Zumba Dance

Learn the basic zumba steps

2012-01-14T21:28:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-04T13:35:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-01T11:56:00.000-05:00

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!

Fitness shoes for men with wide feet

2011-12-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

It occurred to me that many men have a problem getting wider widths in shoes and probably don't have the patience to sort out all the shoes that have wide widths.

So here are 3 cross trainers that I found that would be great for any training activity including zumba!

Nike - T-Lite VIII Leather (White/Dark Obsidian-White) - Footwear
These shoes also come in black and in Extra Wide 4E.
ASICS - Gel-TRX (Black/Black/Black) - Footwear
These shoes also come in Extra Wide 4E and come in 3 different color combinations
New Balance - MX623 (Black) - Footwear
These shoes not only come in EE Wide and 4E Extra Wide but also come in B Narrow as well as the regular Medium width!

For more great training shoes for men visit http://dancenyoga.com/mens-shoes-for-zumba.html

Dance sneakers for zumba class

2011-12-28T22:56:00.001-05:00

I love dance sneakers for dancing swing and for practicing tango, but I usually don't recommend them for zumba.

But alot of people love them for zumba. Dance sneakers have that split sole that allows your foot to flex and they have lots of cushion so they feel like you are walking on pillows. They also have a smooth sole for easy pivots and spins but still have just enough traction so that you don't lose your grip.

For me personally, I prefer more of a cross-trainer athletic shoe for zumba, perhaps because I teach classes and so I just need extra support for my feet and legs to keep going!

But if you really want to try a dance sneaker, here are some styles by Capezio that have great reviews and so many of the reviewers are saying that they are wearing them for zumba class!

Capezio - Fierce Dansneaker (Black) - Footwear
Capezio - Canvas Dansneaker (Black) - Footwear

Now the thing with dance sneakers is that they are sized small. So you will have to order a size up from what you normally wear. Luckily zappos.com is a great company that offers free shipping both ways so you can order different sizes just to try on at home.

Oh and fyi, these are sized for both men and women!

Holiday Shopping fitness shoes and more!

2011-12-14T12:49:00.000-05:00

Okay I love winning prizes and here is a heads up from zappos.com. It starts on 12/16 and goes through 12/19.

Make a purchase at Zappos.com to get you in the running for a grand prize of $100! Valid 12/16-12/19

Actually there are more prizes than that:
Here are the prizes:
1 prize at $1000
40 prizes at $100
41 winners, all states eligible

You need some new shoes for zumba anyway right? Or how about some boots?

With this Link to Zappos.com Brand Pages. you can easily find anything you want from shoes to luggage!

You can also get Online E-Gift Certificates at Zappos.com

With each order at zappos.com you will be automatically entered to win a prize!

And for you holiday shoppers, Order before 1 PM PST on 12/23 with FREE SHIPPING for GUARANTEED DELIVERY BEFORE XMAS! !

So remember to make your purchases from 12/16 thru 12/19!

Apres-zumba shoes

2011-12-09T12:30:00.000-05:00

Treat your feet well after a workout in your zumba class with a comfy pair of boots to slide into.

Check out these comfy looking boots by Nike!

Nike - Sneaker Hoodie (Black/Dark Grey 2) - Footwear

These boots have the support of a sneaker and functionality of a boot. The description even says that they have multidirectional flexgrooves which means you probably could easily DANCE in them too!
A zipper in the back lets you get in and out of them easily. A very nice after-zumba shoe!

Order quick and safely from Zappos with free shipping both ways!

Best buy for dance-fitness shoes now

2011-11-26T18:24:00.000-05:00

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

Get these in black, white or grey for a low, low price of $46.99 at Zappos.com. Zappos has free shipping both ways so if it does not fit just send it back for free! These shoes are great for dance cardio class because they pivot and glide nicely but have just enough stability for moving in all directions. Plus they are nice and light for quick steps! Get them while they are on sale - if you are reading this and the price is different when you click on the shoe then you are reading it too late!

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

First wedding dance instruction for non-dancers

2011-11-18T14:04:00.000-05:00

Many couples wait until the last minute to decide about their first wedding dance details, such as picking the song and then how the heck are they going to learn to dance in 2 weeks?

As a former wedding dance instructor and choreographer I can tell you that it can be done in a matter of a few hours as long as you keep it simple. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars on an 8-week course at your local Fred Astaire studio.

All you need to know is:

how to hold your partner, usually in a closed and/or open embrace
how to do some easy lead and follow techniques; you should learn how to feel the slight pressure and resistance so that the leader can guide the follow.
learn a basic box step, walking step
learn a basic underarm turn for the bride
learn a fancy dip for your ending (and picture pose)

That's it! Now pick a song and put it all together in a simple choreographed routine. To help you with the choreography try this great wedding dance instructional video package.

For more info visit http://www.msdancingshoes.com/how-to-do-your-first-wedding-dance/

Zumba Fitness dance fitness shoes

2011-09-11T09:43:00.000-05:00

Here's some great news. Zumba Fitness has their own brand name dance fitness shoes and you can now buy them on Amazon.com!

What is so great about this is that these qualify for the super saver shipping which qualifies certain items over $25 to ship for free!

Zumba Women's Z-Kickz Dance Shoe
These come in 2 color combinations and are $74.95.

The original zumba fitness dance shoe was this one:

Zumba Women's Z1 Dance Shoe
It comes in this one color and it is also $74.95 on Amazon.com

Many people find these shoes to be comfortable and light, and others have said that they do not give them the support that they need. You can always make a shoe feel better by putting in an athletic insole such as the Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Insoles

Have fun in your zumba classes!

Check out these new Ryka dance fitness shoes for hip hop or zumba: fashion meets function

2011-09-07T11:42:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for style AND comfort in a dance fitness shoe? This newest shoe from Ryka,
Ryka - Downbeat (Black/Metallic Steel Grey/Teal Night) - Footwearwhich comes in 3 color combos looks like a winner! Ryka is known for shoes that fit a woman's foot and this one, with its urban street-dance look, looks like it will be a hit in hip-hop and zumba classes.

Here is the description from zappos:

Fashionable and functional trainer features a synthetic, air mesh, and high-density foam upper for breathability.
Lace closure with adjustable hook-and-loop midfoot strap for a secure fit.
Infused Heel Guidance is designed to provide extra lateral support by securing the heel and guiding footstrike alignment
Diamond-shaped rubber outsole provides minimal grip, ideal for dance and studio activities.

Here are the links where you can view the shoes in all 3 color combinations:

Ryka - Downbeat (Black/Metallic Steel Grey/Teal Night) - Footwear
Ryka - Downbeat (Metallic Platinum/Zuma Pink/Shock Orange/Vapor Grey) - Footwear

For more of my best shoes for dance fitness or zumba selections visit best shoes for zumba.

Shoes for Guys Who Take Zumba Classes!

2011-08-25T15:38:00.000-05:00

Alot of you guys are taking zumba classes so I have some shoe picks for you too!

These Nike's look good because they are a multi-sport training sneaker, lightweight, cushioned, leather upper for extra comfort, and have a pivot point on the bottom for multi-directional movement. All this for only $70 and free shipping both ways (in case you need to return)!

Nike - Air Consolidate (Black/Metallic Dark Grey/Black) - Footwear

If you haven't tried a zumba class yet well check out all these comments on one of my other posts from guys who are taking zumba classes and loving it!

For more recommendations of shoes for guys check out men's shoes for zumba!

Training Shoes with Ankle Support

2011-08-01T12:42:00.000-05:00

Here are three great training shoes that are popular for taking zumba classes.

These shoes all are "mid" styles. This means the uppers extend up to the ankles providing more support and stability for more parts of your foot!

These shoes also have good features for a cardio dance class, meaning there is little tread on the sole of the shoe and they provide multi-directional support.

I have found that adding cushioned insoles makes the shoe twice as comfortable. Sometimes I buy a whole size up so I can put the cushioned insoles in them.

These shoe images will take you to zappos. Zappos not only has great customer service but they give you free shipping both ways. So don't be afraid of ordering different sizes to try on at home. They make it very easy to return and get your refunds.

For more of my zappos choices visit best training athletic shoes.

Ryka - Studio D Mid (Black/Dark Grey/Silver) - Footwear

Ryka - Studio Flex Mid (White/Chrome Silver) - Footwear

Ryka - Enhance (Black/Metallic Platinum/Metallic Magenta Spark) - Footwear

Scared to try a zumba class? Learn zumba steps at home with Zumba DVD Set

2011-07-30T12:56:00.001-05:00

So you want to exercise and lose weight and you've heard about this fun workout called zumba but you're not sure if you can do it.

The Zumba Fitness DVD can help you out. With several workouts on a total of seven DVD's you will not get bored.

If you are learning the steps you can start with the DVD named "Step by Step" where the steps are broken down slowly. Then you can workout with the DVD named "Activate" which takes all those steps you just learned and allows you to use them in a very easy-to-follow zumba class.

One of the other DVD's in the set named "Mix" also has a section where the steps are broken down so you can learn them easily.

Before you know it you will be doing the full classes on the other DVD's. There is also a body sculpting DVD and they even include the weights for you in the set.

Check out these zumba dvd bundles from QVC!

Zumba Fitness Ultimate Workout System with 8 DVDs and 3 CDs

Zumba Fitness Exhilarate Experience Ultimate Collection

Comfort, light and flexible: the perfect shoe for zumba

2011-07-19T09:52:00.002-05:00

Check out these training shoes by Nike:

Nike - Free TR Fit (Black/Solar Red/Antrhacite) - Footwear
They come in SIX color combinations. They have lots of positive reviews. Here's one of them: Love, love, love this shoe! I had been searching for the perfect Zumba shoe and this is it! So comfortable and flexible! I ordered a 1/2 size up after reading reviews and it fits perfect. It's light as a feather and breathes. Very happy with this purchase!

Looks like they run small so order a size up. Zappos.com has free shipping both ways so no problem ordering more than one size and returning the ones that don't fit. I usually buy my shoes a size up so I can fit an innersole into it for extra cushion.

For more shoe suggestions check out best dance fitness shoes.

How to do those booty shaking moves in samba or zumba

2011-07-17T09:01:00.002-05:00

One of the most difficult moves to grasp in zumba classes are those booty shaking moves that often go to samba or reggaeton music.

One tip is to stay relaxed in the lower body. Keep the knees bent and relax the hips and glutes. Transfer your weight from one foot to the other as you shake.

Like learning any new style of dancing, listening to the music helps alot. Samba music has alot of fast drumming that just makes you want to shimmy.

If you want some detailed instruction on booty-shaking dance moves then visit learn to booty shake where you can also download a free samba music track!

Drink More Water

2011-07-16T09:04:00.000-05:00

If you exercise or take zumba classes regularly then you know it is important to drink an adequate amount of water daily. The general rule is to drink eight glasses a day. Water is important for keeping the body hydrated especially during exercise. It flushes out toxins and carries nutrients to the cells. It keeps the skin looking youthful and naturally increases energy levels. There is also a study that says that drinking water is an effective weight-loss aid. Drinking water before each meal helps people eat less portions.

But water can get boring. Here are some great ways to make water more enticing so that you drink alot more of it:

one way is to have some lovely glasses set aside just for your water. Use a pretty wine goblet or something else that makes you feel good.
flavor with a little squeeze of fresh fruit such as lemon, orange or pineapple
flavor it with some herbs such as mint, parsley or lemongrass
crush in a little cucumber for a cool, fresh taste, or some ginger for a warm, spicy flavor
brew some herbal tea and put a small amount in your iced water

I love these ideas and I got them from Theresa Stevens who is a samba dancer and helps people lose weight dancing. Check out her video on how to drink more water.

How Zumba Fitness Got Started, Beto Perez Interview

2011-07-14T08:25:00.001-05:00

Here is a great news video where Beto Perez, creator of Zumba, discusses his life and how Zumba Fitness got started. It also features Tanya Beardsley who is one of the original Zumba Instructors who started with the company ten years ago.

This video features some clips from the Zumba Fitness Exhilarate DVD Set.It includes several instructional DVD's to practice zumba at home. And Amazon.comwill give you FREE super saver shipping!

Belly dance hip scarves popular among zumba dancers

2011-07-13T07:59:00.000-05:00

Dressing up for a fitness class seems to be popular these days.

From cargo pants with streamers to ripped tank tops, stacks of bracelets and all kinds of hats, people are having fun expressing themselves while working out.

One of the popular pieces of clothing you will see in zumba classes now are the Belly Dancing Hip Scarves . With flowing colorful fabric that covers your hips and coins that jingle when you shake, women are having fun wearing these.

Have fun dancing!

Fun sneakers for hip hop or zumba

2011-07-10T10:59:00.003-05:00

Dancing is somehow linked to what we are wearing. We wear different styles of clothing for different styles of dances. For example if you dance tango you feel more tango-like wearing black and red and clothing that feels more exotic and sexy. If you dance swing sometimes it feels more fun in a pair of chromed Keds or wingtip shoes for men.

Same thing goes for zumba or hip hop. Cargo pants, racerback tops and hi-top sneakers will give you a feeling of allowing your body to move freely, just like the nature of the dance.

Here are some fun hi-top sneakers that I found that you may want to try for zumba or hip hop. They come in eighteen different color combinations so be sure and click on the image to take you to the site where you can view them all:

Creative Recreation Women's Cesario High-Top Sneaker
These shoes have a cushioned insole and low tread on the sole so they look like they would be good for a zumba class. They also come with free two-day shipping!
Oh, guys they have them for you too here:

Creative Recreation Men's Cesario Classic High-Top Sneaker

Aqua Zumba

2011-07-09T13:00:00.003-05:00

Hot summer days and you hate to exercise?

Try zumba in the water, aka, Aqua Zumba. Call it aqua aerobics or a pool party you will get a great overall workout using the resistance of water.

Zumba Instructors need to have a specialty training in Aqua Zumba in order to teach. Once you take the basic zumba instructor workshop you can then add on specialties like these as well as Zumba Toning and Zumbatomics (zumba for kids).

If you need to protect your feet from the bottom of the pool when you do aqua zumba look into getting a good aqua fitness shoe such as this one:
Ryka Women's Aqua Fit Fitness Shoe

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Dance Camp - an amazing experience

2011-07-02T11:03:00.002-05:00

I just came back from a week long dance immersion camp called Beantown Dance Camp. It is a week long dance immersion in vintage dances such as lindy hop, balboa and charleston.

It was an amazing experience, not just for the dancing, but the camaraderie between like-minded people coming together from places all over the world to share their passion of dance.

The event was on a college campus so that everybody can live, eat and dance in the same place. Besides dance lessons all day long and some in the evening there were competitions, performances and talent shows. It was really non-stop entertainment.

I was surprised that my body held up so well. I was just a little sleep deprived but that did not stop me from having fun.

I noticed that there were many different types of shoes being worn. But most people did wear shoes that were chromed for easy sliding, pivoting and spinning. Shoes such as Aris Allen Women's Black Classic Canvas Dance Sneakers Suede Sole were popular. They are a chromed version of the classic Keds canvas sneakers. A shoe chroming class helped everyone chrome their own shoes. One guy was wearing his chromed Teva's in class!

If you ever get a chance to participate in a dance camp I highly recommend it. It will be the best vacation you ever had.

The Ryka shoe that is praised by jazzercise and dance fitness instructors

2011-06-19T22:42:00.000-05:00

Check out the
Ryka - Synergy (Black/Vapor Grey/Cabo Aqua/Wild Lime) - Footwearwhich happens to be ON SALE (as of this writing) for $64!

Check out some of these reviews posted on zappos.com by people who bought this shoe: "I'm in love with this shoe. I Jazzercise everyday with a grand total of five heel spurs that resulted from years of plantar fasciitis. Thanks to this shoe, I can exercise pain free."
"I am a dance fitness instructor, teaching 10-12 class a week. I go through shoes pretty quickly! I was sad to see my last Ryka's discontinued, but so far these have been great! They support my ankles and knees and allow me to spin and pivot. Super comfy, too!"
"The Ryka Synergy shoe is amazingly comfortable. Fits well and is a lighter-weight shoe. I love them! (And I think Zappos rocks!)"
"As a Jazzercise instructor with high impact moves in my routines, I need a shoe that can protect my knees and feet. Normally I need to add extra padding to the soles of my shoes, but not with the Ryka Synergy! Also, the toe box provides enough space for my feet to expand during the workout and nice soft material to keep my pinkie toe from rubbing. I love these shoes!"

So if you are looking for a new dance fitness shoe for your jazzercise, zumba classes or other cardio program these sound like a great choice! Get them with free shipping both ways at Zappos.com or go directly to
Ryka - Synergy (Black/Vapor Grey/Cabo Aqua/Wild Lime) - Footwear to order them on sale with free shipping now!

They are also on my top list of shoes for zumba classes and other dance fitness programs.

Check out Pitbull and Wyclef Get Down With Zumba To Perform With Thousands Of Instructors | Planet PitPlanet Pit

2011-06-11T20:03:00.002-05:00

Check out Pitbull and Wyclef Get Down With Zumba To Perform With Thousands Of Instructors | Planet PitPlanet Pit

The annual zumba instructor convention will be held this July in Orlando once again. This year they are expecting 6,000 instructors from around the world. There are dance workshops every day, a fitness concert with Beto Perez (creator of Zumba Fitness) and parties at night with live bands and DJ's.

This year will be a true music concert with Pitbull and Wyclef scheduled to perform live.

The zumba instructor convention has become an annual event with each year becoming bigger and better. You have to be a licensed zumba instructor who is also part of the Zumba Instructor Network in order to attend.

For more info about zumba and zumba instructor training visit the Zumba website at zumba.com.

Comfortable flip flop: the yoga mat sandal

2011-06-08T11:20:00.001-05:00

I just had to write about these flip flops that I recently saw in one of those beach tourist stores here in Florida. I had never seen them before but they are really cute.

They are called Sanuk sandals and these are made from yoga mats!

Sanuk - Yoga Mat (Pink) - Footwear

Sanuk - Yoga Safari (Leopard) - Footwear
They are very cushy and soft and have great reviews on Zappos.com.

There are a whole bunch of colors and styles. I think these are great to put on your feet after a workout class or after dancing all night long in your heels. And of course for the beach.

If you are looking for some great shoes for zumba class I have also listed the most popular ones all on one page at best shoes for zumba.

Some great shoes for zumba on sale now

2011-05-16T18:15:00.001-05:00

You may notice that shoes go in and out of stock. Shoe manufacturers seem to run a certain shoe style for awhile and then they discontinue them. Some favorites that have been or are being discontinued are the Nike Huarache and the Ryka Studio D Low.

One favorite is still being sold and is actually on SALE now for only $48!

Nike - Musique IV (Black/White) - Footwear

Here is the description on the Zappos site:
"Hit the gym or studio in style and comfort with this low-profile dance shoe that provides flexibility and support. Perfect for Zumba!"

All sizes are available right now and they also come in white.

Grab them while you can!

Shoes I've seen in Zumba Classes

2011-04-19T15:49:00.001-05:00

I have seen many different type of shoes worn in zumba classes including athletic trainers, running shoes, dance sneakers, flats and even sandals!

The best shoes for zumba class are athletic shoes that are lightweight, well cushioned and that pivot easily.

If you like to dress fun for zumba classes then check out this shoe that is very colorful:
Reebok - Premier ZigFly (Light Grey/Primo Purple/Black/Silver/White) - Footwear

These shoes do not seem to meet the "minimal tread" recommendation, however, several people who wear them tell me that they do pivot easy. They also have a lot of spring to them that seems to give you a boost of energy. According to the zappos site these shoes have "a unique bottom unit with special lightweight foam engineered into an innovative, geometric, zig-zag shape that cushion your landings with materials designed to help reduce muscle fatigue on your shins and leave your legs feeling fresher."

And guess what, guys, they come in men's sizes too!

If you have tried these shoes please leave a comment below and let us know what you think about them!

Zumba Fitness DVD Sets- which one should you buy?

2011-04-16T11:30:00.002-05:00

There are currently three different versions of Zumba DVD sets for sale now plus a special collection offered only on QVC.com.

So which one do you buy?

The NEWEST version, Zumba Fitness Exhilarate DVD Set, has just been released this year. The sets and production are much more elaborate than previous versions. You also get more workouts on a total of seven DVD's but the price tag is about twenty dollars more than the previous set.

The 2008 Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation Set is still a very good set with 4 DVD's that contain six workouts. It also comes with a set of toning sticks.

There is also a 4-DVD set from 2003 that can be bought. Some of these are used. This set is pretty outdated but it costs half of what the others cost.

To make it even more confusing there is a special collection that you can get only on QVC.com. This Zumba DVD set includes discs from the 2008 set along with a fitness concert DVD, bonus toning workouts, the toning sticks and three music CD's. It also costs the most.

So which one should you buy? I have watched the 2003, 2008 and the new 2011 sets. The brand new 2011 Zumba Fitness Exhilarate DVD Set is the BEST. There are more workouts and it is just more fun to watch. There are alot of fun bonus tracks like "meet the instructors" and "ripping and cutting your zumbawear."

Have you watched the new DVD set yet? What do you think?

New Nike shoe style recommendations for training or zumba classes

2011-04-08T22:05:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of newer styles that would be great for training in the gym or doing aerobics or for your zumba classes.

Nike - Free TR Fit (Black/Black) - Footwearcomes in 3 different color combinations. This looks like a nice cross trainer for zumba class because according to the zappos site it is "designed to provide maximum support during multi-directional movement crucial for drills and other workouts that require side-to-side and back-and-forth movements." In Zumba classes you are doing dance movements such as salsa, cumbia and other moves that go side to side or back and forth.

Here is another one that looks good:

Nike - Air Max Trainer Excel (Cool Grey/Black-Copa) - Footwearcomes in four different color combinations and according to the description it has "flex grooves for ultimate multi-directional flexibility." Again, shoes with multi-directional support will give you the best performance when doing dance aerobics.

For more great selections visit best shoes for zumba!!

Zumba DVD Set!!

2011-04-07T09:41:00.002-05:00

This post has been updated on August 1, 2011.

This is the third Zumba DVD Set that I have owned. Zumba Fitness Exhilarate: The Ultimate Experience DVD Set has the most workouts and is filmed in the newest technology. Colorful backdrops and lots of dancers to follow including Beto Perez, the creator of Zumba.

This set has many great features. One is that there are alot of breakdown of the steps. There are seven DVD's total in the package and one of them is devoted strictly to teaching you the steps one by one.

There is a body sculpting DVD that teaches you Zumba Toning and Zumba Sentao which is the new workout that uses a chair as a prop. The Zumba DVD set comes with a set of toning sticks for the toning portion.

A fitness concert DVD allows you to watch and participate in a full-blown concert along with thousands of dancers. There are live musicians and a clever circular stage where the dancers enter and exit by being lifted from the bottom of the platform.

You have options on the DVD's to turn off the verbal cueing. This way when you get tired of hearing their instructions you can just do the zumba class to the background of the music.

The Zumba Fitness DVD Set incorporates many new rhythms such as Bhangra, French Reggaeton and Sino Fusion. You will definitely not get bored with this DVD Set.

You can order it with free shipping from Amazon! Have fun!

Zumba Fitness Exhilarate: The Ultimate Experience DVD Set

Which dance tempos burn the most calories in zumba class?

2011-04-02T15:04:00.000-05:00

In zumba class, some songs are faster than others. A good instructor will start out the class with a warmup that starts to raise the heart rate. The next couple of songs will gradually bring your heart rate up. The songs inbetween can vary from fast to slow and then the last one or two songs should gradually slow you down and end up with a stretch.

So which music types are good for faster tempos and elevating the heart rate? Actually most songs can act as great calorie burners if you incorporate fitness moves such as plyometric jumps. But here are a few music styles that really get the heart pumping:

1 - Quebradita - this is a Mexican rhythm. Very lively. Lots of hopping and can move side to side- can be very fast.
2 - Samba - this Brazilian rhythm can be fast or slow but when you use samba lunges which hop side to side as well as the samba basic (similar to a triple-step) it is very aerobic.
3 - Calypso/soca - this Carribean rhythm can also be fast and use hopping moves, triple steps that bounce and large arm movements.
4 - Bhangra - an Indian style music that can use hopping moves and large arm movements that raise the heart rate.
5 - a fast merengue - this will not only use fast dance moves but the lively music pumps up the adrenaline as well.

For more info about music for zumba classes, visit zumba music tempos or samba dance exercise.

NEW Zumba DVD collection to be released April 15, 2011!

2011-04-01T14:17:00.005-05:00

Zumba Fitness is releasing their new Zumba DVD Collection called EXHILARATE! This DVD collection has seven DVD's and features several classes including a Toning class and a new program using chairs called Sentao. It also includes a set of toning sticks and a program guide. There are several bonus features such as "apparel ripping and cutting" (how to customize your zumbawear or other t-shirts), breaking down the steps and behind-the-scenes clips.

BREAKING NEWS! APRIL 7, 2011:
SPECIAL TODAY ON QVC.COM!
A special Zumba DVD set collection is available now at QVC.com. It has the DVD's from the 2008 collection, 3 MUSIC CD'S, an additional 3-dvd set, plus much more. This is specially priced TODAY APRIL 7TH:

Zumba Fitness Ultimate Workout System with 8 DVDs and 3 CDs

Newer shoe styles for dance fitness

2011-02-23T14:24:00.000-05:00

I always try to keep on top of new shoe styles that would be good for dance fitness or zumba classes. Here are three newer ones that have some good characteristics of a dance fitness shoe such as being a cross-trainer, being lightweight and having multidirectional support.

Ryka - Synergy (Black/Vapor Grey/Cabo Aqua/Wild Lime) - Footwear

I love Ryka shoes as I wore the Ryka Studio Flex Low for my zumba classes for a year or more. They are just so comfortable right out of the box and very lightweight. These new ones come in a lighter color as well.

Ryka - Enhance (Black/Metallic Platinum/Metallic Magenta Spark) - Footwear

Here is another new Ryka trainer that comes in a mid size if you like more support around the ankles. It is also supposed to be very lightweight and comes in a lighter color as well.

Nike - Air Max Trainer Excel (Metallic Silver/Black-White-Volt) - Footwear

Here is a newer Nike trainer and it also comes in 4 different color combinations. It also has a nice mesh upper like the Ryka shoes and it has ultimate multidirectional flexibility.

For more shoe recommendations visit my site at best shoes for zumba fitness classes!

How to buy your dance fitness shoes online with confidence

2011-02-12T11:09:00.000-05:00

Many people ask me where to get shoes and what kind of shoes to buy for zumba fitness classes. I always promote zappos.com. Why? I have a few reasons for this.

(TIP: When you go to zappos.comtype the word "zumba" in the search box at the top and it will display all the best shoes for zumba as recommended by other people!)

My number one reason is that they offer FREE SHIPPING BOTH WAYS. This is the only way you can order some sort of apparel online with confidence, in my opinion. This way you can order the same shoe in several sizes, try them on in the comfort of your own home, and then return the ones that you do not want at no cost.
My number two reason is that zappos.comhas outstanding customer service. Delivery is fast. When you make your return your credit is issued as soon as they receive the returned products. The website is easy to navigate and read. You can talk to a live customer rep and they are friendly and eager to help you.

REVIEWS. zappos.comencourages people to write reviews of shoes that they have bought. How helpful is it when other people tell you their experiences buying a product? They can tell you how the shoe felt to them, what size worked best, etc. This will help you in choosing the right shoe.
They have a large selection of the dance fitness shoes I am looking for and at great prices. They offer sales often.
Finally, I promote zappos.combecause of the great example they set for providing an outstanding work culture. This is important to me because I believe we would have a better economy and everyone would just be happier and more fulfilled if there were more employers like Zappos. They empower each employee and provide tremendous benefits for them including free lunches. No wonder they were named #6 on Fortune Magazine's "best companies to work for" list.

Comfort AND Support: Shoes for your zumba class with no break-in needed!

2011-02-07T17:36:00.000-05:00

Here is a comfortable cross-trainer that is great for your zumba class. It is the
Ryka - assist xt (White/Chrome Silver/Metallic Carolina Blue/Metallic Medieval Blu) - Footwear

These shoes are great because there is no break-in period. In other words they are comfortable right out of the box.

If your priority is COMFORT and SUPPORT then the
Ryka - assist xt (White/Chrome Silver/Metallic Carolina Blue/Metallic Medieval Blu) - Footwear
is a great choice, not only for zumba but for all of your aerobic or training workouts. It comes in 3 different color combinations and costs $70. Click on
Ryka - assist xt (White/Chrome Silver/Metallic Carolina Blue/Metallic Medieval Blu) - Footwearand use the drop-down box to see the other colors.

Learn to salsa dance at home

2011-02-05T13:50:00.000-05:00

I think instructional DVD's are great. I've learned alot of dance steps from DVD's. In fact my partner and I taught a salsa dance group class and most of our information came from a DVD (we did already know how to dance salsa but the DVD helped us to show how to teach it).

Why learn to salsa dance from a video?
First of all you save money. Group classes are the cheapest way to go but you will not get personal attention and you cannot take the material home unless the instructor allows videotaping. Private classes cost $50 to $100 per hour.

With a video you can practice the steps over and over, at your convenience, on your own schedule. Salsa dancing does not take up alot of room so just the space in front of your television is sufficient.

Choosing a good instructional video is important. I found this one on Amazon that has 100% five star reviews. I like that it comes in a 3-pack because once you master the basics you will want to know more. The reviews really are GREAT! Read them here: SalsaCrazy video reviews

The best price is on amazon.com: Learn to Salsa Dance, Beginners 3 Pack: The Complete Beginner Salsa Dancing Guide

The most highly rated shoe for zumba fitness

2011-01-07T10:44:00.002-05:00

The Ryka Studio D is a dance-inspired cross trainer. I really like the Ryka brand because they make shoes that are designed for a woman's foot. This shoe is a typical dance-fitness shoe that is light, sleek and pivots easy.

I am singling out this shoe because currently it has 528 reviews on zappos with 80% having the highest rating of FIVE STARS!

UPDATE as of May 2011 - I noticed this shoe is being discontinued but this Mid-Height version is still available:

Ryka - Studio D Mid (Black/Dark Grey/Silver) - Footwear

To see more great shoe selections visit best shoes for zumba.

How To Shake Your Booty in 30 Days

2011-01-07T10:09:00.002-05:00

I came across this site recently that talks about how you can Lose Weight By Dancing! The author seemed to be inspired by zumba and the "happiness" factor that you experience while exercising in a zumba class.

I haven't personally tried her DVD's but I like the concept and think it is worth reading her philosophy.

I agree with her belief that you don't need to beat up your body to get it into shape. I've tried bootcamp workouts myself that left me feeling like I'd been run over by a truck. I just don't see how this is good for me and it is not very successful because I won't do it again. As they say the best workout is the one you actually do!

Here is some of her quotes: "It’s not about grueling workouts or riding an exercise bike for an hour–which just conditions you to believe in the necessity of struggle, it’s about getting into joy and play and being “in” your body."

So if you need a little inspiration, or you really want to learn how to shake your booty in 30 days, check out Lose Weight By Dancing!

YES! I'd like to learn how to shake my booty in 30 days!

Looking for a shoe to wear for your zumba class? Here's my best pick....

2010-11-22T09:23:00.000-05:00

I decided that the best all-around, best performing shoe for zumba that is comfortable right out of the box is the Ryka Studio Flex Low.

Here they are and they come in black and white:

Ryka - Studio Flex Low (White/Chrome Silver/Angel Blue) - Footwear
Ryka - Studio Flex Low (Black/Steel Grey) - Footwear

Ryka - Studio Flex Mid (White/Chrome Silver) - Footwear

Why is this the best pick?

They are cross-trainers so they give you the correct support for an aerobics fitness class such as zumba.
They fit true to size and do not run narrow like the Nike shoes.
They are well cushioned so you do not even have to put an alternate insole in the shoe.
They are very lightweight which is important because zumba has alot of fast footwork.
They have minimal tread on the bottom of the shoe, just enough for a little traction for those jumping moves, but smooth enough to pivot and do those twisting and gliding zumba moves.
They have a nice mesh upper that allows your foot to breathe.
Ryka shoes are made especially for a woman's foot. (Sorry guys but you can check out my top zumba shoes for men)

Okay, so they are not the most colorful shoes but you can pop them with some colorful shoelaces!

If you cannot decide on what shoes to get for your zumba class you will not go wrong with the Ryka - Studio Flex Low or Ryka - Studio Flex Mid.

If you want to compare them to other shoes visit top shoes for zumba.

Zumba Fitness Video Game Available Now!

2010-11-18T13:55:00.001-05:00

Just released today! The Zumba Fitness Video Game
for the xBox 360 with Kinect, Nintendo Wii or Playstation 3.

The new Kinect with the xbox360 allows you to do the zumba fitness video game hands-free without remote controls. So it will be just like dancing in your zumba class.

This will sell out fast for holiday shoppers so if you want one get it now!
Zumba Fitness Video Game for Wii
Zumba Fitness Video Game for Playstation 3
Zumba Fitness Video Game for XBOX 360-Kinect

Tips for Selecting a Good Shoe for Zumba

2010-11-09T10:40:00.002-05:00

I hate it when I buy a shoe for zumba class or any other fitness activity and then after trying it out I find that it does not perform as I hoped it would.

Here are some things I found that will help you select the right shoe and make your shoe work for you.

If it is important that your feet feel very comfortable and cushioned, then wearing a thicker sock and adding a cushioned insole like the Spenco Cross Trainer Insoleto the shoe will change the feel of the shoe drastically. So when trying on the shoe take this into consideration. You may have to buy a size up in order to make this work.
When trying the shoe on, stand up and place all of your weight into the toebox. If your toes feel constrained or the shoe does not allow your foot to feel comfortable then the shoe is too narrow. Sometimes going a size up remedies this. You definitely want to be able to spread the toes out inside the shoe when placing weight on the ball of the foot. You may also need to try this with the back of your foot in the heel as well.
For most people, the right foot is bigger than the left. So make sure you try on both shoes and fit according to your right foot.
When deciding between two different shoes, try one on the right foot and the other on the left foot. Stand up and place your weight into the shoes. This is a great way to compare the feeling of support in different styles.
Pick a shoe that feels supportive in the whole footbed, not just in the heels. If you can't find this then adding the athletic insole will make the shoe more supportive. Remember that for zumba you want a shoe that has multi-directional support.
Select a shoe that has a replaceable insole. I found that almost always I replace the insole with ones that are meant for athletic activities, such as the Spenco Cross Trainer Insoleand it makes my feet feel much more supported.
Take into consideration the type of tread on the sole of the shoe. I prefer some tread because I like some traction while doing zumba, as in the Nike - Air Max Team ST. Choosing a shoe with less traction and that glides more, like the Nike - Musique III, may be better if you have problems with your knees or just want a shoe that slides better.

Take your time in choosing your shoes and you will be much happier with your selection. Personally, I like ordering shoes online at Zappos.com(instead of in a retail store where I may feel rushed) to make the best decision, especially because they have free shipping both ways. For a complete list of recommended shoes for zumba visit http://dancenyoga.com/best_shoes_for_zumba.

Zumba Fitness and Curves Circuit Training

2010-11-09T10:01:00.000-05:00

What do you get when you combine Zumba fitness with the Curves circuit? A really fun workout!

Zumba fitness has partnered with Curves circuit training so that Curves may now employ licensed zumba instructors to lead the "recovery" sections or rather the cardio sections of the Curves circuit.

The Curves circuit consists of interval training using hydraulic resistant machines that are positioned in the round. After each interval of resistant training there is a cardio section. Zumba instructors will be in the middle of the round so that when participants rotate to the next section they will be doing zumba while positioned inbetween the machines. Each interval will be one minute and the total workout is thirty minutes.

This creates thousands of more jobs for zumba instructors and much more publicity and memberships for Curves.

Exercise Video Games are Hot!!

2010-11-06T13:57:00.003-05:00

I can see that exercise video games are gaining more and more popularity. New video "exergames", including the new Zumba Fitness Video Game are now available for pre-order and will be ready to ship late November 2010.

The Zumba Fitness Video Game will be available to play on the XBox 360, Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3. So which do you buy if you need to buy the console?

Amazon has done a great job in explaining the benefits and details between the three of them. For a complete explanation go to Compare Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3.

Since dance is so popular now as a fun way to exercise there are other dance video games on the market such as Dance Central and Michael Jackson The Experience.

I suspect these will sell out fast for the holidays so better get them sooner than later.

I LOVE My New Shoes for Zumba - My Shoe Buying Story

2010-11-05T19:21:00.000-05:00

I have been wearing the Ryka Studio Flex for a year now, strictly for my zumba classes, and I was way overdue for a new pair of shoes.

I decided I wanted a shoe with more support because I teach zumba and my feet endure alot of impact and so I want to support them as much as I can.

I knew I wanted a cross-trainer because while running shoes feel great, they do not have the lateral support that I need.

So I compared two Nike trainers that had good reviews, The Nike Air Max Team ST (the black shoe) and the Nike Free XT Quick Fit (the purple one):

I found that the Nike Free XT had more support in the whole footbed while the Nike Air Max Team St did not have as much support under the ball of the foot. But the Nike Free XT were more narrow. The Nike Air Max Team ST had more room for the whole top of my foot. You can see in this picture that the Nike Air Free (the purple shoe) is more narrow in the toe box than the other one.

I also found that I needed to go a whole size up in these shoes. I normally wear a size 7 but the size 8 was better. So my next decision was to take out the insert that came with the shoe and add an athletic insert that would add much more cushioning.

I then tried on both shoes with and without the inserts. The inserts I use are Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Insert.

My final decision was to go with the Nike Air Max Team St. The bigger toebox made a big difference. And when I added the Spenco inserts it greatly improved the cushioning under the entire footbed. I also like that the Nike Air Max was slightly shorter in length than the Nike Free XT, which makes sense since the Nike Free's are more narrow.

Now I am very happy with my new shoes!

I am also VERY happy with Zappos and my experience of ordering shoes online. Why? Because I could never do all this trial and error while shopping for shoes in a regular shoe store. I would drive the salesperson crazy, to say the least! When I try on shoes in my own home I can take my time and really compare and weigh out the pros and cons of each shoe.

I even ordered twice and returned twice and Zappos graciously accepted it all. I love to support businesses that provide outstanding customer service and I try to treat all my business transactions the same way. Zappos ROCKS!!

In conclusion, with these Nike shoes order a size up AND replace the insole with an athletic insert. If your feet are narrow I would go with the Nike Free XT:
Nike - Free XT Quick Fit+ (Red Plum/Voltage Cherry-White-Black) - Footwear (and they come in different colors too) because they DO have more cushioning in the front of the shoe, but if you need more room in the toebox then go with the Nike Air Max Team ST:
Nike - Air Max Team ST (Black/White-Hot Lime-Pink Flash-Hot Lime) - Footwear and these also come in other colors. I would still replace the insole with either shoe you buy.

I have more recommended shoes on my site at http://dancenyoga.com/best_shoes_for_zumba.

Shoes with support and comfort for Zumba

2010-10-29T11:39:00.001-05:00

What are the best zumba shoes?

If you teach zumba or take several classes per week you really appreciate a shoe that supports your foot to withstand hours of impact and movement.

Whenever I try on running shoes they feel so comfortable but I know that they don't have the lateral support that I need for zumba, especially doing the side salsa steps.

I recently found some new Nike styles that look like they would work well for zumba. They are training shoes that offer multi-directional support.

I also like the Diamond Flex technology on the sole. This will give me a little bit of traction, especially when I teach on ceramic tile floors.

The Nike styles also come in a variety of fun color combinations which is important to match all of the colorful zumbawear!

I have updated my best shoes for zumba page so check them out! I also have a few shoes listed for those of you who have foot problems.

Zumba Instructor Convention 2010 video

2010-10-27T08:16:00.000-05:00

The last zumba instructor convention was held in August 2010 in Orlando, Florida. This was a 4-day event filled with dance workshops, zumbawear shopping, parties and an exciting fitness concert with thousands of zumba instructors.

This event will be held again next year but only zumba instructors may attend. If you want to go then learn how to teach zumba and become a zumba instructor now! The zumba instructor training workshops are held on various dates all over the world.

Men's shoes for zumba

2010-10-13T12:30:00.000-05:00

More and more men are coming to zumba class. They come with their girlfriends, their co-workers or alone.

More men are becoming zumba instructors as they find that teaching zumba is very much in demand.

Many of them are asking about what shoes to wear. So I have put together some of my recommendations and some favorites of other men who do zumba.

Here they are! Check out these favorite men's shoes for zumba!

Zumba Party in Pink Movement supporting Susan B. Komen for the Cure

2010-09-24T16:25:00.002-05:00

Zumba instructors love what they do and that love goes a long way.

Zumba Fitness has joined with Susan B. Komen organization to help zumba instructors sponsor fundraising zumbathon charity events. Zumba instructors are joining together and teaching large zumba parties and collecting money from July 1, 2010 to Oct. 31, 2010.

At least 75% of each ticket fee is donated to the Susan B. Komen organization. The organization hopes to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people and inspiring science to find cures.

Zumba is also selling the Party in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Racerback tank top. 30% of the proceeds will be donated to Susan B. Komen until Oct. 31, 2010.

To find a local charity zumbathon near you, and to buy the shirt, go to Party in Pink where you can find Party in Pink zumbathons listed by city, state and date along with all the details.

Gift shopping zumba-style!

2010-09-12T15:25:00.000-05:00

You remember last holiday season right?

The gift you were looking for was out of stock or on back order.

Here's a few reasons why you should get a head start on your holiday shopping, especially if you are looking for gifts for people who love zumba.

The most popular items run out of stock early. Namely, THE ZUMBA FITNESS DVD Set. This one will be flying off the shelves so buy it early.
New items yet to be released can be pre-ordered, such as the Zumba Fitness Video Game. This new video game uses Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3 or the XBox 360. It is to be released November 30, 2010, just in time for the holidays, but if you pre-order NOW you won't have any regrets if there are none left.
Sizes and colors run out. If you really wanted to buy your friend the NEWEST GENERATION iPOD in BLUE then now is the time to buy it because they are all in stock!

Become a Zumba Instructor and Join the Zumba Convention next year!

2010-09-06T11:30:00.001-05:00

Last August was the Zumba Instructor Convention 2010 in Orlando, Florida.

This was a 4-day convention for zumba instructors only.

There are workshops, specialty certifications and lots of parties!

This year there was a fantastic fitness concert with Beto, the creator of Zumba, heading the way.

A film crew was filming for a new DVD set to be out next year.

There were people from all over the world represented. A "world party" where zumba instructors could dress up in the costume that represents their country was an international party full of zumba love.

Another big activity was shopping! The newest zumba clothing and lots of clearance items as well were being sold in makeshift stores set up in the hotel meeting rooms.

You can join this fantastic party next year if you become a zumba instructor now! The 2011 Zumba Instructor Convention will be held again in Orlando, FL next July.

What shoes do zumba instructors wear in zumba class?

2010-08-24T11:18:00.001-05:00

When you realize that zumba instructors teach several classes a week, and even some teaching several classes per day, you know they need good shoes for zumba.

Instead of using dance-fitness shoes like the
Nike - Musique IV, many are using running shoes that provide heavy duty support.

The latest one they are loving is the Reebok Zig shoes, not only for the support and cushion they provide but for the vibrant colors.

You can check out more of my shoe recommendations for zumba at best shoes for zumba.

Take a Club Med Zumba Vacation!

2010-08-18T08:01:00.000-05:00

Looking for a vacation idea? If you love zumba you may like this.

Zumba is hosting a week long fitness party at the Club Med Ixtapa Pacific Resort in Mexico.

This all-inclusive vacation includes all the Club Med amenities along with daily zumba classes. There is even an option to get certified to teach zumba.

It happens December 4-11, 2010 and you can find more information at http://www.zumba.com/clubmed.

Get more tips about zumba. Check out these shoes for zumba and all about the zumba dvd.

New shoes for zumba dance class

2010-08-03T10:45:00.001-05:00

I tend to wear my shoes longer than I should. I put alot of dance miles on my Ryka Studio Flex shoes. So here is a video of me with my Ryka Transition shoes. I love Ryka because they have always been comfortable right out of the box and they fit same as my street shoe size, so there is no guessing. For more shoe choices visit my recommendations at best shoes for zumba.

Shoes zumba or hip hop- dance in style!

2010-07-17T18:06:00.000-05:00

Looking for a fun shoe for zumba or hip-hop? Check out these.

Nike - Huarache Dance Low (Varsity Purple/Black-White-Vibrant Yellow) - Footwear The Nike Hurarache Dance Low sneakers are lightweight and supportive yet colorful and made for dancing. Try a half-size up from what you regular street size is.

If you want to see more shoes like these check out shoes for zumba or hip hop dance..

Exergaming

2010-06-22T15:38:00.003-05:00

Exercising and dancing at home is now even better. Try exergaming! Exergaming or fitness games using video consoles and video games give you a multimedia experience working out at home. You may be familiar with Wii fitness but the XBox 360 has come out with a revolutionary system using the Kinect sensor. There are no hardware controls so you have free range of movement. That means you get a better, more efficient workout.

Dance fitness enthusiasts will like the fact that there will be 2 new dance fitness games released in November 2010, just in time for the holiday season: Dance Central and Zumba Fitness!

To get started you will need the xbox 360 console and the kinect sensor . Check out these previews of Dance Central and Zumba Fitness fitness games!

Shoes for Zumba with Extra Support

2010-06-22T15:38:00.002-05:00

If you need athletic shoes with extra support and cushioning due to foot problems or otherwise here are some supportive trainers that would be good to use for your zumba class. New Balance shoes are especially recommended for those with plantar fasciitis. These shoes have been popular with other zumba students and instructors who need that extra shock absorption.

Nike Air Max Skyline, Nike Air Max Trainer, New Balance Wx608V2, Asics Gel Entrall.

To view and shop for these shoes, and to see more of my recommendations for the best shoes for zumba, visit http://dancenyoga.com/best_shoes_for_zumba.html.

Top Ten Shoe Picks for Zumba Class

2010-05-27T14:46:00.003-05:00

Visit my top ten shoe picks for zumba class to view and buy the most popular dance aerobic shoes on the market. There's also a great shoe recommendation for taking Aqua Zumba. Check out these shoes on sale now!

Ryka and Nike dominate the best athletic shoes for women, whether you are looking for a shoe for running, shoes for walking or for cross-training. Your athletic shoe is an important piece of equipment for your sport. For the best performance, you should always invest in quality athletic shoes.

UPDATE August 11, 2010: I now have the top 13 best shoe picks for zumba on the site plus an aqua shoe! I update this page whenever I find new shoes! When you visit the shoe page you are able to then shop for them if you want. All the shoes have free shipping both ways which makes it convenient to order more than one size, try them on at home, and then return whatever doesn't fit! Have fun!

Zumba Instructor Convention

2010-05-27T14:43:00.000-05:00

One of the highlights of being a zumba instructor is attending the Zumba Instructor Convention. The third annual convention will be in August 2010 in Orlando, Florida. Only those zumba instructors who are members of the zumba instructor network will be elgible to attend.

Over 3,000 zumba instructors are expected this year. The 4-day event includes workshops, speakers, networking, and a fitness concert. It is quite a party with zumba instructors attending from all over the world.

Want to join the party? The first step is to take a zumba instructor workshop where you will become licensed to teach zumba. Then join ZIN (zumba instructor network). There is a fee of $30 per month to join but there are many benefits that come with it including music, choreography DVD's and discounts to zumba clothing and future workshops.

Really Good Shoes for Zumba-recommended by a zumba fanatic

2010-05-14T14:04:00.000-05:00

I've been doing zumba for almost five years, I teach it and I've danced a long time. I've worked in the fitness industry for several years. I've heard people complain about aches and pains in their knees and legs while working out. Often it is because of wearing the wrong shoes.

I know you are busy moms, working professionals and entrepreneurs and you may not have time to shop store to store or surf the internet for information. But you've found this - lucky for you!

Here is a list for you of the most popular shoes for zumba.

Four ways the Zumba DVD can help you lose weight

2010-05-14T13:51:00.001-05:00

The formula for losing weight is simple: burn more calories than you take in. If you are focused on the exercise part of the formula and are looking for a fun way to get your heart rate up then consider the zumba dvd. Here's why:
1 - It's cheaper than taking a live class. Once you buy a fitness class on DVD you have it to take over and over. Compare that to paying $5 to $10 each for a group class. Not to mention the gas or bus fare to get to the class. Having a Zumba DVD class at home will save you money.
2 - It's convenient. You can do it on your own schedule. Fit it in before you go to work or when you get home. Do it at 3am if you can't sleep. You make your own class schedule. Take your class once a week or 20 times a week. And you don't even have to leave home.
3 - It's fun and you get a variety of classes. The Zumba DVD set luckily comes with six different classes including one that is recorded with a live audience so you feel like you are in a group class. There is also a great beginner's instruction class in the set.
4 - The fourth way the Zumba DVD set can help you lose weight is by giving you NO EXCUSES! It's cheap, convenient, fun and you get six different classes. I think there are no excuses left to be made. Here's a zumba dvd review if you want to know more.

Nike and Ryka- some great shoes for zumba

2010-05-12T09:17:00.000-05:00

My favorite shoes for zumba are:
Ryka - Studio Flex Low (Black/Steel Grey) - Footwear. They are comfortable and supportive with minimal tread so that I can pivot easy yet have some traction for higher impact moves.

Nike and Ryka brands have several great choices if you are looking for a shoe for your zumba class. Nike shoes run a little narrow and so you may have to buy a half size up. Ryka shoes are made especially for women and have more room for the front of the foot. Both brands have several choices that are especially made for dance-aerobics. A dance-aerobic shoe has the support and cushioning of a cross-trainer with the lightness and slickness of a dance shoe. Although running shoes have great cushioning they often have heavy tread on the sole. For zumba this would prevent the wearer from being able to pivot easily.

No time to research and compare shoes? I've made it easy for you. Just go to my list for the best shoes of zumba all on one page! Many of them are on sale now.

Can you make a living as a zumba instructor?

2010-05-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Most fitness instructors teach exercise classes on a part-time basis. If you teach classes then you know it gives you freedom and flexibility of your time. If you need a day off all you need to do is get a substitute. Many instructors teach classes on the side to supplement their income. Others do it just for fun, for the exercise and for the benefit of using the health club for free. The pay may not be that great and because the job is physical you may not be able to teach classes several times per week.

Out of all the choices of fitness classes, teaching zumba may be the easiest to make a living at because zumba classes are very much in demand. Zumba appeals to a great amount of people and there are more and more zumba jobs available. Zumba instructors can start up classes independently at community centers or even teach on-site at corporate centers and ask for fees that pay them per person rather than by the hour. Some zumba instructors have a hundred or more people in their classes, so imagine the payoff. It may take awhile, however, to build up a class to this size and make money for teaching zumba.

Teaching zumba is also physical but there are ways an instructor can guide a class without using up all their energy. One way is to demonstrate the step once and then have the class continue while they just watch. Zumba is also taught non-verbally and this helps conserve some energy.

If you can get a few good classes with a fair amount of students and have the stamina and energy to teach several classes a week, then it is very possible to make a living as a zumba instructor! Here's more information on becoming a zumba instructor.

Ten Best Shoes for Zumba Class

2010-04-27T10:41:00.000-05:00

Here are the ten best shoes for zumba class which I have put together from my experience as an instructor, referrals from other instructors and several reviews.

The pictures of the shoes are all on one page so you can compare and see them all at once, and I've listed sale prices on specific shoes.

I've also listed a shoe for Aqua Zumba since water aerobics has become so popular.

You can buy the shoes directly from that page and all the shoes have free shipping both ways from a company with excellent customer service! When you click on the shoes you will see reviews from other buyers. Be sure to read these to get tips on what size to buy. For example, some shoes require you to buy a half size larger. I hope this solves your problem about what shoes to buy for zumba and you will now have a great experience in your zumba class!

Looking for the perfect shoe for zumba

2010-04-19T10:02:00.000-05:00

Everybody has different needs for their feet. Some people need extra support and cushioning because of various foot conditions. Some people just want a shoe that is light and glides easy. The best shoes for zumba are the ones that work for your specific needs. I have read reviews from various people who either take zumba or instruct zumba and most of them are looking for a shoe that will accommodate the amount of "wear and tear" they put on both their bodies and the shoes themselves. If your main goal is to feel support and you do zumba several times a week, then go for something more like a cross-trainer that has shock absorption. If you prefer to glide easy and only take zumba once a week then a regular dance-aerobic shoe should suit your needs.
Here is a list I have put together of popular shoes for zumba class.

Aqua Zumba

2010-04-19T09:51:00.001-05:00

Water fitness is very popular now. Exercising in the water has great benefits for those who are recovering from an injury, have arthritis and need a low-impact form of exercise. Because water has resistance when moving it provides both cardio and muscle building benefits. Aqua Zumba makes working out in the pool fun by doing dance and fitness moves to fun, upbeat music. Aqua zumba instructors take a special training workshop and must be licensed to teach basic zumba as a pre-requisite.

It is recommended to wear shoes in the water when doing water aerobics. Ryka makes a great water shoe.
Ryka - aqua fit 3 (Moonbeam/Angel Blue/Submarine) - Footwear

Looking for a great athletic shoe that would be perfect for your zumba class? Check out my choices at best shoes for zumba.

Shoes for Zumba on Sale Now

2010-04-15T10:06:00.000-05:00

I've done the research for you and found the best shoes for zumba at the least price! When choosing a shoe remember that they come in different color combinations and usually the shoes that are mostly white are cheaper. For example check out these popular dance-fitness shoes on sale now for $48!

Nike - Musique VI (White/Metallic Silver-Neutral Grey-Ice Blue) - Footwear

The same ones in black are $56 which is still a good deal. Another good buy is:

Nike - Musique IV (White/Neutral Grey) - Footwear
They are only $50 and the same ones in black are $62.

For more of my shoe picks check out my list of the best shoes for zumba.

Zumba Music Playlists

2010-04-14T15:33:00.000-05:00

Zumba is a cardio exercise class disguised as a dance party. Zumba uses a variety of tempos and rhythms focusing on latin music. The best music to use for zumba classes is music that is upbeat and stimulating to encourage people to feel the music and dance. Some rhythms used are salsa, merengue, cumbia, cha-cha, samba, reggaeton, soca, hip-hop, pop, tango, bellydance, bhangra and African. You can also use other genres here and there such as swing or rock and roll. The class should start with a slower song for a warmup and a slow, easy song at the end for a cooldown. In addition it is best to use fast songs followed by slow songs and vice versa to enable interval training effects. Here is an example of a zumba music playlist that will cover a whole hour class:
I Gotta Feeling - warmup
Guallando - merengue
I Love Salsa - salsa
Ten Paciencia - cumbia
Sabor A Melao - reggaeton
the Anthem - hip-hop
I Need to Know - cha-cha
Pegate - merengue
Low - hip hop
Boom Boom Pow - hip hop
You Gotta Be - cool down

For more info on everything you ever wanted to know about zumba, and to listen to this songlist, visit dancenyoga.com.

Shape's Magazine Best Shoe Award 2010

2010-03-28T13:29:00.001-05:00

Shape Magazine recently posted their Shoe Award Winners for 2010. They had more than 275 women exercise in a variety of athletic shoes for one month and then rate them. One of the picks is on my top list for zumba shoes, the
Nike - Zoom Fly Sister One+ (Dark Grey/Dark Grey-Vivid Pink-Pink Flash) - Footwear and was voted the "best for fitness classes." Shape Magazine quotes it is good for dancers and steppers who require cushioning and flexibility. (It also comes in a variety of color combinations.)

They also listed the top women's running shoes and the best shoes for fitness walking.

For my top picks on the best shoes for zumba I've created a complete list where you can view them all on one page on dancenyoga.com.

Here are the best shoes for zumba

2010-03-09T10:29:00.007-05:00

I've compiled a list of the best shoes for zumba. This list is from my personal experience teaching classes, from my students, from other instructors and from reviews. Often shoes are on the market for a few months and then disappear. I try to keep this list updated and current.

I also wanted to list it in an organized way so you can see all the shoes on one page and compare. I link to Zappos.com because of their outstanding customer service and free shipping both ways. So you can buy the same shoe in different sizes (if you want to see what really fits best) and return the ones you don't want for free.

Check out my list of the most popular shoes for zumba here.

Shoes for Zumba- Nike Huarache Low Women's Dance Shoe

2010-03-07T15:05:00.009-05:00

The Nike Huarache low Women's Dance Shoe has become the new popular shoe for doing zumba among zumba instructors and students. This shoe has a fun design and color scheme like a hip-hop dance shoe. It also has the nice support and cushioning that gives Nike its great reputation for athletic shoes. I love shoes with breathable mesh (as opposed to all leather upper) and this shoe has it.

It is advised to order a half-size up of your normal shoe size. You may want to also place an alternate insert in the shoe for added comfort. Remember, investing in good shoes for exercise affects your performance and the wear and tear on your legs! Have fun!

What is the best Nike shoe for Zumba?

2010-02-21T17:27:00.006-05:00

Many people are partial to Nike because of the style and reputation. Fortunately Nike has two of the best dance-fitness inspired shoes, the Nike Musique IV and VI. They are very popular among zumba dancers. What is the difference? Basically the style of the shoe. Both have synthetic leather and mesh uppers and both have smooth soles with pivot points for easy dancing. The top of the shoe is just designed differently. Check out the difference yourself
Nike - Musique IV (White/Neutral Grey) - Footwear OR
Nike - Musique VI (Black/White) - Footwear

Nike shoes tend to run narrow so you may have to try a half size bigger than your regular shoe size. In addition, you may find that putting an alternate insert into the Nike shoe will make it more comfortable for you. Try the SPENCO® Cross Trainer Insole

Build An Easy Fitness Website

2010-02-17T17:09:00.006-05:00

I've helped a few of my fitness pro friends get started in the world of web building. I started my site, www.dancenyoga.com, several years ago and it slowly became full of pages and pages of information. Then I learned how to monetize it using google ads and affiliate programs. Now it provides a pretty decent supplemental income and at the same time I feel I am providing educational and inspirational information to my visitors.

There is an overwhelming amount of information on the web on how to start a site or a blog and make money doing it. I am not claiming to be an expert on this subject by far, but I can recommend some easy, simple tools that can help the absolute beginner get started building a fitness website and making money with it. These are only the tools, mind you. The real work is writing your own content and learning more and more how to generate traffic to your site. It does not happen overnight. Like I said, I've had my site for years.

Besides making money with your site, a fitness site will attract local clients and students for your business. Read my info on how to build a fitness website.

Great workout clothes for women can be bought online

2010-02-12T17:56:00.005-05:00

I was shopping for a regular pair of black, stretch workout pants lately, the kind you would wear for yoga. I don't know why it's so hard to find these. I checked several retail stores and either they didn't have my size or I didn't like the styles they offered. I end up settling for something that isn't quite what I wanted, just because I really needed to buy something.

So buying online makes sense to me. First of all you can search for exactly what you want in your size. You can read all the details about the product without wasting time looking through racks of clothes in stores. You can also read reviews about products and get honest opinions from other people who already bought it.

I always look for online stores that offer free shipping both ways. That way if it doesn't fit you can just send it back for free, or you can buy several sizes of the same clothes to try on and just send back the ones that don't fit.

There is also a larger variety of workout clothes for women to be found on online sites than I can find in my local stores. Check out this cute top: and these capris

Men Sighted in Zumba Class!

2010-02-05T16:52:00.006-05:00

My zumba class hasn't had men in them for a long time. A couple of years ago I had 2 or 3 regular men. One guy came with his girlfriend so it was sort of an activity night together. The other guy had a very stressful job and found zumba to be a way to relax. The third guy was my husband, who as a very adept dancer himself, found it hard to follow me and not to add his own interpretations of the steps I was leading:) Eventually he decided that zumba was not for him.

Now I have a few new men in the class. I applaud them for being brave enough to strut their stuff amongst a group of 30 women.

Why do they do it? Because they see the results! They are sweating and smiling. They are having fun with co-workers who talked them into trying it out. They are losing weight and having fun doing it.

Zumba: What if you are a beginner, new to exercise, uncoordinated or too old

2010-01-28T16:15:00.006-05:00

Many people don't know whether to join in a zumba class that has been going on for awhile or if there is one they can start from the beginning. While there are some instructors who teach zumba in sessions, for example, most zumba classes are what I refer to as "ongoing."

Many newcomers say to me, "But what if I'm a beginner, new to exercise, too old, too uncoordinated"?? To which I say, you can start in on any class and just do whatever you can do. Some people who are new to cardio exercise may sit out a couple of songs. Some modify the moves to make them low impact. Some people do completely different steps than I am showing! And that's okay. The point is to keep moving at your current level. As you progress your stamina and endurance will increase and you will be able to do more. As for the steps, you will get more skillful at them week to week. There is alot of repetition of steps and they will seem easier and easier. You just have to be patient and keep at it!

As for being too old, well that's no excuse because you are never too old to exercise!

Zumba in the New year

2010-01-23T09:19:00.004-05:00

I don't know if it is because of the New Year resolution idea but my Tuesday night zumba is growing and we are all having a blast! People are bringing their friends and people that they work with. For the first time in a long while I even have 2 guys in the class. One of them who just started walked past me after the class was over and his hair was soaking wet. I said, "wow, you got a good workout" and he said, "YEA!"

I have a variety of ages in this class as well. I mix my music styles playing mostly latin (zumba wants us to make the class 70% latin music) and adding hip-hop and pop music as well.

I mix my playlist so that one song flows into the next so the music plays non-stop and I stop every 3 songs, motioning to the students to drink water. I don't use a microphone so I use all visual cues.

The facility I teach at is the best! They provide a powerful stereo system for me, a large room with mirrors and they kick up the air conditioning for my class. They take attendance, collect the money and advertise the class on a marquis that is visible from a major street. I really appreciate them and have been teaching with them for over five years.

If you happen to be interested in teaching zumba too I have written some articles about how to become a zumba instructor.

My Zumba Gold Class

2010-01-23T09:05:00.005-05:00

Our Zumba Gold class (aka Gentle Zumba) on Fridays is starting to grow. I just started teaching it this month. I use many of the same songs and rhythms as in regular zumba but keep the choreography simpler. We have students in all age groups from those in their twenties to those in their eighties! There are a couple of country-line dancers in there and they picked up the zumba steps really fast.

The class is also good for complete beginners and those who consider themselves uncoordinated. I explain that after taking the class for awhile you will become much more coordinated and you will learn the basic steps of salsa, merengue, cha-cha and more. You get a workout and a dance lesson all in one!

I do a few things differently in this class than I would do in my regular zumba. For one I may stop inbetween songs and actually teach the steps in detail without the music. I also leave out the hip-hop and reggaeton songs and add more of a variety of music. Last Friday we did zumba to Benny Goodman's Sing, Sing, Sing!

Zumba Gold can be modified to the fitness level of your group. If you have a group of elderly people you can even do it in chairs! All I know is that it seems no matter what the age or fitness level, everyone loves zumba!

I love my new shoes for zumba!

2010-01-20T15:28:00.004-05:00

I recently switched from wearing Nike's to Ryka. Ryka shoes are designed especially for women. These shoes are so comfortable right out of the box and I didn't need to put an alternate insert into the shoe like I do with the Nike's.

I also like that they are true to size so I didn't have to guess whether I should order a pair a size up. From the Ryka website: "Ryka shoes are designed from a high-tech women's form to give you the perfect fit-narrower in the heel and wider in the forefoot for unsurpassed comfort and athletic performance". Here are the shoes I got:

Ryka - Studio Flex Low (Black/Steel Grey) - Footwear

I also like that they come in all black, they fit like a dance shoe and are surrounded in breathable mesh. Yay Ryka!

Anti Shoes or Shoes that make you fit while you walk!

2009-12-14T20:32:00.004-05:00

If you don't have time to get to the gym or take a zumba class you can now get toned legs, abs and butt muscles just by walking in the latest physiological footwear.

You will see more and more people wearing these unique athletic shoes that standout by their curved soles. These shoes are designed to mimic walking barefoot (remember Earth shoes?) and thereby tone your legs while relieving stress on the knees and hips. They also align your spine in a way that improves your posture. If you'd like to try them out, here are the three main athletic anti-shoes that I've found people wearing:

MBT - Sport 2 (Grey) - Footwear

Reebok - EasyTone Go Outside (Champagne/White/Red Attack) - Footwear

Skechers - Shape Ups - Optimize (BlackN) - Footwear

Gentle Zumba - less intense but still a good workout

2009-12-05T16:40:00.004-05:00

Maybe you've tried a zumba class and it was just too much for you. If you get an instructor who teaches to mostly fast songs it may be hard to keep up.

Gentle zumba aka "zumba gold" has the same dance and fun like regular zumba but with a little less intensity, less impact, and a slower pace. Gentle zumba is good for active older adults, those who have not been exercising for awhile, and people who just want to take it slow and not have to jump.

Because of the variety of students it is fun to use a variety of music, everything from latin to swing, and to country to Broadway tunes. Gentle zumba may take longer breaks inbetween songs to drink water or chat.

I especially like teaching gentle zumba because it gives my body a break! If you are in the St. Petersburg, FL area check out my new gentle zumba class.

Zumba Shoes

2009-10-28T17:23:00.008-05:00

My zumba students always ask me about zumba shoes or what are the best shoes to wear for zumba. Simply look for shoes that are lightweight, have little tread on the bottom of the shoe and have multi-directional support. They may be labeled as "dance-aerobic" or "dance-fitness". Here are some examples of shoes that Zumba instructors wear:

Ryka - Studio D (Granite/Gun Metal/Vanilla) - Footwear

Nike - Musique VI (Black/White) - Footwear

I also recommend putting in a different insert into the shoe. (The inserts that come with the shoe never seem to have enough cushioning.) A good one is: SPENCO® Cross Trainer Insole

Your feet will be happy with any of these shoes! Have fun at Zumba!

Zumba for your next event!

2009-08-31T20:04:00.005-05:00

Did you know that Zumba is a great party starter, a great way to loosen up a business meeting, or a fun way to treat your bridal party to a fun get together?

Recently I participated in a swing dance gig that took place at a formal corporate awards banquet. There was a live band and towards the end of the night the energy was fizzling out. The band started to play a familiar song that I had played in my zumba classes. I jumped on the dance floor where there were several women in formal wear dancing in a group and guided them to follow me in my zumba dance. It was the hit of the party!

Zumba can be done at any kind of social event where there is music, dancing and celebration. It can be used as a stress reliever at business meetings, at birthday parties, or fundraisers.

If your event is in the St. Petersburg, Florida and you would like to have zumba there, contact me!

Zumba - a weight loss program in a book format

2009-08-26T14:05:00.006-05:00

Zumba has a new product out which is a weight loss program in a book format. Zumba®: The Zumba Weight Loss Program includes a complete workout program, fat-burning diet, and an exclusive instructional DVD with 60 minutes of zumba workouts. It is for sale on amazon.com.

Tools for Fitness Instructors

2009-07-15T13:38:00.005-05:00

Fitness Instructors need 3 things to teach their classes: Music, Choreography and Microphone Windscreens!

Great fitness classes have music that is motivating, energizing and fun. Fitness instructors can purchase music that is set to a certain bpm to keep a steady beat for a step class for example. Or you can buy fitness music that is geared towards the type of class, such as kickboxing, aerobics, and even aqua. You can even create a custom mix by choosing each track by bpm and then download the mixed CD.

Fitness instructors can also find DVD's with choreography. Creating choreography can be very time consuming so this is a great help. It is also cheaper than attending a workshop; even better you have the material to review over and over.

Finally, fitness instructors need microphone windscreens. I don't know why health clubs don't provide these for their instructors. I had to find out where to buy these online from other instructors when I started.

I've found the best online source for all these things. Read about it on dancenyoga.com.

Zumba DVD sets

2009-06-26T18:54:00.007-05:00

This post has been updated on August 1, 2011.

Check out the latest Zumba Fitness DVD Set, Zumba Fitness Exhilarate: The Ultimate Experience DVD Set.

The Zumba DVD set makes a great gift for anyone interested in losing weight or getting fit. Zumba is especially for those who want to have fun when they exercise. Zumba is the most popular dance-fitness exercise program today.

The Zumba DVD set is now sold in several countries: U.S., Canada, Ireland, Japan, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Finland and Australia.

The 2011 Zumba DVD Set includes seven DVD's, a set of toning sticks and a program guide. The DVD's include several workouts including one that will break down all the steps for beginners.

Zumba DVD Review

2009-05-30T19:21:00.005-05:00

Zumba has expanded its sales of the 2008 Zumba DVD collection to Europe, Asia and Australia. Zumba incorporates dances and rhythms from a variety of countries making it truly an international language.

The 2008 Zumba® Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD Set includes 6 workouts on 4 DVD's, a set of toning sticks (which are used as light weights for the toning workout), and a guide book for organizing your exercise plan and meals.

The instruction is very easy to follow and they break down the steps slowly in a Zumba Basics DVD. After you master the steps, you can then easily follow the other workouts.

The Live class with Beto allows you to feel the excitement of being in a live Zumba class. The energy is high, and it just feels like you are at a party, not exercising. Join the millions of people that have decided that working out can be fun - Zumba!

Top Dance-Fitness Shoes Worn by Zumba Instructors!

2009-05-25T22:07:00.007-05:00

I'm looking for a new pair of dance fitness shoes to replace my faithful Nike Shox Electro. They are very comfortable but there are always new shoes coming up in the market especially since Zumba and dance-fitness has become so popular.

So I asked several Zumba instructors what their favorite shoes for Zumba were. Here are some of their favorites: Nike Zoom Quick Sister,
Nike - Musique VI (Black/White) - Footwear,
Ryka - Studio D (Granite/Gun Metal/Vanilla) - Footwear, Ryka Studio Flex Low, and New Balance 840 Crosstrainers, to name a few.

These shoes have a few things in common; they are all lightweight, well supportive, have smooth bottom soles for easy pivoting, and are well cushioned. For added arch support I add cross-trainer inserts into my shoes.

For best shopping results, read the reviews online or try them on at your local store. And you should have happy dancing feet!

Other Latin-Dance Workout DVD's?

2009-05-25T07:54:00.004-05:00

Zumba was not the first latin-dance inspired workout video to be sold. There are a variety of latin-dance exercise fitness DVD's - try a few different ones and mix up your routine!

Here's a few I found on Amazon: Crunch Cardio Salsa, Crunch Latin Rhythms, Cardio Samba Workout, Brazilian Dance Workout, All Cardio Latin Explosion, and Dancing with the Stars Latin Cardio Dance!

Why are Latin-dance exercise DVD's so popular? The music is upbeat, makes you want to keep moving, and makes your workout feel, well less than a workout!

It's always good to do a variety of exercises so that your muscles get challenged in new ways. And doing a variety of exercise videos will keep you from getting bored, and keep you working out! Have fun!

Dance-exercise workouts on DVD

2009-05-24T08:39:00.006-05:00

With the popularity of Zumba there seems to be a variety of dance exercise videos on the market now and a few copycats. But if you get tired of working out to mostly Latin dance music, there are some fun alternatives.

The "Dance off the Inches" video series features Hip Hop, Ballroom and Country-Line dance workouts. Do you like ballet? Try the NYC Ballet Workout video or Yoga Booty Ballet. How about Indian music? Try the Bollywood dance workout.

Try exercise videos from your favorite dance reality shows such as the Dancing With the Stars Cardio Dance video and the soon to be released "So You Think You Can Dance" Cardio Funk! There is even a Dirty Dancing Offical Workout DVD using the music from that popular movie!

There are Hawaiian hula workouts, strip tease workouts, jump rope dancing workouts, and good old Richard Simmons Sweatin' to the Oldies!

Mix it up and you won't get bored working out!

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 5!

2009-05-21T14:17:00.005-05:00

My favorite dance show starts up again Thursday night, May 21st. "So You Think You Can Dance" features young dancers competing to win the title of America's best dancer. They learn several styles of ballroom dance such as fox trot, quickstep, salsa, samba, jive and mambo. They also learn other styles of dance such as broadway, contemporary, hip hop and bollywood. This show is an inspiration for people of all ages, showing that hard work, perseverance and doing what you love brings big rewards!

These dancers also show extraordinary maturity in the face of pressure, physical stress and not to mention being vulnerable to not only the judges but also to millions of people every week!

Do you think YOU can dance? Auditions for Season 6 of So You Think You Can Dance are now being held! check fox.com/dance for audition info.

Yoga Props you can use to practice yoga at home

2009-05-12T09:42:00.005-05:00

Practicing yoga at home is easy and convenient. Just get a few accessories or yoga props and you can customize your yoga practice.

Some standard accessories would be a yoga mat, yoga block and yoga belt or tie. You can get extra long yoga mats if you are tall, or extra thick if you have tender knees.

A good prop if you tend to have weak wrists when bearing weight on your arms is the Gripitz blocks. These look like foam dumbbells and can be used for plank or downdog poses.

You can buy blankets, pillows, foam wedges and/or yoga bolsters to help prop and cushion you. Blankets or pillows are good to sit on during meditation. Bolsters are good to place under the knees when lying on the back to relieve back pain.

Don't forget the relaxing yoga music and a nice scented eyepillow for final relaxation. And if you need a teacher there are several instructional yoga DVD's to choose from. I also have an instructional yoga CD - this is audio only - just place in your CD player and do yoga anywhere! Namaste.

Exercise equipment to use at home

2009-05-12T07:06:00.005-05:00

If you don't have time or money to go to a gym, it is very convenient to exercise in your own home. You don't need to buy big machines; just a few small tools will help you build strong abdominal muscles, tone your arms and legs, and give you a calorie burning workout.

The most standard exercise equipment include free weights or dumbbells which you can buy in different weight increments. Resistant tubing is also a good tool and is so lightweight you can pack it up in your suitcase and take it with you when you travel.

Also try a stability ball, a weighted medicine ball, a kettle bell, or an ab wheel. And don't forget a nice thick exercise floor mat. All these exercise tools are inexpensive and easy to store away in your home.

And if you don't have a sports store in your town you can find all these things on Amazon.com and they will deliver it to your door!

How to Workout at the Gym

2009-05-09T13:49:00.006-05:00

I meet many beginners at the health club who have questions about how to workout at the gym. How many reps and sets do I do? In what order do I do the exercises? Do I stretch before or after I workout?

First, always warmup before you lift weights. Do 5 or 10 minutes on a treadmill or elliptical or cycle to raise your heart rate and body temperature.

Second, work major muscle groups first, such as doing chest press, leg press, squats, lunges, pushups. Then add on your bicep, tricep lats, calf exercises. Lastly don't forget the abs.

You can add intervals of cardio exercise if you are trying to lose weight. Jump rope, step or hop back on the treadmill for another 10 minutes!

For beginners to exercise, do 15 reps of each exercise, twice (2 sets). More advanced exercisers can increase the weightload to whatever challenges them within 8 to 10 reps. Then do 3 sets of each.

Lastly, don't forget to stretch all those muscles that you worked. Bring a water bottle, towel, and perhaps an ipod or magazine or Kindle to read while on the treadmill. For more info visit my site at www.dancenyoga.com.

Basic Beginner Exercises to do at Home

2009-04-24T17:41:00.004-05:00

Everyone needs to do basic strengthening exercises. Toning exercises are important to keep your body strong and agile so that you can live a high quality life as you age.

But for someone who does not exercise at all, where do you start?

I created a video demonstrating and explaining some simple, easy, basic beginner exercises to do at home using a pair of light dumbbells and/or a resistance tube that you can buy for $10 at any athletic store.

These can easily be done at home in less than 20 minutes. No more excuses! Just do it!

The video and explanations can be viewed on my site at http://dancenyoga.com/exercise_for_beginners.html

Learn to dance from Dancing with the Stars

2009-03-10T14:18:00.003-05:00

Another season of Dancing with the Stars has begun, inspiring more people to get off the couch and learn to dance and bringing more couples together for quality time together as they acquire a new hobby. It's all good.

The competitors of dancing with the stars have to learn many dances: cha-cha, foxtrot, jive, mambo, paso doble, quickstep, rumba, samba, tango, viennese waltz and waltz.

Dancing with the stars has a video that gives a short lesson in the dances along with demos so that you too may be able to learn how to dance like the stars.

I watched the first episode and it looks like there are many good competitors so it's hard to predict who will win this time. Check out my site for the latest dance clips.

Exercise for Beginners

2009-03-05T14:31:00.004-05:00

It's never too late to start to exercise. You're not too old or too out of shape. Just start now!

To start doing a beginner exercise workout do simple beginning exercises that use low weights and higher repetitions. Be sure to check with your physician if you have any medical conditions that may prevent you from doing certain exercises.

Here are a few basics to start with:
Warm up by marching in place for 3 to 5 minutes. Do simple squats by sitting up and down from a chair. Lunges starting in a split stance can be done near a stable surface for support. Push ups can be done against a wall. Use light weights for bicep curls, tricep presses and rows. Ab work can be done on a floor mat. Then stretch for a few minutes to finish it off.

Take these first steps and you will be on your way to feeling healthier and fitter. For a detailed description of these beginner exercises see my webpage at www.dancenyoga.com.

How to Choose the Right Fitness or Athletic Shoe

2009-02-02T20:43:00.004-05:00

Many people ask me about athletic shoes and which ones to buy. The zumba dancers ask me what shoes to wear. The people working out in the gym lifting weights are asking me what to wear.

The only ones who don't really ask me are the yoga people - yet still I have to inform those new to yoga to wear NO shoes on their yoga mats!

Basically you can wear cross-trainers for general gym workouts such as lifting weights or taking a step-aerobics class.

For dance aerobics wear a dance aerobic shoe - they have smooth soles for easy pivots.

If you are running wear a running shoe with good shock absorption.

Wear tennis shoes for tennis, aqua shoes for the pool. Pretty simple. Most shoes and shoe sales people can inform you as to the proper function of the shoe.

I also like to get a good insole for inside the shoe to provide extra cushion.

Try on fitness shoes towards the end of the day to compensate for foot swelling so you get a proper fit.

And replace shoes every 3 to 6 months.

The Biggest Loser 7th season

2009-01-14T21:37:00.005-05:00

The Biggest Loser is in its 7th season. This season features the oldest couple, the biggest woman and the youngest man who happens to be the heaviest contestant yet.

As a reality show you can say that The Biggest Loser is pure entertainment. But I think this show also serves a purpose.

The Biggest Loser shows us that you are never too old, too overweight or too sick to make a change in your life. It also doesn't let us forget that there is an obesity crisis in this country.

The Biggest Loser also markets several fitness DVD's and books to help you get started with your exercise program without the hefty price of the celebrity trainer!

Zumba Instructor Workshop

2008-11-21T22:03:00.005-05:00

So you've made the decision to attend a zumba instructor workshop and you're very excited. You can't wait to go but then think, what do I bring, what will I be doing there, who will be there?

The Zumba instructor training workshop is a fun day of exercise and making new friends. There are no written tests and no passing or failing so you can just relax.

Bring your lunch, water, a change of clothing and money. There will be zumba clothing for sale and you may want to enroll in the ZIN membership that gives you monthly mailings of zumba music, choreography and access to a message board.

There will be people of all ages, sizes and nationalities. And you will leave with a certificate that says you are an Official Zumba Fitness Instructor!

Zumba Toning

2008-11-21T21:51:00.005-05:00

What is Zumba Toning? Zumba toning is a new class format that may be offered by your local zumba instructor. The Zumba toning class incorporates muscle toning moves using light weights or toning sticks.

Zumba toning uses the same zumba dance steps as a regular zumba class but emphasizes more fitness moves such as squats, bicep curls, tricep presses and other arm toning movements.

The toning sticks come with your purchase of the 2008 Zumba DVD collection. They are only about a pound each which makes it easy to keep dancing while you're holding them! They also shake like maracas. To see a small clip of what zumba toning looks like view the zumba infomercial.