Your First Zumba Class: What You Should Expect

We’ve already written about the health benefits of Zumba. Now its time to take the first step and answer the all important question: what should I expect at my first ever Zumba class? Our guide provides you with suggestions about what to bring, what to expect &  tips to make your first Zumba outing a successful one.

      1. What to bring?

• Towel: Expect to sweat a lot, so keep it close by
• Comfortable, movable clothes (shirt and track pants/shorts are fine)
• Water bottle: to be sipped when you get that handy 30-60second break!
• Sneakers/Shoes: Ones with decent ankle support and have a good grip as you will move a lot
• A friend (if possible), so you feel less at ease and can motivate each other

You WILL sweat it out, so pack a towel & some water

      2. What to Expect

• Duration: 60-75minutes per class including stretching to warm-ups and cooldown (ie: to ease your tired muscles)

• Trained instructors: The instructor we spoke to was well qualified, and has been teaching Zumba for 5 years, so he was well versed to answer all questions in a professional manner.

• A varied workout: For example, you may do 30 jumping jacks & then switch to push ups or squats based on the type of music which is pumping through the speakers.

• The classes are priced from Rs. 400 per class, which is a great option if you’re not sure if you can commit to Zumba on a long-term basis, or you just want to ‘give it a try’

• Equipment: These are usually provided by the class, so grab yourself a mat, some free weights (1kgX2 is recommended for beginners) and get going
  

Zumba classes frequently use 1kg dumbbells

         3. Our Advice

• Go early on the first day: Introduce yourself to the instructor and/or a few other classmates. Chances are they are just as nervous as you are!

• Watch the Instructor: Grab a spot in the middle or back of the room where you can clearly see the instructor, this lets you perform the moves correctly without the pressure of being in the front and making mistakes.

• Move at your own pace:What you put into Zumba= What you can get out of it. The classes can be  pretty intense, so if you are struggling, don’t be afraid to slow down and take a quick water break.

• Spot the regulars: If you lose the rhythm (and you probably will), check out the regulars; they are the ones who are hitting the moves with precision so you can always look to them to ensure that you’re getting the correct technique and getting the most of your Zumba workout.

• Enjoy it: Although a few lot of us were struggling at the 45 minute mark, but we caught each others eye and laughed it off, determined to finish off the set

Spot the regular members in case you lose rhythm

Bottom Line: Follow these suggestions and don’t stress: the point of Zumba is to relax & have a fun workout. For more information about Zumba classes in Sri Lanka, check out this official link.

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Disclaimer: The views shared in this blog are based on the macro economic conditions & industry status quo as per the time of publishing.

Health Benefits of Zumba

Introduction

Zumba is a new fitness craze which seems to be increasing in popularity in Sri Lanka, as individuals flock to try out this new fitness craze. Here’s a review of what Zumba is and the benefits offered by this particular workout.

What is Zumba?

Image Credit: Zumba website

Zumba is a dance/fitness program which involves participants combining dancing and aerobic elements into their workout.  These classes are normally conducted with Latin American music, and also involves interval and resistance training. These classes offer a variety of benefits which we have listed below:

Physical Benefits

• Fat burning: An independent study reported that the average Zumba workout burned a commendable 370 calories. Understandably, how much fat you burn depends on your current fitness level and how much you are “into” it.

• Total body workout: With different workouts being created for different parts of the body, Zumba can deliver what some exercise programs lack-a total workout for the entire body. The dancing steps ensure that it targets key muscles in your back and your core. This gives participants an opportunity to tone their overall physique without having to lift weights, ensuring that become stronger and more flexible.

• Improves your cardiovascular system: Unsurprisingly, Zumba dancing gives participants a thorough cardio workout, as the songs themselves provide  effective interval training, ensuring that the participants get the maximum out of their dance routine.

Image Credit: Zumba website

Mental Benefits

• Stress reliever: Lets face it, sometimes you just need to let it go. Zumba allows you the freedom to do that without others judging you. During exercise, your body releases endorphins, aka the ‘happy hormone’ which makes you feel good. The more you move, the better you feel and the more fun you have. This promotes an overall ‘feel good effect’ and helps alleviate stress.

• Active Mind: Sometimes, a workout can become tedious: going running, lifting weights can make your exercise regimen seem tedious and boring. Learning new dance steps keeps your mind fresh and alert  to new ideas. Furthermore, learning dance steps assists in improved coordination.

• Improved focus & concentration: Learning new dance steps is an excellent way to stay mentally alert. As you focus on doing the proper dance movements to the right rhythm, it helps you to increase your focus and concentration for a longer period of time. The effects of improved focus don’t stop after the workout, but stays on for a few hours afterwards as well.

Image Credit: Livestrong

 Social Benefits

• Anyone can join: Serious injuries aside, people of all ages and fitness levels can take part. Even if you have two left feet, all you need is a few good minutes to get into the groove.

• Social workout: if you are working out with your friends, the nature of the workout is such fun that it doesn’t feel like a workout. Doing this alone? Not to worry, expect to make new friends since you’ll one of the many individuals having a good time!

If you were inspired by this article to try out Zumba, congratulations! We’d suggest that you check out this article to see what you should expect at your first Zumba class.

Disclaimer: The views shared in this blog are based on the macro economic conditions & industry status quo as per the time of publishing.