Is zumba only for younger folks?

2poodles

I'm 47 and intrigued by zumba - but hesitate going to a class and looking like an idiot! Any 40 - 50 somethings doing zumba?

curlyny

I haven't tried zumba, but I have a 59 year-old co-worker who does it once a week. She says she doesn't get all the moves, but she loves the class.

Mamacurl3

no way, I'd say that most of the women in the classes I go to are in the 40-55 age range. It's for everyone and soooo much fun, great workout. as long as you can shake it a little, you can zumba
just took a peek at your fotki btw, your gardens are beautiful!! I"m so jealous!
have fun zumbaing!

ninja dog

I don't do it (I'm 40-ish), but I know a lot of people older than I who do, at the Y where I'm a member.

Suburbanbushbabe

I've done it (I'm mid 50's). It's fun but for my knees not so much (too much shuffling) I prefer NIA.

whatsercurl

I met an instructor and she was late 40's. She said most of her students were 40's and up.

2poodles

Thanks, everyone - I ordered a dvd to try at home, hoping to learn a couple of the steps ahead of time. Then I'll give it a shot at the Y. I'm hoping to find a fun indoor cardio workout that doesn't get too boring - seems like this might fit the bill.

crwritt

2poodles wrote: »

I'm 47 and intrigued by zumba - but hesitate going to a class and looking like an idiot! Any 40 - 50 somethings doing zumba?

i've done Zumba for a couple years, and can tell you, its pretty much an all ages thing. I love to dance, especially latin, and its a good workout with moves reminiscent of latin dance. i'd say half the ladies in our classes were in thier 40's.
I hurt my knee and need surgery, so I haven't been for a few months, and don't I miss it!

crwritt

Suburbanbushbabe wrote: »

I've done it (I'm mid 50's). It's fun but for my knees not so much (too much shuffling) I prefer NIA.

I agree. The side to side moves in zumba have helped aggravate my already injured knee so now I get to have arthroscopic surgery.

I like Nia too, but the classes are sort of pricey. Maybe after the surgery I'll get back into one or the other.

LAwoman

So funny, I was tempted to take a Zumba class at my gym this a.m, but I chickened out at the last minute.

Do you think a gal without natural rhythm (and was never very good at picking up dance moves) can enjoy Zumba? I can pick up the moves in other group exercise classes (body combat, body step, etc...)

2poodles

So I FINALLY made it to a zumba class - actually it was Zumba Lite! Turns out it was a lot of fun!!!

Mamacurl3

yay! Glad you liked it, is Zumba lite a lower impact zumba?

LA, have you tried it yet? I think it depends, it definitely takes a few classes to get the hang of the basic steps. the choreography to all of the songs is pretty much a variation of the basics. I say if you can pick up moves in other classes, you'll definitely be able to get and enjoy zumba. You might just find that little dancing soul within you that has it's own sense of natural rhythm:)

I've been doing zumba for over a year now and it definitely gets easier and more fun the more I do it. I'm considering becoming an instructor since my membership is up at my gym in Feb, and they are looking for more zumba instructors.

2poodles

Zumba lite is the same exact thing as regular Zumba - same moves, same songs, just a little slower. It's supposed to be a good way to learn the steps. Then one can progress more comfortably - and confidently - to full Zumba. I figure I'll stick with the lite version for another couple classes then graduate!

And mc3 - becoming an instructor is a GREAT idea! I'd never do it, though, 'cause I wouldn't want everyone staring at my butt the whole time trying to figure out how to get their hips moving like mine!! And I'm pretty sure anyone watching my butt wouldn't want their hips moving like mine!!

Mamacurl3

oh, I see. Zumba lite sounds like a great way to get the hang of it. lmbo about the people watching your butt/hips...I have no shame. I just shake it and let my hips/butt do the leading

Mandeelicious

LAwoman wrote: »

So funny, I was tempted to take a Zumba class at my gym this a.m, but I chickened out at the last minute.

Do you think a gal without natural rhythm (and was never very good at picking up dance moves) can enjoy Zumba? I can pick up the moves in other group exercise classes (body combat, body step, etc...)

I was half terrified when I started zumba because I had never even stepped on a dancefloor because I simply don't know how to move. I decided to be brave one day and just do it, and I definitely looked a little slow and weird, but I kept at it. The moves themselves are not that difficult although they seem that way at first, but the music is fun. It also helps if you have a fun group of people taking the class with you. some people just go there, do their thing, and bounce, but the group at the gym I go to are all insane which makes it fun. So... if you havent tried it already ,you should becuase it will be fun once you get the hang of it... if you have already tried it, then you know!

LAwoman

LA, have you tried it yet? I think it depends, it definitely takes a few classes to get the hang of the basic steps. the choreography to all of the songs is pretty much a variation of the basics. I say if you can pick up moves in other classes, you'll definitely be able to get and enjoy zumba. You might just find that little dancing soul within you that has it's own sense of natural rhythm:icon_smile:

Hey there-- After all this time-- I finally tried Zumba this past Thursday.

Yes I felt quite uncoordinated and was definitely lost on a good bit of the choreography but.... I LOVED it! Seriously-- I can't wait to go back next week. I got a *great* workout in, had a blast and just felt really good afterwards.

2 thumbs up for Zumba!

Mamacurl3

yay! so glad you liked it! you'll find you'll love it even more the more you go:blob7:

System

I went to my first Zumba class tonight and I totally loved it. It was so much fun. It was fast paced and a little tricky in spots but the music was so fast and I just made up a few of my own moves when I couldn't follow correctly.

destinych3

Zumba is tricky for someone as uncoordinated as I. Kudas to you all for having fun with it

afrosheenqueen

I love Zumba. I just feel more confident and sexy after a workout. I have very few of those moments 98% of the time. :goofy:

erikaxelectrik7

NO! Not at all!

My grandmother does Zumba and she's 58, and so does my 77 year old great grandmother. No one looks at them like they're idiots and they have a ton of fun doing it. Zumba is for all ages.