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A Zumba Class is a great workout for people with all types of fitness goals:
Kickstart a healthier lifestyle
Burn calories and lose weight
Or, simply dance and have fun
Whether you're just starting your Zumba journey or looking for a fresh challenge, a few things can make a big difference in the fitness results you get.
Breath with your movement, stand up straight, engage your core.
Then, add a little extra ✨
1. Sync Your Breathing — In Through Your Nose, Out Through Your Mouth
This sounds simple but it's so easy to forget to breathe during a workout... don't forget to breathe! Not only does your breath supply your muscles with oxygen, it helps you maintain your energy and prevent fatigue.
If you find yourself winded or feeling flushed in the face, focus on your breathing.
Practice:
Inhale through your nose to fill your lungs with air
Exhale through your mouth
Keep your breath steady and sync it with your movements
Take it to class:
Focus on your breathing during your favorite song. Practice taking deeper breaths and pair them with your movements.
2. Perfect Your Posture — Chest Up & Shoulders Back
Good posture is key to a successful workout. It reduces your risk for injuries, improves your balance, and makes your muscles work more efficiently. These things all lead to better fitness results.
Practice:
Imagine a string pulling your head upward and lengthen your spine
Keep your shoulders back and relaxed
Distribute your weight evenly on both feet
Avoid slouching
Take it to class:
Try focusing on your posture during moves you know really well. You might find yourself defaulting back to a slouch without noticing. Catch it when you can and throw those shoulders back.
3. Engage Your Core — Tighten Up for Better Balance and Strength
Engaging your core, especially during cardio, can improve your balance, prevent injuries, and make your workouts more effective.
Practice:
Pull your belly button in towards your spine and squeeze your abdominal muscles as if you're bracing for a punch (or taking a picture 🙃)
Keep breathing normally while holding this tension
Take it to class:
If you're bored with a song or love it and want a challenge, dance with a tight core. It will challenge your breathing and add more intensity to your workout.
4. Add a little EXTRA in the songs you know
When your muscle memory kicks in and routines are more familiar, it's time to add a little extra. Extra can be anything that adds more intensity to your movement.
Practice:
Take larger steps when traveling forward or to the sides
Add a light squat to a standard V step movement
Lift your knees a little higher while maintaining a tight core
Sprinkle in some jumping when the beat hits
Engage the muscles in your arms as you move them to the beat
Take it to class:
Extra might not be your preference and that's okay! Some songs may inspire you to do a little more than others. When that moment comes, take it!
5. Drink enough water
Staying hydrated by drinking water during a workout helps keep your body cool and your joints loose.
Tips:
Drink water before, during, and after your workout
Take small sips as needed throughout the class
5. Listen to Your Body
You might only be able to focus on one of these Zumba workout tips at a time. Pay attention to your body's signals to avoid overexerting yourself.
Tips:
Modify moves to accommodate your fitness level and any physical limitations
Take breaks when needed and don't push yourself too hard
Own your Zumba Class
You may fall in and out of practice but the effort you put into your workout directly affects the results you get. Challenge yourself, have fun, enjoy the music, and shake with purpose!
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