Zumba, anyone?

[Fergus]

I just booked a four month Zumba program for the patrons @ my library gig for early 2011.

We're implementing a "Healthy 2011" initiative.

[skatemommy]

I love it! My YMCA offers Zumba fitness and toning. I prefer the fitness. Ditto to it being the only group class (except yoga) that I enjoy! We have al levels; our instructor welcomes all.

[snoopy]

but rather the subcutaneous fat pads sliding down my face resulting in the face losing volume prematurely. Of course, this isn't exactly an important factor, let alone a deal breaker for a lot of people though.

Wait, are you serious? Are you saying vertical pounding can cause jowls?

[WindSpirit]

Wait, are you serious? Are you saying vertical pounding can cause jowls?

I've read about it, too. Jogging and other exercise will help things migrate south a little earlier than they would on their own. I guess that would be faster if someone's older and things are not as... springy as they used to be.

Btw, I'm loving this thread. Thanks everyone for sharing their experience.

[skatemomaz]

You don't have to wait!! Spinning is very individualized and you can make your workout as hard or easy as you want and no one knows as long as your feet keep moving!

I also wanted to mention that they make special Zumba shoes, but really all you need is a shoe with a pivot point on the bottom. I've tried various types of shoes, and I find that my cross-trainers provide great support and cushioning, but are a little too sticky for Zumba.

I wear these Capezio shoes. I highly recommend this type of shoe, they really allow you to move properly and don't stick to the floor. This shoe like most dance shoes runs small, I ordered 1/2 size larger.

[Satellitegirl]

I was looking for Zumba last night on youtube, and I'd like to take some classes eventually. But while I was looking I thought "I could just dance around my apartment and burn calories too" so I picked up some light arm weights, and danced around for 20 min to various youtube songs I love. *shrug*

[Marge_Simpson]

I am not a "group class" sort of person and generally prefer to work out at home. (The class starts when I turn on the DVD player and I can exercise in my underwear if I want to. (
The hospital where I work started offering Zumba classes at $30 for 6 sessions. I was born without a coordination gene so I figured I'd get kicked out, but what the hell, I'd check it out.
I was able to keep up with with the choreography and am now addicted.

[skatemommy]

Our instructor is barely 5' tall; 53 years old and about 100lbs. She can get the strings on the back pockets of her officially licensed Zumba cargo pants to spin in circles like an old time stripper can make pasties twirl about! (I don't think she knows and I'm too embarassed to admit I'm watching her butt). Needless to say; nobody is judging or watching anyone else and we can't take our eyes off her crazy salsa steps and the show that is her dance moves/burlesque!

[IceAlisa]

Wait, are you serious? Are you saying vertical pounding can cause jowls?

What WS said. What I mean is fat and collagen are what makes the face look plump and young. Ever notice how faces look drawn and aged when someone suddenly loses weight?

So prolonged consistent jumping, running and other forms of high impact exercise could force the fat pads in the face migrate south causing premature loss of volume. Technically, lost volume can be replaced by fillers but why speed things up?

[myhoneyhoney]

Ever notice how faces look drawn and aged when someone suddenly loses weight?

Aw hell, I was happy about losing 20 lbs until I read this, lol. You just know I'm going to be staring and analyzing my face whenever I pass a mirror now.

[genevieve]

Ever notice how faces look drawn and aged when someone suddenly loses weight?

Only when they're already "of a certain age".

Myhoneyhoney, I think you're safe - and congrats!

[myhoneyhoney]

Thank Genevieve, but I'm 34! Does that put in the the "certain age" group?

Back to the OT... I'm thinking of getting Zumba for wii. I tried this morning but the Target I was in was sold out. grrrrr

[Karina1974]

I wear these Capezio shoes. I highly recommend this type of shoe, they really allow you to move properly and don't stick to the floor. This shoe like most dance shoes runs small, I ordered 1/2 size larger.

If you're going to buy dance sneakers (or any kind of dance shoe for that matter) I'd suggest going to www.allaboutdance.com. They have those same shoes you linked to for only $45.00.

http://www.allaboutdance.com/Capezio...2&category=211

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On the topic of Zumba... I almost got a chance to try it when my friend Alex's band played for a Zumba party held as a fund raiser for a local theater. I had another commitment that day, so I couldn't make it.

I'd only take it up as long as I knew I was going to be hearing real, authentic, balls-to-the-wall Latin music (like the music my friend plays), not the "Latin Pop" crap that performers like Ricky Martin unfortunately brought into vogue in recent years.

[IceAlisa]

Only when they're already "of a certain age".

Actually, when it comes to collagen loss, the "certain age" is about 35.

[myhoneyhoney]

Actually, when it comes to collagen loss, the "certain age" is about 35.

oh my gawd, I'm almost 35! Time to find a way to buy and stock up on some collagen (as if that's possible, lmao). That or hit up Ulta and Sephora for some "treatments"....

[Marge_Simpson]

I think I posted this awhile back but I'll repeat it here because it's Zumba-related and amusing.
My Zumba class is at the hospital where I work, in a gymnasium that is used for various purposes, not necessarily exercise-related. There are usually about 15-20 ladies in the classes. (We had a few men originally, but they have since dropped out - wimps!)
One evening we went over to the gym but the door was locked. Our instructor went and fetched someone from security to unlock the door and let us in. A security guard opened the door, and most of us, including myself, started screaming - there was a naked man across the floor, all stiff and clearly dead. Most of the women are nurses and wouldn't normally flip out at the sight of a body, but who expects to see a dead man on the floor at the gym?
A closer examination proved that we were mistaken, however. Our instructor called administration and insisted that from then on, the dummy used by the CPR class must be locked in a closet after use.

[bobalina77]

lmao!

[IceAlisa]

oh my gawd, I'm almost 35! Time to find a way to buy and stock up on some collagen (as if that's possible, lmao). That or hit up Ulta and Sephora for some "treatments"....

Yes, it's possible to slow things down by using Vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid.

[skatemommy]

Yes, it's possible to slow things down by using Vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid.

So I am assuming the once perky busom of mine is suffering the same fate...any magic potion for that?

[WindSpirit]

I'd only take it up as long as I knew I was going to be hearing real, authentic, balls-to-the-wall Latin music (like the music my friend plays), not the "Latin Pop" crap that performers like Ricky Martin unfortunately brought into vogue in recent years.

Really, you think they would discuss all their possible music choices for months in advance so you wouldn't be offended, or god forbid, storm out of the class if they played something you deem unworthy of your participation in the class? You can dance Latin dances to all kinds of music. The key is to have fun, not be snobby.