Stepping
into a Latin-dance-inspired Zumba class for the very first time can
be overwhelming. Between all the new faces and loud music, the whole
scene can be a little unnerving. If you've always wanted to check out
the "fitness dance party" for yourself, these eight insider
tips will give you a sense of what to expect before heading into this
fast-paced workout. This way you can leave your nervous feelings at
the door and focus on the fun!
1.
You're going to sweat
Committed
gym rats will be surprised at the amount of sweat that builds up
during class. There's an opportunity to take a quick break between
songs or whenever you see fit, so be sure to bring a big bottle of
water and a small towel. Trust me: you'll be happy you did.
2.
Rock the right shoes
There's
no need to invest in a pair of dance sneakers if you're not sure
Zumba is right for you, but choose footwear wisely. Traditional
running shoes are designed for front-to-back motion, and Zumba is all
about the side-to-side movement and pivoting. Check out the bottoms
of your sneakers at home, and wear the pair with the thinnest sole
and most basic tread pattern — anything with ankle support will be
helpful too.
3.
Don't stand right up front
Even
if you can't wait to get started, don't stand front and center at
your very first class. Find a spot in the middle or toward the back.
This way, you can get a grasp of the steps and follow people in
front. After you attend a few times, try out different locations all
around the room to see what you like.
4.
Expect a mix of levels
Don't
worry about being surrounded by the crew of So You Think You Can
Dance. There will be a number of people who attend class regularly,
but you'll find a mix of all levels, shapes, and sizes at Zumba.
Certain hardcore dancers will be jumping and taking things to the
next level with every step, while others will choose to take a break
midsong. You're encouraged to do whatever feels right for your body.
5.
Identify the regulars
At
a huge Zumba class with tons of people, you won't be able to see
every single step and motion from the instructor. During the first
song, scan the room and look for the folks who seem to be a little
more advanced and know what step is up next. This way you'll always
have someone to follow if you lose the rhythm or just aren't sure
what's going on!
6.
The routine changes constantly
In
most dance classes, one long routine is taught during the class, but
Zumba takes a different approach. Once a new song starts to play, you
begin with a clean slate and a whole new set of moves. There's no
need to feel frustrated if there's a step you can't master.
7.
It's OK to mess up
When
class kicks off, teachers will yell, "Just keep moving!"
Effort is everything, and no one is praised for their grasp of the
choreography or technique. The mission of Zumba is to create an
enjoyable workout that suits your needs. As long as you're continuing
to move and refusing to give up, you're doing the workout right.
8.
Prepare for noise
Folks
who prefer a quiet, introspective workout might not find a match with
Zumba. The music is pumping, and the instructor eggs on the class to
yell, sing, and cheer. Social butterflies who love to get involved
with the party should look up their closest Zumba location ASAP.
Source - popsugar
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