Another good machine is the Arc Trainer burns approx 300-500 cal per half hour and takes the pressue off your knees.. I get sore shines when I do a lot of high impact workouts and that machine eleviates that pain... great machine! I use it 3-5 a week...

I have a bad knee from years of pounding in a dance studio..dancers don't wear protective footwear! When I had to rehab I walked forwards and backwards in the pool and did Oxycise (google). Now I am sick And have no pool so I do Oxycise and it keeps my cardio strong and knee safe. I burn about 500 cal an hour with Oxycise, this is diaphragmatic breathing with isotonic and isometric bodywork.

Zumba yay or nay?
 

I am a regular visitor to the gym and although I enjoy my simple workouts I like to explore other options. One that has caught my eye is Zumba, in England it is the new craze amongst middle aged women (try not to stereotype but it's true) it's really hit off.

Now i'm not completely sure that I can put that much enthusiasm into dancing (despite my eleven years of dance training) I'm much more into my kick boxing and gym workouts. I fear that I lack the confidence to take a public class and lack the motivation to do DVD sessions. But I can't help wonder if I might easily convert (oh yes i've heard the stories of many women being sceptical, going to one lesson and being converted forever!)

So I ask you, Zumba... Yay or Nay? any personal experience with the craze? any horror stories? (unlikely, but if you have them do tell) basically what is your opinion...

It took me 2-3 classes before I got the hang of it, but after that my instructor would repeat the same routines and the moves got easier. In a public class everyone is in the same boat, and there is usually a wide range of people of different ages and fitness levels. I went alone and never felt intimidated or out of place.

Zumba is a good cardio workout and fun, but overall I wouldnt rely on Zumba to get me to my ultimate weight loss goal or to help take my fitness to the next level. I go once a week, and it's part of my workout schedule....but circut training, body resistance moves, and weights are what's helping to reshape my body. Zumba is kind of more stress relief and lighthearted compared to my other workouts, and I absolutely love my Zumba instructor...the energy in her class is very motivating.

So I say Yay and that there is no harm in trying it out, but give it a few times before you decide whether you enjoy it and if it's value added to your workout schedule.

Dinie

I could see how doing Zumba could be quite a good stress relief as it's very upbeat (an all the dancers are smiling, but I have my doubts that that's what it's like in a lesson)
did you start on your own, or did you go with a group of friends?
that's one the main factors for me as i'd like to do the class with friends (but no one is willing)

BRBare617, Originally I went with my Mom to a Zumba fundraiser event...my Mom was taking Zumba Gold (senior edition) from the same instructor. I was not in the best shape then, but continued taking the class and go alone. I always try to convince friends and co-workers to go, but they either think they aren't coordinated enough or just aren't into it for whatever reason.

It would be a blast with friends, but there might be more laughing than actual dancing being done! Good luck with recruiting someone to go with you, but don't hesitate to join a class and you may make new friends there. -Nadine

I know this is kind of an old thread, but I have to post because I *finally* took a couple of Zumba classes and it is SO FUN! In the past, I have been something of a Zumba doubter. I'd normally rather go lift weights or bike outside. But I recently started graduate school and there's a huge gym with classes and whatnot that I'm not normally exposed to at my small neighborhood gym back home. For the fist week back from winter break, they had free group fitness classes for every one -- so I finally tried Zumba! I'm not a dancer by nature, but I would recommend it to anyone. I've taken it with three different instructors and each definitely has their own style. There is a wide variety of fitness levels and body types in my classes, but everyone seems to have a great time! I am now signed up for a class that does 30 minutes Zumba, 20 minutes cycling and 10 minutes of abs. Such a blast!!

It's an oldie but goodie! And still very active. I'm happy to hear your having such a great time of it. :)