Thursday, January 12, 2012

How to get the most out of a Zumba class

- First of all, the best way to get the most out of Zumba is to come to class! LOL. If you miss it, you will really miss it and have withdrawals. Just NOT kidding. Seriously, if you want to benefit from it, like any sport, you have to keep at it.
   “What fits your busy schedule better, exercising one hour a day or being dead 24 hours a day?”
Randy Glasbergen, Cartoonist


- No matter what, keep moving. As long as you can move your body in some shape or form, you are able to Zumba. I once had a lady who needed a walker to stand, and even then she hardly ever missed a class. She would sit down on a chair and wave her arms as much as possible. So if she can, you can.
“We do not stop exercising because we grow old - we grow old because we stop exercising.”
Dr. Kenneth Cooper, Cooper Institute.


- Remember to breathe. Keep your pace to a level you are comfortable with and check your pulse if necessary so you don’t over do it.


- If you want to work harder at it, push yourself to put a little more effort into it. Example: Like when we do a song with a lot of abdominal work, make sure and tighten your abs; When we do lunges, go a little lower; when we jump,  jump a little higher, when we twist, twist a little more… get it? I burn about 900 calories a class. If I can, you can.


- Feel the music! The music is your guide in Zumba. Did you know that Zumba should really be taught without a microphone? The music and changes in every song are all your guides to change steps. So listen and feel the music! If you’re not very musical, look out for my cues… I usually lift my foot a little more, turn my head, clap, or simply point towards the next step to keep you on it. 


- If you have a hard time doing both feet and arms, go for the footwork first and work your way up to doing both. Just wait till you’re comfortable. Remember, it gets easier every time! There will come a day when I will make a mistake and you will be the one to catch me! ;)


- Don’t take it seriously! Zumba is made to get you in shape but more importantly to make you have fun and be happy! Don’t be shy or afraid others might judge you, or look at you funny. They are on the same boat as you are. Feel free to laugh at me, or at yourself and take it all lightly. 


- Smile! It will make you feel so, so, so much better if you do. When you see yourself in the mirror you will reflect happiness to yourself and to all of those around you. Sometimes the person next to you needs a smile, you just might make their day. No matter what kind of day you’re having, smile… 
                             “Smile. It’s the second best thing you can do with your lips.”


- Make sure and stay for the cool down. It is VERY important that you stretch after a Zumba class. You’re muscles need it so you don’t hurt yourself. If for some reason you have to leave the class earlier, make sure and give yourself time to stretch before you go. 


- Bring in your best energy! I know sometimes it’s hard to do because this thing called life happens, but a class with positive energy is always more fun. 


           “Positive thinking evokes more energy, more initiative and more happiness.”


With that said, I leave you my dearest dancers, Zumbistas, readers, or Curious George’s or Georgettes. Much love and positive energy from me to you this week and keep this in mind for the next class.

5 comments:

  1. This is awesome! I miss you and your Zumba class soooo much. I've been super lazy since the holidays :) Will see you Saturday at the 2 hour class!! xo - Yvette

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  2. Yvette, i am sorry!! I will cu Saturday and hopefully we can catch up!

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  3. This is a great post!! Sometimes i feel like i am pushing my body to much and when
    My hamstrings a hurt i should stop! But how can i tell the difference between pushing yourself to get better or needing to do little less??

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  4. Needing to do a little less from the standpoint of not injuring myself? Cuz I no to acheive maximum success i need to push myself just dont wanna do something hurtful!

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  5. I love it, and I am ready for 2 hours os rzumba happy work out...

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