I miss doing Zumba.. Time to get back with it! I have the Cardio Party & 20-Minute Express dvds and the Zumba game on Kinect.. all great ways to work out & sweat at home. You can definitely get the full workout effect with the videos. I love the dvds.
Smashley, I used to go to classes alone. It was a good experience. Everyone tries to keep up with the instructor and the dances are fun. All ages, all body sizes.
Kaspara, all zumba instructors are taught the same basic steps and are also allowed to choreograph their own songs. In a zumba class, 70% of the music should be a blend of latin and international songs and 30% of the music is up to the instructor (learned this at a level 1 instructor training).
I agree with Tomato- if you have a choice, try out different classes and see who's you like best, since each instructor will add in their own style/flavor.
kma415, for zumba, definitely wear a sports bra and non-restrictive clothes (comfortable, maybe cotton).. tank top or tee shirt and shorts or sports pants/leggings. Sneakers with socks. Bring water! (late reponse, but for other newbies) Zumba has definitely helped the most with me losing weight. In 1 year, I've went from 140 to 115.. I give at least half of the credit to zumba (classes, dvds or game, 3-5x/week).
OakCliffMom, I hope you do give Zumba a try. I've tried getting my Mom to come with me in the past. Off-topic, but a fun, easy-for-beginners workout is Burlesque.. DFW offers some fun classes. Or go to the Zumba website and look for a Zumba Gold class, those are easier than regular zumba (they're made for older people & people new to exercise).
I can definitely say Zumba is one of the FUNNEST workouts I've done, making it easier to stick with (& come back to class).
petitefleur, I haven't tried Exhilarate but if you "Like/Fan" Zumba on Facebook, you'll see a few new song routines from Beto and other instructors.
LindsaysMommy, my feet have hurt a couple of times after class, but I probably jumped rope the same day. You might need better shoes (for absorbing impact) or add some gel inserts to give your feet more padding.
mhill0823, I'm like you, I need a zumba buddy! We should make a zumba challenge thread, so we can set goals and hold accountable
Y'all take care!