Love Zumba? We do too! Here are five tips for getting the most out of your Zumba workout!
1. Get in the Front of Class!
Remember when you were in middle school, and you thought to yourself, “This is my least favorite subject. I’ll sit in the back of class, and the teacher will never call on me.” Well, you may have gotten away with it, but it also ensured that you didn’t fully grasp and understand what you were being taught. Get back at the valedictorian who sat in front! Push yourself in class; stand in the front with the “goodie-goodies”. Even if you’re intimidated or feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, being around people who do, will push you to keep up and ensure that you keep working.
2. Get Down and Rock the Moves You Know!
In lockstep with the previous sentiment—you may not know every move yet. But like everything else, practice makes perfect! Plus, you’ll still get a great workout as long as you rock the moves you’ve got! That shimmy shake you mastered from Britney Spears. Check. That salsa move you learned from Victor Cruz. Check. Be confident in what you know, and add a little flair to the movement!
3. Don’t Stop (But Go At Your Own Pace)
That may sound a little contradictory, so let’s clear up any confusion. Many Zumba classes have music that comes in ebbs and flows—some being long and challenging, with others being short and more of a “catch-up”. It may be tempting to completely stop to catch your breath duringthe long, challenging sections. So, one way to build your stamina and overall cardio, would be to simply slow down your movements but still mirror the instructor. This allows you to still push yourself, but not too far!
4. Bring a Confidant(e)!
Why? On those days where you think to yourself, “The Real Housewives of New Jersey is on in a little. Soo….” Yeah, that’s why. Everyone needs a workout partner for added motivation. They keep you on your game and provide further drive to make it all happen. Does your workout partner have similar fitness goals and interests? Even better!
Plus, The Real Housewives of New Jersey is so passé!
5. Have Fun!
Even seasoned Zumba dancers find themselves messing up here and there. Instead of giving up or being embarrassed, learn to revel in the entire process and have a great time! Zumba is all about moving, dancing, and letting go of inhibitions. So, while you may have a misstep, just know that everyone around you has been there, done that — but they kept pushing through and enjoyed themselves. To lessen any feelings of inhibition, get back at it with gusto! Go to classes regularly, improve on your mistakes, and you will soon become a Zumba-machine!
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