I know a lot of people who say they wish they liked Zumba but they just aren't coordinated enough. Let me say, as someone who has been enjoying Zumba for three years, lack of coordination should not stop you. Who cares if you're not getting the steps perfectly? No one will notice. And if they do, they're a jerk. The point is to keep moving and have a good time. Honestly, any good instructor will tell you that.
The biggest key is finding the right instructor for you. Everyone has a different style that works for them, and you have to try a few before you figure that out. My ideal instructor combines current hits with high impact moves and a little Latin flavor. I feel fortunate to have found good instructors in my area. Three of them, actually.
So, maybe you're not ready to hit the Zumba studio just yet, but dancing can still be a great workout. Here are a few of my favorite fitness/Zumba routines to pull up when I just want a good dance session at home:
I'm starting with some Dance Fitness with Jessica because I adore her routines. She's super fun, and she's always adding new ones. I also love the fact that she films some of them at home and her kiddos pop in and sometimes join her. This is the first video that introduced me to her, and it's a killer workout for the legs.
Here's another Jessica routine because I couldn't resist.
I'm starting with some Dance Fitness with Jessica because I adore her routines. She's super fun, and she's always adding new ones. I also love the fact that she films some of them at home and her kiddos pop in and sometimes join her. This is the first video that introduced me to her, and it's a killer workout for the legs.
Here's another Jessica routine because I couldn't resist.
This is one of the first songs I remember from Zumba, and this routine is pretty close to the one I learned.
This one's actually one of my "hometown" instructors. I wouldn't mind if she brought this one back. Love me some 'N Sync.
Go ahead and shake it!
+++++
Last week's workouts
Friday: 2.5 miles on the treadmill
Saturday: Off
Saturday: Off
Sunday: Off
Monday: 30 minutes of yoga at home (I intended to go to the gym, but woke up late and settled for this instead)
Tuesday: 3.5 miles on the treadmill
Wednesday: 1 mile on the treadmill + legs/core/back
Thursday: Zumba at homeTuesday: 3.5 miles on the treadmill
Wednesday: 1 mile on the treadmill + legs/core/back
I feel better about what I accomplished for activity this week. I'm aiming to go to BodyPump on Sunday morning. Someone text/tweet/message me to offer motivation that day.
P.S. Heather over at Blonde ... Undercover Blonde reviewed my book, Riffs of Regret, on her blog today. Go check it out!
I'm still dying to do an actual Zumba workout. It just looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteSweet! I followed Dance with Jessica on YouTube. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've done zumba for years. Currently I do it at home with the DVDs or off of YouTube because that's what fits my schedule. I agree, it's not about being a good dancer or being coordinated. It's a great workout if you get out there and don't give a crap about what you look like.
That's how I felt about Jazzercise when I was going to it--no matter how coordinated you are, it doesn't matter becuase you're still getting a good workout!! Good for you for sticking with your workouts this week, especially doing some stuff at home...that takes more willpower than the gym or a class, in my opinion!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up :)
I did zumba last winter. It was actually really nice because we exchanged favors - I did their website and they gave me free classes. But anyway, it's definitely a lot of fun and a good workout! We had one song that was the "squat song" so as soon as it came on we knew our thighs were about to be burning.
ReplyDelete