Starting Zumba? Here are Tips from Women Who Were Once in Your Gym Shoes
Alejandra Roel
| 3 min read
If you’re anything like the ladies gathered at Southwest Detroit’s CHASS Center for free Zumba classes, you should know that Zumba is one of the most fun alternatives you’ll find for boring cardio routines.
During my last visit to the class, I met Renee Torres, who agrees.
“It’s an alternative to me running. I get my cardio in and don’t have to run every day,” she said.
Kristina and Renee Torres, post-Zumba workout. Photo Credit: Alejandra Roel
Torres shared her Zumba experience with me and told me about the ways she and her two daughters, Kristina and Lauren Torres, have used it as a bonding experience and a way to stay in shape. She also shared one of the main reasons that she loves going to Zumba:
“When you’re in the Zumba class, you don’t have to think about anything!”
Meanwhile, Lauren Torres can attest to the ways Zumba is more than just dancing around and having fun. It is real exercise with real results! After a year of healthy eating paired with Zumba three to four times a week, Lauren lost eighty pounds while gaining a ton of self-confidence and discipline.
If you’re thinking of starting Zumba, here are five tips that Renee Torres and her daughters want to share with you for making Zumba part of your lifestyle:
- Start Slow! Anything you try will be a little difficult at first. If you’re not a person who works out regularly or is in impeccable physical condition, Lauren Torres suggests starting with slower-paced Zumba routines and working your way up to the more intense sessions.
- Start with Zumba videos. If you’re the type of person who is convinced that you have two left feet, you might feel more comfortable if you try some steps at home to get you into the rhythm of things. Checking out some Zumba videos online or on DVD can help get you prepared for what you might see during a Zumba class. This could be really useful for those of us who get nervous working out or shaking it around large groups of people.
- Go with a friend or family member. One thing Renee Torres can attest to is the fact that her daughters made all the difference in making Zumba part of her routine. “It was my oldest daughter who got us hooked on Zumba. So when I told my youngest daughter that this class was here–let’s go and try it—she was all for it,” she said. Whether she makes it out with them or a coworker, going with someone she knows makes her feel more at home and comfortable.
- Your mindset is key! Renee Torres and her daughters agree that it is important to keep in mind that there are people from so many different levels taking Zumba classes. “You aren’t the worst one there or the best one in the class,” says Kristina Torres. What matters is that you have fun and keep your health in mind.
- Make it part of a larger weekly routine of fun. Kristina and Lauren Torres both say that they fill in the rest of their week with other fun workouts such as soccer. It’s all about what you find fun and comfortable!
Zumba could be the first step to a healthier you! For more information or to register for free Zumba classes offered at the CHASS Center in Southwest Detroit click here, or call 313-849-3920 extension 5163.
Are you new to Zumba as well and have tips to share? Tell us what your advice is to making Zumba part of a healthy lifestyle!
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Photo credit for main image: Universitetssykehuset Nord-Norge (UNN)
