Helpful Hints For The Zumba Fitness Beginner

I've been attending classes in the latest exercise craze Zumba Fitness for a few weeks now. I'm starting to feel confident that I'm getting the techniques down and really enjoying the classes. This however wasn't always the case. When I started out in my first Zumba Fitness class I didn't have the confidence I now muster up and there were a few things I wish I'd known. So I've decided to give all you Newbies out there a few tips I wish I'd thought of before class one!

My Top Five Tips For Zumba Fitness Beginners:

1. Stretch Before Class.

• I can't stress the importance of the the pre-class stretch. It's a vital thing to do those toe touches, get down and stretch your legs out, and don't forget about your arms. While my Zumba Fitness class offers a "cool down" session it's still necessary to allow yourself a few minutes before class begins to loosen up. The first few classes I attended I opted to forgoe this part of the exercise and I paid for it dearly!

   2.  Wear Appropriate Shoes And Comfortable Clothes.

• When it comes to your attire for Zumba Fitness class it's not a fashion show! It's not so much the brands you should be concerned with but your comfort. You will want to wear loose fitting items like tank tops and t-shirts and throw on a pair of shorts. Wearing layers and sometimes even pants is just too much. Your body needs to be able to breath because believe me you will sweat those calories away! Also keep in mind your footwear. I started out in a pair of regular old shoes I had laying around the house, but I found they didn't give me enough freedom to move as I wanted too. My suggestion is any pair of gym shoes with minimal gripping on the soles and low top shoes seem to go better with the Zumba Fitness Moves.

   3.  Drink Lots Of Fluids.

• In the course of an hour if your really participating you can burn up to 1,000 calories. So while you are sweating all that out it's a good idea to keep the fluids coming back into your body. You won't want to drink high sodium, caffeniated drinks like soda but instead opt for a bottle of water or even Gatorade that contains electrolytes to keep you hydrated. I suggest bringing more than one bottle of your favorite hydration!

     4.  Go To Pre-Class.

• Many of us claim we're crunched for time with finding the babysitters for class and finishing up those errands for the day. If you do happen to have that extra thirty minutes attend a pre-class session. Many instructors offer or would be glad to have a thirty minute class prior to that shows you the Zumba Fitness techniques in a slow fashion so your prepared for the workout. Give it a shot, the other newbies will think your a pro!

     5. Have Fun And Be Yourself!

• - The most important thing to remember about Zumba Fitness is your there to loose weight but have a good time doing it! Don't worry no one in the class is watching you unless your a super newbie who others watch to get those moves down! After a few classes your self confidence will build and you'll feel right in your element. So go out there and dance your way to fitness!