Frequently Asked Questions
Copyright 2010 Dancing Lotus Fitness, LLC. All rights reserved.
Zumba®, Zumba Fitness®, Zumba Toning® and Zumbatomic® are registered
trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC and are used under Licensed Approval.
Zumba®, Zumba Fitness®, Zumba Toning® and Zumbatomic® are registered
trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC and are used under Licensed Approval.
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What is Zumba Fitness®?
Zumba Fitness® is an exciting dance-fitness class based on Latin and International rhythms. Zumba Fitness was founded in
2001 by Beto Perez when he discovered the magic combination of fusing amazing music and dance with fitness classes.
Zumba classes use a combination of easy-to-follow dance steps inspired by salsa, tango, cumbia, cha cha, reggaeton,
bellydance, and other Latin and International dances; with a pinch of the instructor's own favorite music and dance flavors.
Throw in fitness and toning moves and you have yourself a Zumba class! For more information, check out www.zumba.com.
Do I need to be a good dancer for Zumba® classes?
No! People of ANY ability can participate in Zumba Fitness. Although we do many steps from many different dances, all
you have to do is follow along. Don't even worry about whether you are on the "right" foot. Just keep moving and have fun.
My job as an instructor is to make it easy for you to follow the steps while getting a great workout! Whether you are new to
exercise of looking to add something new to your workout routine, you can enjoy Zumba Fitness!
What should I wear?
For most of my classes you will want to wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows you to move freely. Expect to
sweat! Shoes are very important in Zumba class. You don't want a lot of tread or grip, but you do want excellent support.
Good shoe choices include aerobic dance shoes, cross-trainers with little tread or a smooth sole, and some cheer shoes.
Shoes with a pivot point on the bottom can be ideal. Avoid wearing running shoes, as they have too much traction and can
cause knee issues when pivoting or twisting. Please be sure to bring a dedicated pair of shoes that aren't worn outside. This
helps us keep the floors safe and comfortable. On the other hand, for PiYo and yoga, you'll be barefoot! For PiYo and yoga,
realize that with the movements on the mat, you will want clothes that will move with you and fit more snuggly.
What should I bring?
In addition to your comfy workout clothes you'll want appropriate shoes for ZUMBA and Hoop classes. Please avoid
wearing street shoes in the studio. You'll also want to bring a water bottle. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after
your experience. You may want to bring a small towel. Consider bringing a light dry layer for when you leave class. For
PiYo and yoga, I recommend having a mat of your own. I do, however, have mats available should you need one. If you will
be visiting for the first time, please arrive a few minutes early so that I can introduce myself and give you a waiver to look
over and sign.
Can I take classes if I'm pregnant? What if I have a medical condition?
Generally speaking, my classes are safe for women with a normal pregnancy, however no one should participate in my
classes without a doctor's permission. This is especially true if you are pregnant or have a medical condition. Usually if you
have been exercising before becoming pregnant, you are able to continue as you are comfortable. I have had the pleasure of
having many pregnant women take my classes, even up through just two days before giving birth! Still, it is very important
to check with your doctor first. The same is true for anyone with a medical condition. Check with your doctor! I encourage
you to be sure to listen to your body and take things at your own pace. If you are pregnant or have a medical concern,
please be sure to let me know so that I can offer you any appropriate modifications.
Can I bring my kids to class?
The music, moves, and intensity of my adult classes are not designed for children. I know it can be hard to find childcare
and I try to provide it when possible. (See my full Childcare Policy for current information.) For the comfort and safety of
everyone concerned, children are not allowed to sit in the studio space or be unattended in the building. Please take your
class time as time for yourself and try to enjoy it. Zumba Fitness offers a specialty class--Zumbatomic-- just for kids. I
currently offer Zumbatomic classes through schools and for special events. Although designed for adults, teens 13 and over
may participate in my classes with a parent's signed waiver provided that the teens can conduct themselves within class
guidelines. Please understand that this waiver must be signed by the teen's parent or guardian. You can e-mail me to get a
copy of the waiver ahead of time. I strongly encourage a parent to try one of my classes before deciding whether it is a good
fit for their teen.
How many calories will I burn?
Calorie burn varies greatly from person to person, especially since in my classes, you really set your own intensity! The
average calories burn for participants in Zumba is 300-500 calories for a 45-minute class. If you want to know exactly
how many calories YOU burn during class, I encourage you to invest in a heart rate monitor--a workout tool I love!
Why don't you talk during Zumba class?
One thing you're sure to notice in my Zumba classes is that there is rarely any verbal instruction--no counting, no "To the
left...", no "Eight more!". The reason for this is simple--Zumba class is about feeling the music, not about counting steps,
not about being on the right foot, just feeling the music and letting your body move to the beat. Zumba is a party. Zumba
encourages their instructors to teach non-verbally so that the music is where you focus your attention. My role is to
demonstrate steps to the songs that are safe and effective but that also follow the flow of the music. I don't give verbal cues
during songs so that you can hear the music and experience it your own way. If you would ever like me to talk you through a
step before or after class, I'm more than happy to do so, but don't worry about it during class! Just relax and have fun.
Zumba class is certainly about fitness and getting healthy physically, but it is also about taking a mental break from the daily
grind, and experiencing the beauty of music and dance. As you become more familiar with the steps in each class, you may
find yourself feeling the music even more, being able to let go and "just dance". As a Zumba instructor, I am leading the class
so that you have the individual experience that you want. In Zumba Toning I do give verbal instruction to maximize the
effectiveness and safety of your workout. PiYo, Hoop, and yoga are also verbally cued classes.
Why are there slower songs in the middle of Zumba class?
You may notice that there are slow songs interspersed with the high energy songs in our Zumba classes. This may seem odd
if you are used to the normal low-to-high energy curve of a typical aerobics class. So why are the slow and fast songs mixed
up in Zumba classes? The answer is simple: Zumba uses intermittent training. Intermittent training gives you rest
periods that allow you to recover so that you have more energy for the faster songs. In other words, you are able to work
even harder during the high intensity songs because you've had a chance to recover during the slow songs. Studies show
that intermittent training can improve your cardiovascular system and boost your metabolism more than
standard low-to-high intensity exercise. Intermittent training can also reduce your risk of injury and build your muscles'
capacity for higher intensity exercise. So next time you hear that slower song start, take advantage of the time to recover,
and get ready to kick it back up on the next song!
How much does it cost?
Visit our Pricing Page for all of the information!
Have a question that isn't answered here? Just contact me and I'll be happy to answer it!
Zumba Fitness® is an exciting dance-fitness class based on Latin and International rhythms. Zumba Fitness was founded in
2001 by Beto Perez when he discovered the magic combination of fusing amazing music and dance with fitness classes.
Zumba classes use a combination of easy-to-follow dance steps inspired by salsa, tango, cumbia, cha cha, reggaeton,
bellydance, and other Latin and International dances; with a pinch of the instructor's own favorite music and dance flavors.
Throw in fitness and toning moves and you have yourself a Zumba class! For more information, check out www.zumba.com.
Do I need to be a good dancer for Zumba® classes?
No! People of ANY ability can participate in Zumba Fitness. Although we do many steps from many different dances, all
you have to do is follow along. Don't even worry about whether you are on the "right" foot. Just keep moving and have fun.
My job as an instructor is to make it easy for you to follow the steps while getting a great workout! Whether you are new to
exercise of looking to add something new to your workout routine, you can enjoy Zumba Fitness!
What should I wear?
For most of my classes you will want to wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows you to move freely. Expect to
sweat! Shoes are very important in Zumba class. You don't want a lot of tread or grip, but you do want excellent support.
Good shoe choices include aerobic dance shoes, cross-trainers with little tread or a smooth sole, and some cheer shoes.
Shoes with a pivot point on the bottom can be ideal. Avoid wearing running shoes, as they have too much traction and can
cause knee issues when pivoting or twisting. Please be sure to bring a dedicated pair of shoes that aren't worn outside. This
helps us keep the floors safe and comfortable. On the other hand, for PiYo and yoga, you'll be barefoot! For PiYo and yoga,
realize that with the movements on the mat, you will want clothes that will move with you and fit more snuggly.
What should I bring?
In addition to your comfy workout clothes you'll want appropriate shoes for ZUMBA and Hoop classes. Please avoid
wearing street shoes in the studio. You'll also want to bring a water bottle. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after
your experience. You may want to bring a small towel. Consider bringing a light dry layer for when you leave class. For
PiYo and yoga, I recommend having a mat of your own. I do, however, have mats available should you need one. If you will
be visiting for the first time, please arrive a few minutes early so that I can introduce myself and give you a waiver to look
over and sign.
Can I take classes if I'm pregnant? What if I have a medical condition?
Generally speaking, my classes are safe for women with a normal pregnancy, however no one should participate in my
classes without a doctor's permission. This is especially true if you are pregnant or have a medical condition. Usually if you
have been exercising before becoming pregnant, you are able to continue as you are comfortable. I have had the pleasure of
having many pregnant women take my classes, even up through just two days before giving birth! Still, it is very important
to check with your doctor first. The same is true for anyone with a medical condition. Check with your doctor! I encourage
you to be sure to listen to your body and take things at your own pace. If you are pregnant or have a medical concern,
please be sure to let me know so that I can offer you any appropriate modifications.
Can I bring my kids to class?
The music, moves, and intensity of my adult classes are not designed for children. I know it can be hard to find childcare
and I try to provide it when possible. (See my full Childcare Policy for current information.) For the comfort and safety of
everyone concerned, children are not allowed to sit in the studio space or be unattended in the building. Please take your
class time as time for yourself and try to enjoy it. Zumba Fitness offers a specialty class--Zumbatomic-- just for kids. I
currently offer Zumbatomic classes through schools and for special events. Although designed for adults, teens 13 and over
may participate in my classes with a parent's signed waiver provided that the teens can conduct themselves within class
guidelines. Please understand that this waiver must be signed by the teen's parent or guardian. You can e-mail me to get a
copy of the waiver ahead of time. I strongly encourage a parent to try one of my classes before deciding whether it is a good
fit for their teen.
How many calories will I burn?
Calorie burn varies greatly from person to person, especially since in my classes, you really set your own intensity! The
average calories burn for participants in Zumba is 300-500 calories for a 45-minute class. If you want to know exactly
how many calories YOU burn during class, I encourage you to invest in a heart rate monitor--a workout tool I love!
Why don't you talk during Zumba class?
One thing you're sure to notice in my Zumba classes is that there is rarely any verbal instruction--no counting, no "To the
left...", no "Eight more!". The reason for this is simple--Zumba class is about feeling the music, not about counting steps,
not about being on the right foot, just feeling the music and letting your body move to the beat. Zumba is a party. Zumba
encourages their instructors to teach non-verbally so that the music is where you focus your attention. My role is to
demonstrate steps to the songs that are safe and effective but that also follow the flow of the music. I don't give verbal cues
during songs so that you can hear the music and experience it your own way. If you would ever like me to talk you through a
step before or after class, I'm more than happy to do so, but don't worry about it during class! Just relax and have fun.
Zumba class is certainly about fitness and getting healthy physically, but it is also about taking a mental break from the daily
grind, and experiencing the beauty of music and dance. As you become more familiar with the steps in each class, you may
find yourself feeling the music even more, being able to let go and "just dance". As a Zumba instructor, I am leading the class
so that you have the individual experience that you want. In Zumba Toning I do give verbal instruction to maximize the
effectiveness and safety of your workout. PiYo, Hoop, and yoga are also verbally cued classes.
Why are there slower songs in the middle of Zumba class?
You may notice that there are slow songs interspersed with the high energy songs in our Zumba classes. This may seem odd
if you are used to the normal low-to-high energy curve of a typical aerobics class. So why are the slow and fast songs mixed
up in Zumba classes? The answer is simple: Zumba uses intermittent training. Intermittent training gives you rest
periods that allow you to recover so that you have more energy for the faster songs. In other words, you are able to work
even harder during the high intensity songs because you've had a chance to recover during the slow songs. Studies show
that intermittent training can improve your cardiovascular system and boost your metabolism more than
standard low-to-high intensity exercise. Intermittent training can also reduce your risk of injury and build your muscles'
capacity for higher intensity exercise. So next time you hear that slower song start, take advantage of the time to recover,
and get ready to kick it back up on the next song!
How much does it cost?
Visit our Pricing Page for all of the information!
Have a question that isn't answered here? Just contact me and I'll be happy to answer it!
