So, I have been interested in the zumba videos, but I seriously can not dance. I never have been able to. In high school I was the wall flower. I would hide at dances just so no one would ask me. I literally can not dance. I just can't keep up to the beat. But, it does look like fun, and if I'm alone in the house and no one is watching, then I might give it a try. Has anyone had success with it? I need/would like to loose about 15 to 20 pounds by November. I would love to sign up for weight watchers too but just can't afford it right now. We have a trail that leads down to the beach by our house that's almost 2 miles each way (up and down hills), but for rainy days, I would still like to be able to get in a good work out. My daughter is in kindergarten and my son goes to pre school 2 days a week, so on those mornings, I will have the house to myself. So, is it easy for someone who just totally can't dance, and does it work to loose weight?
Thanks!!
I did a "try me" one time zumba class and it was so much fun. It can be a tiny awkward if you don't really dance but you'll catch on. I also tried the dirty dancing workout. THAT IS SOO FUN. They really teach you step by step. I have never done any of these long term to lose weight (something always comes up). I tried several through my netflix account. So if you have a netflix give it a try. Happy dancing!
I used sparkpeople.com to lose 20 pounds. The nutrition tracker & fitness tracker really kept me on track. And, it's FREE. Good luck :)
The more you do it, the easier it will be. I personally thought it was a blast the first time I tried Zumba and love it more and more as I become familiar with the moves and music. Dancer or not, I say go for it! Especially if you'll be doing it at home alone to start. But you should seriously look into Zumba classes/parties, once you've tried it a few times at home, because part of the fun is the party atmosphere, dancing around and with other people, with an instructor in front to follow. Nobody in the class will care if you do the wrong steps, it's just complete fun no matter the person's skill level. Again, you'll get better and better. So do it since that's what you want!
I haven't tried Zumba but my guess is, as with a lot of the "dance" type classes and videos that although they are fun and get you moving that they probably do not get your heart rate up too high and might not be the best form of cardio for weight loss. But I could be wrong since I've never tried it!
Some advice from someone who's been there done that (I lost 50 lbs after my first was born). Be patient, 15-20 pounds in 6 weeks is a lot. Aim for about 1.5-2 lbs a week if you really want to keep it off. I would do some form of weigh lifting 2-3x a week and then some form of cardio 2-3x a week. P90x are good and includes both weight lifting and cardio dvds (see if you have a friend you can borrow them from, I feel like there are a ton of people with the dvds just sitting around their house). A brisk walk with something like jumping jacks or some other power move every five min or so to get your heart rate high would work well for cardio. If you can't join a gym for weights get some resistance bands or buy some hand weights.
But most of all remember its 80% what you eat and 20% how much you work out. If you can't afford weight watchers, you could try counting calories, there are a TON of free programs on line to help you figure out calories and track them, sparkpeople.com is good as is myfitnesspal.com
I use a personal training type website called phit-n-phat.ning.com where I get a lot of support and download workouts and such. Its been helpful for me and its relatively cheap.
Good luck in your journey! If you do try zumba give us a report! :)
I love love the Brazil Butt Lift videos. They are fun, very effective and the trainer is a hottie. lol
It will work! You don't even need a video, just put on some of your favorite music and move! The idea is to get your heart rate up to about 65% of your max and keep it there for an extended period, (like 40 min)....steady state aerobic activity burns fat. Go for it!
I've taken a few zumba classes and, even though I felt completely dorky, the workouts felt great and made me sweat. So, all the better if you're in the privacy of your own home -- just try to follow the instructor as best as you can (to avoid injury) and have fun!
With practice and persistance you'll dance like you never thought you would.
Start by going to youtube and typing salsa/zumba lessons; these will give great begginer steps that you should be able to master in a matter of days. Once you receive your zumba material in the mail you will be ready for it because you'll have practiced the salsa/zumba steps previously. This type of excercise is a lot of fun because of the movement involved and the rhytm of the music. You may be able to get your husband and kids involved in the future. Just remember, PERSISTANCE AND PRACTICE. You have the house to yourself anyway. Have tons of fun!!
Hi C.,
OMG Im addict to ZUMBA, is the BEST workout I ever did! I'm doing for a year now, my gym have some awesome classes, I never did at home, but I'm sure if you be consistent with your workout will do wonders for you!
I really wanna try the Brazilian butt lift, I didn't order yet but my friend did and love it!
Good luck!
PS: try to cut off calories and eat healthy fresh food, that will help!
I would be thrilled to try the Zumba workouts! I suggest checking with your local library to see if they have any of the videos to check out before buying them. Anything to get you moving and your heart rate up will help you lose weight. Remember: the first 30 minutes of any workout burns off sugars from your food, after 30 minutes you start burning fat. Good luck!
