Zumba is a new type of workout dance with international flair. It's sweeping the entire world and is on its way to practically becoming a lifestyle. Do you want to join the Zumba movement? To start turning your booty shakin' moves into calories burned? You're in good company!
Zumba. an international fitness craze, uses Latin-inspired dance steps and is much beloved for its high energy, fun music and infectious appeal. The Zumba Fitness website says more than 12 million people take weekly classes at 110,000 gyms and studios in 125 countries, as of 2011. But you don't need to hit the gym to enjoy a Zumba workout. Zumba Fitness has produced DVDs, so you can shimmy to Zumba's salsa, merengue and other dance styles in the comfort of your own home.
Step 1
Practice the moves. Zumba Fitness' official handle on YouTube is "Love Zumba." The company had four dozen videos uploaded to its channel in August 2011. Watch and practice with videos like "Zumba Fitness Basic Steps Demo" and "Zumba Fitness' Beginner Steps of the Week." The video performers break down the moves at slow tempo and then show you how to do the more stylized versions at regular tempo. Get quick tips with short tutorials that teach you particular moves. Check out, for example, the video "El Vacilon" to see a merengue-based step, and "Video Semanal de los pasos Zumba Fitness para principiantes" for a Cumbria-style tutorial. The latter is presented in Spanish, but you should be able to follow whether or not you're a Spanish speaker.
Step 2
Research user experiences with Zumba Fitness home workouts to find the best fit for your level of activity and ability to deal with choreography, from basic to complex. Analyze reviews with your own goals for Zumba. For example, look for videos that users say are most effective in burning calories, helping you coordinate on a real dance floor or shaping your midsection.
Step 3
Order DVDs and perform workouts. Zumba Fitness Exhilarate: The Ultimate Experience DVD Set is a seven-DVD compilation that includes a total-body workout and an express video for when you're in a rush. You can also search online for the earlier Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD Set, which consists of four DVDs containing six workouts. It comes with toning sticks, light hand weights used in some Zumba classes. You can also keep it simple with the company's first DVD, Zumba Advanced.
Step 4
Insert a Zumba Fitness game into your Wii, Xbox or PlayStation and enjoy a dance-inspired contest in your living room. The video game has 30 routines and comes with a special motion-sensing belt to ensure your abs and hips are moving in the right direction. The belt also acts as a holster so you can play hands-free.
Warnings
Wear proper clothes and shoes, and review videos one time before attempting to do the workout. This can prepare you for the footwork and show you how much room you need.
Tips
Some Zumba workouts can be intense. Consult your doctor before starting any home fitness routine. Modify, take a break or stop when necessary.
