9.09.2010

To Zumba or Not to Zumba?

...that is the question.

Frankly y'all, I'm torn.

You see, I recently switched gyms when my contract at my former gym expired. The new fitness center has multiple super-convenient locations, (one of which is VERY close to my office), and am really liking the variety of different classes they offer, especially those for us womenfolk. Tuesday night I went to a "Total Body Explosion" class which focuses on intense cardio dance-type moves, kickboxing and LOTS of squats and lunges. Yes girls, it's as easy-breezy and comfortable as it sounds ; )

Even though I thought I might collapse into a sweaty heap on the floor mid-way through the "explosive" cardio portion of TBE, I didn't die and, better still, even liked it a little. In summary, if my knees ever stop throbbing, I might even go back.

So after conquering the Total Body Explosion, I'm looking to new heights. Enter Zumba.

From what I gather, Zumba is a Brazilian dance based fitness class that incorporates strength training moves into a fast-paced cardio mix. On the infomercials for the DVDs, all the Zumba-ers look like they're having soooo much fun!

According to their website, here's what you can expect from Z:

"The Zumba® program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Our goal is simple: We want you to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. Zumba® Fanatics achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast through calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!"

...Hmmmm.....are y'all captivated yet?

I've heard a gazillion different people talk about how much they lurve Zumba. In fact, one of my old pom squad buddies from college likes it so much, she even teaches it now.

As a former dancer/cheer girl, I really think I could get into it. So what's the hesitation, you ask? Well, for starters, the class is 90 MINUTES LONG. Gracious be...is that even possible?? I can work out for 90 minutes, no problemo. Especially if you include the minutes allotted for water breaks and trips to the bathroom to check my hair ; ) (Just kidding...sort of.)

 But straight up, double-time cardio for 90 minutes....without one single, solitary break....ummmmm.....

So my question to you fantabulous girls:

Have any of you ever tried Zumba? And if so, what did you think? Would you do it again?

Help a sweaty sister out.

Be blessed, lovelies-

24 comments:

  1. I've never tried it, but I've watched it while stretching after a Cardio Sculpt class. It looks fun - I'd say go for it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. do it do it do it!! zumba is so much fun and a great workout--especially if you have girlfriends that want to go with!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I used to do Zumba but the movemets were hell on my knees (previous martial arts injury) so I switched to running. It is a fun class tho!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've never heard of it! I am researching! THANKS girl :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have not tried it yet but everyone I know loves it!! Give it a go!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have tried it, it's FUN, but not the best work out if you a sortof in shape. I think you would have to do it multiple times a week to get major results, but I have friend that LOVE it! good luck, it's worth trying!

    xo,
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've heard good things! Can't wait to hear how it goes! I love to dance too and haven't found any classes that I've been brave enough to join in on. This one may be for me! (I'll have to look them up in Louisville...ha!)

    ReplyDelete
  8. So funny you posted this today, I was just looking for zumba classes in my area. I've done it once, crazy fun!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Zumba away! :) I have never tried it, but it looks FUN! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am totally glad you posted this, I've been trying to decide if I want to start it or not also! Lemme know your verdict dear!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am so intrigued... I've never heard of this Zumba... sounds fun though!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I haven't tried this but I keep hearing about it, which means it's probably worth a shot, one class is hardly a commitment, and you can always walk out ;)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have a friend who LOVES zumba, but I have never tried it myself. I'm just going to stick with body pump, yoga and regular cardio! I'm a little uncoordinated and would probably make a fool out of myself!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Go for it!!! 90 minutes does sound kinda scary but you might as well give it a shot. You seem to be in pretty good shape.

    ReplyDelete
  16. LOVE ZUMBA!

    { Absolutely love it! }

    I have totally seen my body drastically change and I only take 2, somtimes 3, sessions a week. Averaging a burn of 600+ calories per hour session, it is an awesome total body toning workout and goes by so fast!

    I am also addicted to the always switching combo of current pop/hip-hop songs + latin music + club style songs!

    Take it from an ex-pom squad girl... you will LOVE IT! :)

    Please feel free to e-mail me if you have further questions - I'd be happy to help!
    megnificentlife@gmail.com


    [Life of Meg]
    www.megnificentlife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. since it sound like you love to dance, you'll love zumba. I, too, did dance team in college and the routines are choreographed and easy to pick up. With a great instructor, the 90 min will fly by!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I do it every monday! It's crazy hard and I love it! My teacher is a dance choreographer here in L.A. and the moves are really fun. I think you will definitly like it! Drink lots of water though!! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  19. So, I am not the poster child for fitness by any means and I LOVED the Zumba classes I've tried. Water Zumba is fun too (but drew a large old lady crowd). Give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
  20. im dying to try it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!! So does everyone else I know that does it!! So much fun! I'm working on my personal training cert. I can't wait, I want to teach it!

    lindseyl0ve.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love to dance but it just isn't for me. I think a lot can depend on the instructor!

    ReplyDelete
  23. My sister - who's not a serious exerciser - enjoys zumba. I keep meaning to get to the gym and try it out but that would require me to exercise and I just can't be bothered!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks everyone for your words of workout wisdom! I will definitely be giving this class a shot next week!

    I'll let y'all know how it goes!

    ReplyDelete

What'cha got?