I'm a member of 24 hour fitness and usually take classes to get my cardio workout. (I sometimes to the elliptical machines or treadmills, but find that taking a class really gives me a better workout.) I usually taking the cardio kickboxing, but am interested in taking a class called the Zumba. From the class description is seems like a dance class and I've tried those classes and really didn't find myself getting a good workout. If anyone has taken a Zumba class, can you please share your thoughts and experiences? Thanks!
Thank you for all the great advice. Before I even had a response, I ended up taking the class...only because I couldn't make the TKB (Turbo Kickboxing) class that was just before the Zumba. I was nervous at first because there wasn't a lot of people and I couldn't hide behind people in case I messed up. =) But I had a lot of fun! I was kind of shy in the beginning because you do a lot of hip movements and I just felt silly at first. I did work up a good sweat and felt like I really had a good workout afterwards. I wish the instructor was a little more upbeat, but she was good. Another person usually teaches the class, but I think she's recovering from knee surgery. If she does return, I'm sure I'll enjoy the class more because I've taken her TKB class and she's crazy hyper, but really gets you to work out.
My parents have a Zumba exercise video series, which I've done several times...and LOVE it! It's got fun music and moves. I'm a dancer and feel Zumba gives me an effective workout, although I've never taken a class in it, just the videos.
~N.
Hi C.,
I'm an instructor at 24 Hour Fitness and teach several types of dance workouts in addition to having a few dance DVDs out on the market. Here's the thing with dancing for exercise...you need to have a basic proficiency in dance in order to get a great workout. You don't have to be ultra-coordinated, or have any formal training, but if you spend the hour just trying to catch up with the steps you'll feel frustrated that you aren't getting the calorie-burning bang for your buck that you hoped for.
I highly recommend a good indoor cycling class! That is how I lost my baby weight. My daughter is 5 mos, and I'm ALMOST back to my former size.
Feel free to contact me with any questions. Would love to help. http://www.JulzArney.com
Hello C., I also am a mom of two and interested in dropping some weight (always). I am not a member of the same gym as you, however I do love the gym. Cycling classes are my favorite. I think I have a love hate relationship with the cycling class. It is such a tough class but afterwards the workout feels so good. I noticed that you mentioned your desire to shed a few pounds and as a consultant with The Pampered Chef I wanted to invite you host a fun cooking class with me designed around eating right to be healthy and stay fit. It gives you and your friends a chance to learn fun, easy and delicious recipes. And it is so fun. Please let me know if you would be interested. My web-site is: www.pamperedchef.biz/latashaphilleo. I would be happy to put a catalog in the mail for you.
Hi C......
ZUMBA IS GREATTTTTTT...I am from South America and this kind of excersises are the best to lose weight in a fun way...is like a salsa and merengue dance, with aerobics movements....but...you have to find a good trainer...
I was taking those clases at my gym....but the teacher had the same routine, and the same music all the time and I got bored...but is great....you sweat, you laught, and is different.....
GOOD LUCK>>>>>>
Hi C.,
I am not sure where you live??? I own a personal training studio in La Mesa and we offer circuit training classes. These classes are different than any class you will go to in an aerobics room because we have all of the machines (like big gym equipment) as well as cables and free weights. We teach a different class every day and it is really fun! You are welcome to come try a class for free anytime. :) you can check out the class schedule on my website to see if the class times work for your schedule. We also have some great before and after photos you can check out for some inspiration. http://www.funtobefit.com/page/page/4702499.htm
I'm a personal trainer and owned a local women's fitness studio. The best attended classes at our studio were Zumba and Yoga. Our Zumba instructor also teaches at 24 hour fitness.
Zumba is a great class - if you enjoy dancing to Latin beats/dances, this is a great way to lose weight. But watch out for back and joint injuries when you push beyond your limit. There are a lot of hip movements that could put some strain on your abs and lower back. The other posting is right, most people are sweating within 10 minutes. Some get lost learning the dance moves, but the important thing is to keep an open mind and have fun. It's okay if you don't know all the moves. Just do what you can. My business partner would rather dance her way to weight loss, which she did!
As for me, I lost my baby weight from post-partum yoga and power yoga. Let me know if you're interested. I can refer a great instructor.
C.
hi C. i belong to 24 but never taken the class. i go on sunday mornings at 1000am for hip hop aerobics 1 hour for 10.00 dollarst a studio in torrance. the best workout i have done. if interested write me back for info.
Hi I'm M.,
I to am a member at the 24hr fitness. I have not heard of the that particular class but I have treid to do some of the dance classes but they dont seem to work for me! I kind of got use to doing slow pace classes and it wasn;t good for trying to burn off all of the extra calories( You know what I mean)? I also do alot of the Turbo Kick Boxing classes. I Love them! If you want to get your body in shape you will need to give your self the chance to put your body to the challenge & push it as far as you can. Dont cheat yourself of what could be an ok to a great workout! Always try to do more not less. Remember you get out of it what you put into it. Minimal effort has minimal results! Push Push Push!!!
Not sure about that particular class, but I wanted to point out that the exact instructors for some classes and locations can be more challenging. When I did classes in Hillcrest, for example, I NEVER went to a class that didn't kick my butt! All the other people in the classes seemed to be professional dancers. So you might find the instructors with the hardcore reputation. Some people will even travel to diff locations around SD to follow their favorite instructors on different days.
I've been doing zumba for a little over a month now, I feel like it gives a very effective work out - and I do zumba at home for extra cardio when I'm not taking the class which is Monday and Wednesday with strength training in between. I think it's awesome!
Hey C.,
I've taken Zumba before and I loved it! My friend and I took it together and it was so much fun. Not only is it fun, but you do get a great workout. You get what you put into it. if you don't fully do the moves or tighten your stomach while dancing then you won't get as full of a workout. Be ready to feel totally uncoordinated! Well you may know how to salsa already, but I had a hard time staying in rhythm or anything, but the best part is everyone is like that. If you take it say what you thought about it! Just to let you know as well, I was sweating within 10 minutes which means that you are doing a moderate to intense workout. and did you know that dancing for 15 minutes burns more caleries than doing a brisk walk on a treadmill for 45? Have fun!
