I’ve personally found Zumba to be a very challenging physical workout.  

I remember one night that I came back from a Zumba workout: it was almost freezing outside and I found myself loosening my coat to keep myself from sweating.  Although I had heard it many times before that taking a typical Zumba class can burn more than five hundred calories, it was only until after actually doing it that I realized first hand how effective the work out was. 

I think the most challenging part, however, was trying to keep along with all the crazy dance steps. Zumba instructors often spend very little time guiding classes through what can be some complicated footwork.  Oftentimes I was so busy watching my feet that I almost ran into the people next to me! 

I thought that perhaps what I needed to do was to take some dance classes, or at least watch some youtube videos before I could get it right.  After all, I didn’t want to be tripping over myself half of the time.  In desperation, I asked some of the Zumba teachers who use our site (teachstree.com)  to promote their classes and found out from Najia, a belly-dance instructor, that when she had gotten her Zumba instructor certification that she had to promise NOT to break down every single one of the moves and just go straight into the routine. 

The philosophy of Zumba is not to “get the all moves right”

It’s to just keep moving and to have fun while doing it.  After all, Zumba is an exercise first and a dance second.  The only reason why the dance element is included is to bring an element of fun that’s absent from most workout routines.  Eventually, after you go to a few classes, you’re able to follow along with most of the steps, even if you don’t get them down perfectly. What you DO get, however, is a very challenging cardio workout.

For those perfectionists out there who want to get the moves down right, you can also try a Zumba Gold class, which is more tailored toward beginners, seniors and people with physical limitations. These classes are slower and they do give you a breakdown of the dance steps so that you might feel more confident when going into a more advanced class.  Zumba Gold classes don’t provide the same level of physical activity, however, than a regular Zumba class. 

As far as Zumba is concerned, don’t worry if you feel you’re “Not a dancer.”

 Just follow along to the movements as best you can.  Remember that you’re there to have fun and get a great workout, not to win any prizes. What’s more you’ll find that after a few sessions you may be a better dancer than you think!

This is a Guest Post by Kenji Crosland a writer for TeachStreet.  TeachStreet is a website dedicated to providing local and online classes. From Piano Lessons to Zumba Classes.