposed to running/
bike/eliptical. I like cardio/aerobic classes and
videos. I'm not one that can do an hour on the
treadmill or eliptical. Although I am going to force
myself if that's all I have! lol

think of Jazzercise with latin inspired music.