Zumba? UPDATE: I went and loved it!

I’m thinking that Zumba might be a good thing for me because perhaps I can trick myself into thinking it’s not really exercise. I’ve found a place nearish home that does it (in fact, they do a class that’s suitable for old people, newbies, and people with a few extra kilos), and I want to go, but I’m always really nervous (scared even) of the unknown – particularly doing things I don’t know. I’ve never set foot in a gym in my life and I just don’t know what to expect which I hate. I don’t even know if it’s in a gym! But I don’t think it is. And I don’t know what to wear, obviously I own no exercise clothing except a sports bra which I bought a few years ago thinking that if I had it it would motivate me to exercise. Ha ha ha. And shoes? I don’t really want to get extra shoes in case I hate it, can I do it in vans or converse?

Does anyone have any advice? (Other than just to suck it up.) FH is supportive! But no one can force me to do this except myself.

Date twin!

I wore Asics trainers the few times that I have done Zumba. I would go more often except the class occurs at an odd time of day for me and I keep missing it. However, I really enjoyed the classes that I have done. It was a high energy hour, but I never felt like I was working too hard. I went in yoga pants and a loose T-shirt although I saw women there in shorts, compression leggings, etc. Wear something easy to move in because you will be dancing the whole hour. And bring water because you will get thirsty and the instructor should have built in mini breaks for everyone to have a chance to get water.

Thanks Susan!! I really appreciate the response.

Any idea what pants to wear? I have a couple of pairs of track pants but they're so old I wouldn't ever wear them out of the house. I have a couple of pairs of 'normal' leggings, perhaps that? Or I have a pair of board shorts but they don't breathe of course.

Thank you Ameretta!! Date twin

Hahaha I hope not

COOL, thanks everyone, I feel better knowing what I will wear at least!!

I went to Zumba for almost three years before time and money became an issue. If you have a good instructor, you will lose weight. I lost 40 pounds because not only was it amazing cardio but it gave me motivation. I would say no to the vans or converse because your feet will hurt. Wear leggings or yoga pants and a top you are comfortable in. Definitely wear a sports bra and sneakers with a decent arch support. Good luck!!

JUST DO IT!! I can relate with you on this on so many levels.. I get serious anxiety over attending a group fitness class for the first time. Spent all day yesterday stressing over going to a new class in town last night and I survived and had tons of fun! Zumba is a great choice and is so much fun! I'd suggest wearing leggings, a comfortable shirt and sneakers. The one thing with Zumba that I think intimidates any newbie is the steps are not taught individually but rather you follow the instructor real time at normal pace and eventually catch on. So be prepared to laugh at yourself and learn what you can on the fly.. just know that you are going to burn calories and sweat either way. Remember, that it was everyone's first time attending at some point even if there are some veterans in class that look like they know the dances already. If you're truly worried about that part of it, I would suggest showing up 15-20 minutes early to class (or calling them) to let them know you are a newbie. They may have time to show you some basic steps that they may repeat in their routines or just give you the reassurance and confidence that it's ok. I'd also suggest standing somewhere in the middle of the room, not the back although it's tempting. You want to have a good view of the instructor if possible. Do you have any friends or family that can go even to the first class with you? Sometimes that makes it a lot less stressful as well. Don't let the anxiety of the unknown hold you back from going.. you'll be happy you went when it's over and managed to burn some calories while having FUN.

Thank you both! These pointers and stories are really making me feel better!

I have a friend who lives nearby (my whole family lives in Australia, and FSIL is not interested in Zumba ) and she said she'd be able to go in a few weeks but not yet. But I think while I have this momentum it's probably better to start NOW rather than wait a few weeks where I can convince myself it's not such an issue after all and then just won't do it!

I love Zumba!!!! Definitely try it. Just remember that it takes time to learn a routine, jump around when you don't know the steps, and NOBODY is looking and judging. Everyone is doing their own thing. I heard converse can hurt your ankle? You will be moving with Zumba. I would buy exercise sneakers regardless because even if you don't like Zumba, you've made a commitment to yourself to start exercising somehow. Shoes for that will be valuable. As for your outfit, any tshirt will do. Sweatpants, leggings. Good luck! Zumba is the best! Many Zumba instructors use the same dance routine for months at a time so if it seems like everyone knows what they're doing it's because it isn't their first day. Don't fret!!! It's such a fun workout!

Thanks Maria! Perhaps you're right about the sneakers. What sort should I buy? I don't even know where to start I have giant feet so will have to get men's shoes but as they're usually fairly unisex that's ok! I did actually want to go to a shoe shop tonight so that would work out well...

UPDATE: I went and I loved it!! Thanks everyone for your encouragement! I've already bought a 10-pass and once I start getting used to it I think I'd even start going twice a week! Which is such a huge thing for me considering how much I've hated exercise in the past. But it was really fun and the time flew! And the instructor said I have natural talent aha :'D

If anyone has any advice on appropriate footwear (that is not necessarily specifically for Zumba) that would be appreciated, but really I appreciate all the encouragement I got from you all in the first place!

Thanks for the tips!!

So glad you liked Zumba! It is so fun and tricks your mind into thinking it's not really exercise! Good for you for getting out there and going! You will definitely see results! Keep it up !

Zumba is a blast! the best part is that no one looks anything like the instructor. lol

LMAO

Shoes: you need dancing shoes. Cross trainers have a grip, and you need to be able to "slide". No Converse/Keds either (I've seen instructors wearing them, and I don't know how their feet aren't hurting).

Personally, I wear Zumba shoes (we get a discount), but in the past I have worn high-top Adidas sneakers. I also know some instructors that wear Supra's as well. My BFF and lots of other instructors I know also swear by these Reebok sneakers I've attached a pic of.

I love Zumba so much. I actually used to be an instructor and I miss it terribly.

Footwear recommendation: cross-trainers with not too much traction on the bottom and support throughout the shoe. You want to be able to move across the floor without getting stuck (and in the process wrenching a knee or ankle). I liked the Nike Free shoes, or a pair of hip hop sneakers from a dance shoe store.

Also my Zumba mantra: the tighter the pants the better so you can see the booty-shakingness. Oh...and wearing a little belly dancing skirt can be super fun too!

Yay!!! So glad you went and liked it!