Gransnet forums

Dieting & exercise

Zumba

(39 Posts)
susiecb Fri 06-Jan-12 09:45:04

Well what a revelation. I went to my first Zumba class last night and it was FAB-U-LUS! I thought it would be too hard for me but I kept up well. I love the Salsa type music and the teacher was a reassuring size 18 but boy can she Zumba! I have arthritis in my spine and hips and am a size 16 and I was the oldest in the class so don't be put off. This one is really good fun and I have released my inner Shakira!!!

glassortwo Fri 06-Jan-12 10:00:01

Its great fun isnt it susie

I need to get back into it as it is the most enjoyable form of exercise I have come across, and its all ages and sizes go to my local class but it clashed with work so I started to miss classes, but now that I no longer work I need to start again.

effblinder Fri 06-Jan-12 10:00:20

I love Zumba too! I had a very shouty instructor who was always commanding us to "work it, work it, girls!".

I think the one bloke in our class found it a bit disconcerting...

goldengirl Fri 06-Jan-12 21:08:49

I missed the opportunity to go to Zumba last night but I might manage it next week. Your posts sounds encouraging. I'm a bit concerned I'll be the elephant amongst the gazelles. What do you wear?

glassortwo Fri 06-Jan-12 22:59:34

golden you will love it!!!!!

I was worried it would be all the beautiful people with their make up and nails, but its not its ordinary people of all ages and all sizes.

I wore tracksuit bottoms and a t shirt, nothing to heavy as you get very very hot, and you need to take a bottle of water.

MDougall Sat 07-Jan-12 07:10:12

I also joined a Zumba class this week for the first time. Went twice and absolutely loved it. My teacher is Anglo/italian and spent years in Argentina, so has lots of latino passion and is just so enthusiastic.

I was certainly not the oldest and there was a good mixture of agegroups with lots of laughter and applause - something unusual in a fitness class!!

Try and join if you can.... my legs/waist really ached afterwards so it certainly did help work out something!!

susiecb Sun 08-Jan-12 10:41:14

Everyone in my class had leggings, cut off and a t shirt of some kind- nothing designery and just ordinary trainers. Bottle of water and a towel is imperative! Enjoy!

mrsmopp Mon 17-Sep-12 16:15:13

Our U3A group has a Zumba class and it's ideal as it is geared up to our age group and we are not trying to keep up with youngsters half our age.
The tutor makes the classes fun and enjoyable and the hour passes quickly.
I recommend it.

janthea Mon 17-Sep-12 16:23:31

Oooooh!! I want to find a class. Sounds fun!

gangy5 Mon 17-Sep-12 16:29:16

I've been doing Zumba since before Christmas and go twice a week. Am I right to assume that you are all doing Zumba Gold. I for one know that I couldn't cope with the normal variety.
Yes, I have to agree with you all - it is the best way to exercise that I have come across - so enjoyable and certainly lifts my spirits.

Butternut Mon 17-Sep-12 16:40:28

I go to Zumba Gold every Monday morning, and it's a great form of exercise. Most of the class are in their 50/60's, all shapes and sizes, wearing an odd assortment of leggings and t-shirts. It's a very good cardio-vascular work out, with warm-up and warm-downs. The Z-gold is toned down a bit, but essentially you can put as much ooomph into it as you like. It'll make you sweat, so take plenty of water and a towel.

golden - Give it a try. Great fun.

Sorry glass - just repeated what you've said in my haste to respond! grin

mrsmopp Mon 17-Sep-12 18:06:29

The music helps, those Latin American songs are easy-
Volare, Oh oh, Cantate, Uh huh huh huh, etc, nice pace, not too fast.
Even I can do it..

Stephen Tue 16-Apr-13 11:00:24

I have seen them at my local Leisure Centre doing Zumba and I do not think I would have the energy to do that for an hour. I normally see them as I wait to do my Pilates class as we are the next in to the Dance Studio.

Yes Zumba would give me a weight loss but I think it would kill me in the process. Until a couple of years ago I weighed 16.5 stone. Due to work injuries on my knees I was advised by the knee Clinic of my local Hospital to loose weight. I have my own diet which I call the "Potato Diet" which works for me, all it is is a couple of extra potatoes with the main meal of the day which stops me snacking because I am not hungry. October to December 2011 I lost two stones. I then after seeing a specialist attended my Leisure Centre and did Aquafit which is exercising in water, where I could loose four pounds a session if I did not eat a big meal afterwards. I then moved onto Pilates.

Pilates has strengthened my core muscles and corrects posture thus re leaving pain and has reduced my waist measurement by two inches. When 16.5 stone my belly hung over my 44 waist trousers, I bought a new pair of trousers last week size 38 with my belly held in so I have lost six/eight inches on the waist but still weigh 14 stone, muscle weighs more than fat.

gracesmum Tue 16-Apr-13 11:16:33

Have you been in touch with Frank (HUNTERF) Stephen? I think you would have a lot on common. Maybe you already go to the same leisure centre?

Ariadne Tue 16-Apr-13 12:12:49

They would indeed, gracesmum! Similar styles too.

shysal Tue 16-Apr-13 12:48:33

I didn't know about the Gold version, I think I might give it a try. My coordination is ok but I am not a good wiggler, not very flexible - would the classes suit me? I have ordered a DVD to try first.

HappyNanna Tue 16-Apr-13 13:17:35

Thanks for the info re Zumba gold. We had a flyer through the door and thought I might try it before perhaps moving up to the 'normal' Zumba. She charges £4 a session (1 hr). Is this a typical price?

gracesmum Tue 16-Apr-13 13:18:29

Ariadne grin

shysal Tue 16-Apr-13 17:55:02

Happynanna, I looked up my local council classes today and prices are £5.80 standard and £3.90 for over 60s. There is a Gold class tomorrow so I am going to give it a try. I watched a few clips on Youtube and it looks quite gentle and easy to follow.

Maniac Tue 16-Apr-13 18:29:17

I pay £24 per month at local sports centre for which I have unlimited use of Gym equipment,free swimming,free Pilates beginners8wk course and most other classes free.

granniefinn Tue 16-Apr-13 18:51:39

Love Zimbabwe the guy that takes r class is a camp as you come he play up to it he makes us laugh so much even are faces get a work out he is great and you get a laugh when some of us have 2 left feet

Galen Tue 16-Apr-13 19:04:16

What's Rhodesia got to do with it?
Or are you using an iPad?

scottydownsouth Wed 17-Apr-13 08:32:16

I have been going to a gold class for a year and a half and it is brilliant. Enough to keep everything flexible without doing any damage. Sadly our instructor has moved on to pastures new and we really miss it.

LullyDully Wed 17-Apr-13 09:29:10

But is it suitable for a creaky 64 year old?

HUNTERF Wed 17-Apr-13 10:17:59

Stephen

Are you the Stephen who does Bums and Tums.
If you are thank you for your support in persuading the centre to make all classes mixed.

Frank