Zumba Rhythm

In my first post I told you that Zumba is a latin-dance based cardio workout.  What I didn't tell you is what kind of latin dances we do in Zumba.  When you become a Zumba instructor, you learn the 4 basic rhythms: Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia, and Reggeaton.

The difference is the beat.  It's hard to explain in words, but easy if you listen.  Here are some examples of the four different rhythms:

Here's Merengue:



Salsa:



Cumbia:


Reggaeton:

As you can see, there are different steps that are characteristic of each rhythm.

But don't worry...if you come to a Zumba class you don't need to know the difference...leave that up to your instructor!  You just follow along.

Keel dancing!

If you like Zumba...

Then you'll LOVE The Color Run!

This morning I ran a 5K called The Color Run in my hometown Nashville, TN.  Every kilometer, they throw colored powder at you so by the time you reach the finish line, you end up looking like this:

It was a blast!  There were about 15,000 runners and music playing the whole way, so it really seemed more like a crazy paint-rave than a workout.  And since one of my best friends, Anna, ran with me it was even more memorable.

Now, let me get one thing straight...I am NOT a runner.  At all.  I don't really like running and I am not good at it at all.  But, if you add in friends, loud music, and about a ton of colored powder...running a 5K doesn't seem so bad.  In fact, it's actually really enjoyable.  

Exercise is more fun when it's fun.  And yes, I know that's redundant, but seriously!  Find something that you genuinely enjoy doing and getting yourself to the gym will suddenly become a whole lot easier.  For me, it's dancing or anything with music because it seems like a party.  Do you love to play basketball?  Cycling?  Badminton?  Jump-roping?  AWESOME!  Go do it.

Get up.  Find something that makes you want to move.  Keep dancing!

  

Bebé Bonita

I've got new choreography for you today!

I first heard the song "Bebé Bonita" by Chino y Nacho this summer when I was living in Guatemala.  I've been wanting to choreograph a Zumba dance to it ever since then, and the moment has finally arrived!

The focus of this dance is intervals- I tried to include sections that were challenging cardio-wise and sections to take a short break.

Enjoy!

On the microphone: being the instructor

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love teaching Zumba classes. But, a lot of people don’t understand how hard the instructor is working both in and out of class. 

Here’s the best comparison I can offer you: teaching a group fitness class is like going for a run while belting out your favorite songs (if it’s an Aqua Zumba class, add to that the heat and humidity of an indoor swimming pool room).  Talking (and yelling) through a whole class adds a whole new level of cardio intensity.  Add to that the difficulty of always having to think about what step comes next; it’s a workout for your brain, too.    

But teaching a group fitness class is not just a workout, it’s a performance.  When you’re on the microphone, it’s your responsibility to keep everyone’s morale and energy levels high.  So, even when I get tired, I can’t show it.

Another thing that a lot of people don’t realize instructors do is choreography.  We all spend way too much time listening to new music and dancing around our bedrooms, just to come up with a fun dance that will make our participants want to get up and move. 

For me, the hard work and exhaustion is 100% worth it.  I love participating in Zumba and I love teaching it even more.               

But, if you’re into Zumba (or any group fitness classes, for that matter), I encourage you to take some time to thank your instructor.  She (or he) is working VERY hard for you. 

Check back next week for some new choreography videos!  Here are the songs I’m working on:

Keep dancing,

Bridgit