Cheyenne: Zumba is fun but honestly I want to lose more weight before I take another class. I hadn’t realized how out of shape I was…

Benna: This sounds I am sorry but ridiculous. I a hopping to find a diet not make a fool of myself in front of my kids.

Sierra: Love the music but I think I need to put these DVDs away until I drop about 20 lbs. I am huffing & puffing a few minutes into the Zumba workouts, maybe its just more for fitness than for weihgt loss for real people.

Betty: You can’t lose weight with Zumba alone. You need to start changing your diet. I did it and so can you. The trick is to alter your appetite so you eat normal again. I didn’t realize I was eating like 3 portions instead of one. Curb your hunger and exercise like dance class and the weight falls right off.

Kimberly: Oh, puhleeze! I’m a fat 61, and there is NO WAY I’m dancing with a bunch of kids with bare bellies! Let’s be realistic!

Clio: OH C’mon! Zumba is the best workout ever! And no one has to see you, you’re in your own home. Its more affective than the Tae Bo videos I used to do, and much more fun!

Ariana: How do you become a trainer? I LOVE ZUMBA!

Barney: FOOLISH! THAT”S HOW I FELT TRYING TO FOLLOW ZUMBA!

Toddy: Zumba hurt my joints. I prefer a gentler workout like yoga.

Alexandra: I saw the Zumba thing where I live in Culver City, CA, they have like 2 studios where they give glasses. I walked in and all the girls look like they could be on a cover of a magazine. I don’t think fat people like me go there to get in shape, seems like people go there to show up and have a good time= SCENE. IT was not for me, or at least not until I lose at least 20lbs first.

Kami: So how do you learn all the steps and stuff for Zumba?

Corinne: Not as good as the Hip Hop Abs vidoes, I wanted to maybe change it up but I’ll stick with those workouts over Zumba.

catharine: Well i do love Latin dance music, but does Zumba provide a full workout? What do the workouts consist of specifically?

SonjaMenia: I ordered the DVD, I know, I know, but what it sounded like fun and it is, it’s just a bit confusing to follow their steps in the same speed. and no one is behind you to tell you if you have a right position. I think I’ll try Wii Fit next!!

Rachael: i felt like the Zumba 20 minute express didn’t give me enough of a workout…whereas the Cardio Party was very much like any other aerobics video. SO, in the end, i decided this isn’t anything to get so excited about.

lauriepetersen: I don’t think Zumba is for everyone. I think it is for young girls with great bodies already. I couldn’t get the moves and felt intimidated. I would just rather go back to walking and trying to diet again perhaps with a good herbal pill.

Franny: Love the Zumba music, but i find the workouts themsleves to be boring and not very helpful. i just jog to the Zumba music on my treadmill now, or, when i am feeling crazy, i freestyle dance to it for about half an hour. seems to work just as well.

Jocelyn: I am NOT looking for a party I am loking for weihgt loss. This one is obviously meant for the kids and they can have it. Now lets be serious, how I can get rid of 25 lbs by Christmas?

Kristina: How does the Hip Hop Abs compare to this, someone mentioned that? Does it focus just on the tummy, that’s my main concern, thanks.

Darcy: Doing the Zumba sounds like fun. Is there an age limit?

Malia: AS far as I can tell, Zumba can help you tone, its a great cardio workout. Probably not good for you if your heart’s not in shape but it will make you sweat for sure. I have fun with it, but also do weight training as well, to stay in shape.

donna: Well i thhought the Zumba moves were a bit too complicated, im no dancer, i just want to lose weight.

Sadie: I had never heard of this one, just have been reading reviews all morning. THink I’ll pass on the Zumba and try Jillian Michaels, her program sounds more my speed, thanks.

CJ: I have been doing Zumba for 5 months! I have been going to classes, not DVD’s go much FUN! Best workout and I can’t dance but you don’t have to know how to dance. Find a good instructor and burn 300 to 800 calories. I have lost 15 lbs without being on a strict diet. Only portion control. I love to ZUMBA!

Anissa: I had a difficult time at first–yes, that means i was out of shape. but now that i have continued and NOT GIVEN UP like most have after saying it was too difficult, Zumba has changed my body and life. It’s Super fun and not everyone in my zumba class are “model-esque”. Get over it and have fun with it. I love it. It’s super fun and the best sweat i’ve had (and i have done Tae Bo, Power 90, Hip Hop Abs, etc). Zumba is what i stuck with!

Lori: Also go to Zumba classes and they are a blast! I do the Hip Hop Abs at home so no need to order this on DVD. I don’t do it for weight loss just to stay in shape, btw, its so fun to try new styles and stay motivated!!

Caryn W.: Well I don’t know how some of you tally how many calories you burn in a class like this, I do know the Zumba made me sweat but also caused me to twist my knee all screwy. I’m now stuck on the recumbant bicycle and doing some floor exercises. Plus I eat those Hoodia chews, the hoodia Bites to watch my portions. Maybe some day I’ll get back into Zumba..but probably not.

Linda W.: I just started doing Zumba about a month ago at the YMCA and I love it. I weight 210 lbs and I sweat like crazy. We have people from age 18-65. Great class and great music.

Mark: AWSOME!!! You’ve got to find an instructor that suits you. There are 30 people in my class, none are under 50 years and most are over 60. AND WE ARE ALL HAVING THE TIME OF THIER LIVES. There is an 86 year old fellow in the back boogie-ing at his own pace and everyone is getting fit and loosing weight. I can’t imagine what could be more fun and still be legal.

Rob: Mark, buddy: have you ever heard of sex? In most cases, its legal, and unlike Zumba, it’s usually not humiliating.

cathy: well, I didn’t mind looking a bit silly but I did find the movements in Zumba to be a bit too “twisty” for someone my age (56). I did sprain my ankle after only about 3 classes. I suppose it depends on your own personal fitness level and preference. Zumba’s not for me; i have since taken up swimming and am doing well.

karen: I am 46, and already in somewhat good shape for my age,but am having a hard time learning the moves;and am currently looking at buying a beginner zumba DVD. Does anyone know if it’s worth buying???

Laurie: After starting out four months ago completely uncomfortable and only able to finish half the class, I am now a Zumbaholic! I LOVE going to the gym. I still mess up sometimes but the class is so much fun I don’t care, and everyone else is so busy worrying about their own moves I don’t think they notice me anyway. One recommendation: buy dance sneakers. They allow you to slide better on the floor so you won’t jack up your knees. I didn’t start losing weight until I modified my diet. If you’re looking for an hourglass figure this workout will widdle your waist like no other! Also, my class is full of men and women all ages, shapes and sizes. The one thing we have in common is we all laugh and sweat A LOT!

brenda: Well that’s great for those of you who like that type of thing but me personally, i am just not a “joiner” i dont like group activities. I let a friend drag me to one Zumba class and it was just humiliating and ridiculous. Its just not my cup of tea. I’ve joined Jillian Michaels online, and that way i can feel a certain kinship with the people on the Biggest Loser TV show, but i can stay in my own house and not make a fool of myself. But in the end. its whatever works for you. I don’t judge anyone.

tracey: I need a diet AND exercise program that’s complete. Plus, I have plenty of friends and I get out and socialize plenty, so i dont need that in an exercise plan. I’m all business about this diet. I just joined the Five Factor Diet by Harley Pasternak and so far I’m loving it. I do this from my home and its working well for me. Plus every so often you get to CHEAT!!

Lisa: Everyone who is commenting on how hard the dvd’s are should try a class. I am extremely overweight, over 200pds, 34 yrs old and joined classes awhile ago. I love, love, love it!!!!! I can’t get enough it, the music makes you feel like you are having fun, and NOT working out. Try it, I think more people would love it in person. I did not feel insecure at all.

celeste: Well, Lisa that is great, but I think its good to remember that some people are more shy (and thus more easily embarrassed) than others. Me, i let a friend drag me to a Zumba class (she is significantly thinner than me) and i gotta say i felt like a real idiot. I think maybe those of us who feel insecure about our bodies are just naturally going to feel a bit strange dancing around with a bunch of strangers. If you are not insecure like that then its more power to you. But for me i would prefer a regimen i can do at home and thats why i am walking on my treadmill and doing South Beach. I think its just a good idea to know yourself and what works for YOU, not someone else. So that’s just me. Good luck everyone.

dani: I am a Zumba instructor and have been for 2 years. It is the most fun way to exercise that I have ever experienced, and I used to be a body builder with lots of cardio to do. Zumba has changed my body, I did NOT change my eating habbits and lost 20 pounds in the 4 months. DO not be intimidated by the infomercials! My class is full of NORMAL women ages 20-60 all at different levels having a blast. Dance and laugh, because if you feel silly doing the moves, you are doing them right and having so much fun!

marcia: The women at my Zumba class are all thinner than me i am the only obese person in the class. and i feel like they are looking at me and laughing AT me, not with me, when i am trying to do these moves. Maybe every location and class is different. But I am not having such a great time with this. Possibly it is my sensitivity regarding my weight that is the problem. but etiher way, i come home feeling bad about myself. I might need to try something different.

QUESTION PLEASE: I’ve been going to a Zumba class for two months now. For those over 40 who remember aerobic dance classes of yore – WHY don’t Zumba instructors teach the routine and/or provide some verbal cueing while doing the routines? Lacking this, new participants can only fumble their way through a routine as they guess at what the next move might be. Does anyone have any explanation for this? Sometimes it feels like it’s just a place for the skinny instructor to go to put on their own dance recital. If they are sincere about teaching Zumba, why not actually teach and reinforce the steps? Thanks for helping me understand the reasoning behind this. Frustrated, but still enjoying it.

Tia: The answer to your quesiton, Question Please, is that Zumba is supposed to be like a party! its similar to being at a night club, but without drinking or smoking or hooking up lol. Its not about getting the moves right, its just about having fun. hope that answers your question.

dolores: Hmm. well, that’s nice that Zumba is supposed to be like a party or whatever, but for me, what is “FUN” is feeling like i’m doing the workout well, that i’m getting a good cardiovascular exercise. If i am just bumbling along not keeping up with the instructor, then i dont feel confident or fun, i feel silly and like i’m not getting anything out of it. Not to be mean but i can go to a party without having to pay to get in. I look to an exercise program to help me acheive a good workout. I found this to be extremely disappointing. ITs more for people who want a social life. I already have one, thanks.

Ellie: Kimberly, I am 55 and I do zumba at the local YMCA and there is a range of ages. I absolutley enjoy zumba.

Camille: I have to agree with you Dolores, I just don’t feel like I am burning enough calories with Zumba. I even tried a couple of “fat burner” supplements but they made me a little sick. I am thinking about trying a spin class they have that at my gym. Has anyone ever tried spin?

Anonymous: You people do not know what are you talking about. ZUMBA is the best. if you are FAT and do not want to work out that is your problem. all you need to do is to put more effort. what you want to lose wight without doing the job. Please. !!!! be realistic. do any exercise at least 5 days per week (100 %) and you’ll see the results. But do not blame ZUMBA for your incompetence.

Tricia: Well I now I don’t see any need for insulting folks here, everyone has their own views on exercise. I actually never liked taking any typ of classes, before Zumba. I am totally uncoordinate and I do not care! Its fun, I sweat, and that’s that!

vicky S.: But thats just it, I am also super uncoordinated and when I went to a Zumba class, I just, couldn’t get it. I was moving, sure,but not the way I should’ve been! I went for a few classes and the only thing that ached after was my back. I’m glad I tried it but, its just not for me. I’m using the FlexEnervive that I got for toning, to help get rid of the fat on my thighs, back & arms, and just sticking to the old fashioned jogging for my cardio workout. Thats working best for me!

Donna: I bought the zumba dvd set. It teaches you the basic steps. I take zumba classes and it has helped me alot with the steps.I love it, this is the only thing I’ve stuck with. We have men and women of every size and shape. we have a blast.

Evelyn: Personally, I view fitness programs like shoes. If you try one on, and don’t like it, that does not necessarily make them bad, just not a right fit for you. I’ve been going to Zumba classes at my local gym for a couple of weeks now, and personally I love them. In my class we are all different shapes, sizes and ages. The songs are pre-choreographed, so the more you go, you will begin to remember the steps to each one. All the woman that keep going say the same thing, you sweat, you laugh, and the hour just flies by. I would recommend anyone to at least try it out.

Betty: I’m 62 years old and I’ve been using the Zumba dvd’s at home for about a year. We’re just now getting classes in our No. CA area, so I’ll probably try one. I love Zumba! It’s great for balance and coordination which a lot of people don’t think about until they’re in their 50’s and 60’s. Also, it has really helped me develop a stronger core. I alternate it with Bosu and treadmill workouts.

Nikita: I don’t understand all the rating Zumba negatively because it does not by itself make you thin or fit every personality and preference. I have taken a few Zumba classes as cross-training for triathlon and racquetball, and I enjoy it a great deal. I am fat, older, and clumsy, and I have not in the past enjoyed aerobics much because I felt they required more coordination than I have. Zumba, however, is fun, there are people in my class of all sizes and shapes and genders, and at least at this point in my fitness program I break a sweat and feel the burn. My goal is to boost my stamina and cardiovascular capacity, and it appears to work for both. Good stuff.

Sarah: Me I just tried the dvds of Zumba which and I thought it was lame. Looked like a bunch of freaks making very award movement that were way too complicated for me to imitate. A friend of mind had recommend zumba to me, I should have checked the ratings first. Maybe the classes are better but the dvd thumb down for sure.

Mindy: Hey I love Zumba. I take classes twice a week. But I really want to do it like five times a week. Are the DVDs just basic? I need a moderate to high level?

Debe: I am 43, overweight and i take a “live” Zumba class at my gym. I love it, i keep up with all of them. Don’t get discouraged so easy. I love to dance and this is a great way to get in shape. I noticed results within taking 5 classes. Get into the music and let yourself go.

Loretta: I am a new instructor and I love Zumba and when I attended my very first class as a participant, the very savvy instructor said “Leave your ego at the door and any old thing works.” this is the best advice because once we stop looking around at others and compare ourselves, then the fun begins. Be aware that shoes are the most important component for ease of movement and injury prevention. Zumba is good for energy expenditure and good core work—-tones the abs, back and hips……ole’

Prudy: I received the Zumba DVD’s about 5 weeks ago. When I first did the basic’s I thought there would be no way I could get those moves. But within the week, I moved to the 20 minute express video, and thought I was going to die. I told people then, I didn’t think I could move on to the hour videos…but guess what? Within another week, I was doing the hour long Zumba. Pretty much the moves weren’t as smoothe as the instructors, but I was at least doing it. So to all of you who are not giving it enough of a chance, I say try it one month. I have already went down a pants size, and can feel my stomach muscles. Although the scales haven’t moved much, I know I am gaining muscle. And I can’t wait to see what another month does for me!

Jackie: I must say to M—– I take Zumba classes at my gym and a dance studio. I am the largest female in the class and the only African-Amercan in a few of the classes. When I started taking classes a month ago I could not keep up with everyone. You must not focus on others and what they are doing. Give the class another chance. Now I am really enjoying the classes and I can do most of the routines. Zumba is a great cardio workout and the more classes you take the better you will become at keeping up with the instructor. It is your workout don’t give up!!!

Zumba Instructor: Sounds like half of the comments are negative! Let’s concentrate on the positive – Go Zumba! Thank you for make me happy the way you do. I feel great about my physical look. I am a mom with 2 kids I don’t eat fat free food and definetly don’t sit around hoping my weight goes down. I was 190lbs. the end of my pregnancy And Now I’m 137 by just doing Zumba. The other thing I want to tell you guys,people shouldn’t worry about what people wearing or doing… In my class I have all different ages up to 80 years old. Only a person with heart and a positive frame of mind can make any type of work out good for them.

tonya: for zumba or any other excercise class to work , you must find the right one. I loved the idea of zumba . I took tried classes from 3 different instructors to find the one that really inspired me. The class i’m in is full of overweight, middle aged men and women , having the time of their lives. I have lost 40 lbs since January of 2009. Yes, i have altered my eating, but the excercise burns calories and gives me so much energy .

Angie: We should not be too fixated on just weight alone. Stress is also cause for many health problems and Zumba help release it by listening to the music and letting go. Zumba helps improve our coordination and our cardio. My good cholestrol improved and my bad cholestrol lowered despite having high cholestrol. If you eat a healthy diet with less processed food, more veggies and fruits,positive outlook (lighten up folks), you will feel alot better about yourself. The main thing is to be healthy. Everyone has different body types (our genes have a bit to say about it and also as we age) and we shouldn’t beat our heads because we don’t look like a thin model or when we were younger. We can be a little overweight and still be healthy (build some muscles with good cardio) than someone who is thin and never exercised (have health problems and don’t even know it). Overall Zumba helped me build up my stamina, relieve stress, and improve coordination. Just go to the Zumba website and find a good instructor in your area. Being in a class is different than doing it on DVD. Also be patient with yourself and don’t give up (learn to have perseverance), it will pay off in the long run.

Michelle: I am a Zumba instructor and I teach four times a week in three locations. The age range of the classes is 20 to 75, and the dance ability is wide ranging as well. There are thin people, there are fat people and everything in between! To me, the key to Zumba is coming in with an open mind and a desire to have fun while you work out. Yes, you can have fun and burn calories at the same time. As to the comments about not being able to work hard enough in class, that comes with experience. Once you are more comfortable with the steps, you can focus on the little things that add toning and cardio intensity, such as squatting lower, using your arms, etc. A good instructor will show all levels, from basic to more intense. Please, try live Zumba more than once or twice. It’s not for everyone, but I believe that many, many people can benefit from it and enjoy it.

ang: I am over 40 and remember aerobic dance classes of yore – i was very surprised that the Zumba instructor didn’t teach the routine. Heck, she didn’t even introduce herself or say hi. She just walked in, hit play and started dancing. Didn’t ask if it was anyone’s first time. Maybe times have changed. I don’t know. I’m good at picking up steps quickly and have even taken salsa in the past so i was able to hang on, but I kept thinking that some of my friends that were a little rythmically challenged wouldn’t fair so well. I did have fun and I’m taking classes because I love the movement and the music more so than to lose weight (and I am not a skinny chic – need to shed MORE than a few pounds myself) so I still give a thumbs up. But I’m trying a different instructor. Oh, and there were ALL ages, shapes and sizes in my class. Some close to 300lbs and some more like 125 lbs. There were 50+ and 20 somethings and one 30 something looking guy. It was a packed class. And we did sweat.

Isabella: I’m a 54 year old grandmother of 5. I started Zumba and I was so out of shape, I only did half the class. It’s been 2+ months now, 3 times a week, and after the hour, I’m still ready to do more. The secret to Zumba is – go at your own pace. No way could I keep up with the instructor in the beginning, but I stuck with it and now I can. If all you do is slide back and forth across the floor at the beginning, you’ll get better at it. Just keep doing it. It’s fun and the best part is, it doesn’t feel like a workout – it’s feels like you’re dancing! I’m starting to see my waist again. Yeah! I love it.

Sherri: I love Zumba and take it at my local gym. Yes, it is highly energetic and tiring but the results are phenominal. I recently broke my ankle and couldn’t do Zumba for 6 weeks and I could tell a major difference in my body and the way I felt (more sluggish) from being so inactive. My instructor is GREAT and encourages people to do it at their own pace. That right there is the key.

dino: For people who may not be as flexible there is Zumba Gold and for kids soon there will be Zumba kids. The best thing about Zumba is you dont feel like you are working out, but in a big party and before you know it you have abs, defined arms and a butt to die for! The reason all those Zumba girls look so hot is because they keep doing Zumba! it tones and strengthens your whole body and the hour just passes so quickly. When I first started I couldnt salsa, now I am an Instructor and move in ways I thought impossible before. Mucho Caliente!

misty: Those of you who say you look ridiculous doing it… it doesnt matter how you look when you do it as long as you enjoy it I have NO rhythm whatsoever and I do it and really enjoy it you wont be able to lose weight until you overcome worrying about how u look when you try this program is amazing and fun!!!

Jenna: I’ve attending a couple of Zumba classes here on base. I was shocked when my HRM told me I burned 715 calories in an hour class! Our class has all shapes and sizes and is packed. I have so much fun, I’m thinking of making it my primary form of cardio by buying the DVDs when I can’t attend class.

Debbie: I started Zumba back in March. It’s hard to follow the firs time, but once you get the hang of the steps and can follow your instructor it is so much fun. After about the 3rd time you start getting it down pat. I’ve lost 30 lbs in the process. It’s much more fun than a regular workout

Dorie: That’s silly for those of you who are giving excuses especially with age because I just started Zumba myself 2 weeks ago at the age of 32 and I STILL can’t keep up with the 3 little old ladies in the class! I figure they are over 65. Does this makes my infearor, heck no! It just makes me more focus and work harder not tuck my tail under me and leave! The instructor is great! When she realizes there are new people in the class she will breifly stop between songs to show the steps to the class which helps a great deal. She will also like an excerising instructor should let you know of left or right or how many recepations before a change in a move. It’s a lot of fun and keeps not only your body moving but your brain is getting a workout too. I use to run 5 miles a day (mind you 3 years ago pre-pregnacy) and hated it because I was so bored mentally so this is the best class to go to so far. I also used excerising videos too but would get bored after a while on that. My suggestion is for people who need confence to get the starter level videos for a couple of months and then go to classes after. Also very important to get good dancing type shoes or sneakers with not much traction like skeckers. If you have a bad knee like I do (ACL surgery) LET THE INSTRUCTOR KNOW! She gave me some alterate moves to make it easier on the knee so again no excuses folks. O one more thing get a calorie counter watch to help you keep track of your calorie burning when excerising. Helps a great deal and certianly makes you feel good when you burn over 600 in an hour without realzing it! IMO

Katie: I LOVE ZUMBA!!! This is the first thing I have actually stuck with! For those of you who think you look stupid, who cares! Everyones doing the same thing! Its a blast!! I love it love it!