Get Active With Zumba

With the new year come new hopes and goals. Perhaps you are thinking of joining a group activity or fitness program. Have you thought of Zumba?

Sure, you have a friend or know someone who is a Zumba lover, but could it be for you?

If you are thinking of trying something new for 2021, why not a dance and fitness program which will allow you burn calories, let go of stress and keep you motivated?

Zumba has been designed to combine low to high intensity moves for an interval training experience.  This means it will keep your heart pumping.

Each song in the playlist is choreographed to encourage a cardio and muscle conditioning workout. Zumba has been known to challenge balance, co-ordination and muscle memory, improving overall mood and energy.

If Zumba is one of your “must try a class” goals for 2021, here are some tips that might help you find the perfect class for you:

Find a licensed Zumba instructor. Zumba requires all its instructors to take training and keep themselves knowledgeable in the fitness methods they teach.

Before you start a class make sure you are wearing the proper attire and shoes for physical activity.

Have an open heart and positive attitude. This will allow you to enjoy yourself even if you’ve never joined a group fitness class in the past. You don’t need to know how to dance or have coordination, but be willing to try something new and enjoy yourself!

Don’t be critical of yourself and your abilities. Taking a Zumba class for the first time might be intimidating; give yourself the time you need to learn the moves and class format. This may mean you take 4 to 5 classes and not give up on the first try.

Modify! Allow your body to learn at its own pace. Slow down when you need to, take breaks and hydrate, do what your body can do and don’t push it into a level it’s not ready to go into.

Love the class and the environment it creates. Zumba instructors are responsible for creating a welcoming, all-inclusive class which promotes healthy lifestyles and meets you where you are at in your fitness level and provides you with exercise modifications when possible.

Lastly, connect with your instructor. Every Zumba instructor will have a different teaching style, even the music they choose for their playlist will be different. The important thing is that you, as the participant, feel comfortable with the music, the moves and the guidance you are receiving while you are in class.

Remember, not all Zumba classes are created the same.  Try a few different classes and find the perfect one for you. Have fun and enjoy yourself.

Yahaira Henriquez

Zumba Instructor – Cedarbrae Community Centre, Dancing Heals Calgary

For more information about Zumba, visit https://mydancingheals.ca