Dance away the calories

The best exercise is the one that you actually do!  This is why there are so many dance fitness programs on the market now. People want exercise that is fun.

Have you heard of LaBlast? It is a new program created by Dancing with the Stars fan favorite and fitness expert, Louis Van Amstel. It uses many of the ballroom type dances and fuses them into workout routines.

Bellydancing is another great workout that works the entire body and develops confidence.


Partner dances such as salsa and swing are fantastic for burning calories and toning arms and core.


So pick your dance, take lessons, join a dance-fitness program of your choice and lose weight by dancing!!

Women's Training Shoes and Dance-fitness shoes Under $50

If you are looking for a training shoe or dance-fitness shoe for under $50 then here are some sales you do not want to miss. These prices change quickly so if you are reading this at a later date the price may have changed. Here are the shoes:

Nike - Musique IV (Black/White) - Footwear 

On sale now for $47.99

Nike - Musique III SL (Black/White (Nubuk)) - Footwear 

On sale for $46.99

Nike - T-Lite VIII Leather (White/Football Blue-Dark Grey) - Footwear 

On sale for $39.99

Avia - A115W (White/Chrome Silver/Detox Blue/Iron Grey) - Footwear 

On sale for $39.99

These shoes also come in different colors so when you click on the shoe it will take you to a drop-down option box to select your choice. (Note: prices vary on colors)

New colors Ryka Transition dance-fitness shoe

I love the way Ryka shoes fit. They are made for a woman's foot and never need breaking in. The Ryka Transition has become popular as a dance-fitness shoe and when you read the reviews on this shoe you will see lots of positive feedback from those using the shoes for zumba class. The Ryka Transition added some new colors since their debut - there are five of them now:

These shoes are $70 - free shipping both ways (click on shoe to take you to order page.)



There is a removable insert and I like replacing it with this cross-trainer insert. It will give you more arch support and cushioning:

Spenco - PolySorb Cross Trainer Insole (Green) - Footwear

Spenco also makes an orthotic insole for sensitive feet:

Spenco - 3/4 Orthotic Insole (Insole) - Footwear

Try ordering your size plus a half or whole size up if you are placing a different insole in your shoe. It is easy to do this when ordering from Zappos.com because they have free shipping and returns. 

Shoe styles for Zumba class sell out fast!

One of the unique things about a zumba class is that you are encouraged to express yourself in fun clothing and accessories. Gone are the days of boring plain white shoes and black stretch pants.

Zumba Women's Z-Top Dance Shoe

Here is another style by Zumba.

Zumba Women's Z1 Dance Shoe 

 

These shoes sell out fast! I have linked these to Amazon.com because you get FREE SHIPPING!

Learn the basic zumba steps

Most zumba fitness classes that you attend in your local areas are ongoing classes where you just jump in and join the group. There could be people who have been in the class for years along with people who are just taking their very first class.

Zumba instructors are trained in visual cueing, meaning they do not shout out directions to you through a microphone. The reason for this is so you can immerse yourself into the sound of the music. I have taken classes from instructors who did use their voices for direction and it really was annoying. It is truly a better experience to be able to just listen to the music, feel the music and DANCE without someone's voice in the background.

That being said, how do new students learn the steps?  The steps are learned through repetition. When you do the same steps week to week, after a few weeks you will get it! 

Of course this may be not be the case for everyone especially if they have never danced or feel inept at dancing to begin with. One way to learn the steps is to buy the Zumba Fitness DVD Set. There are several DVD's in this set of which at least one will break down the steps for you.

You can also learn from this youtube video by an official zumba education specialist. Here is one of the videos that breaks down the salsa. You can check out her other videos on her youtube channel where she breaks down many other popular rhythms used in zumba including cumbia, merengue, calypso and bellydance.

How to Become a Fitness Instructor

Are you contemplating a new career or a new source of income for the new year?

Making money as a group fitness instructor can be a quick and easy route. If you are already taking exercise classes you have probably already learned alot just by watching your instructors.

I was getting alot of questions about how to get started teaching fitness. People were emailing me with questions about many things including what certifications do you need, how much can you earn, and how do you get your first job.

So I wrote an ebook!  Become a Fitness Instructor - How to Get Started is available now for instant download for the price of a latte at Starbucks.

I have tried to cover all the topics you need to know to get started easily, quickly and make money fast. It is geared towards anyone who is interested in teaching a group fitness format including yoga, dance-fitness, aerobics or anything else that has a training program. It is written from my personal experience and I believe that the information provided cannot be found anywhere else on the internet.

 If you get it please let me know what you think. Go to the purchase page now.

Gear Up Your Fitness Wear for the New Year

One way to get motivated to start a new fitness plan is to buy some new fitness wear and accessories. You will look forward to exercising because you will look forward to putting on your new clothes and using your new "toys".  Wearing new clothes always makes you feel better for some reason and the same thing applies to when you wear new stuff while working out!


I like to wear soft, organic clothing because it feels so good against your skin and it "breathes." Try this organic cotton blend tank top by Patagonia that comes in a variety of pretty colors.

Hotline Top - Women's by Patagonia 

How about some roomy cargo pants by zumba?Zumba Women's Wonder Cargo Capri Pants

Here's some new Nike trainers that are great for dance fitness classes as well as other gym activities:
Nike - Move Fit (Black/Metallic Cool Grey/White) - Footwear
Next you need a jacket: Nike - Dri-FIT Training Jacket (Black/Scarlet Fire/Scarlet Fire) - Apparel


A heart rate monitor/pedometer to track your calories burned and steps taken: Sportline Solo 925W Women's Heart Rate Monitor + Pedometer Watch (Pink)



And finally the best water bottle ever because it is insulated and keeps your water COLD all the time!
  Klean Kanteen Wide Mouth Water Bottle

Okay, now you are ready! Get started and have a prosperous 2012!