Whether you're about to take your first Zumba Fitness class or you've become a regular at your favorite teacher's class, are you bringing along these essentials?
1. A Drink
Nope, not the alcoholic kind (at least not before class). Don't rely on running to get sips from a water fountain during class--besides, how good is that water anyway? You should have your own beverage with you to make sure you stay hydrated. Sure Zumba's more like a party than a typical group fitness class, but you're working much harder than you probably realize.
Water is always fine. Personally, I like either Smartwater or Powerade Zero to give you some electrolytes to help replenish what you're sweating out without calories. Especially heading into the hot Summer months (which have been here for awhile already in Tampa), it's something to seriously consider.
2. Headband/Bandana, Scrunchie
You can't focus on having fun in Zumba (and you won't see your Instructor), if you've got sweat running into your eyes. And I don't know about you, but my hair's long and thick. While I'm glad it is, I can't stand it on my neck and face when I'm
3. Gym Towel
Even if you have your headband, bandana and/or Scrunchie, you're going to want a nice towel to supplement your sweat removal efforts. Are you getting the idea that you're going to sweat in Zumba class?
4. A Light Snack
I know you're probably thinking that you're going to Zumba to burn calories, so why am I talking about eating something? Especially when you're taking an evening class, you're probably eating dinner afterwards, so a light snack like an energy bar, a piece of fruit, a bag of cereal that travels easily,--whatever you like that's healthy, light and portable--is a good idea. I always have a bag of Cheerios and an energy bar with me in my Zumba carry bag.. In case of emergency, open bag!
You can have your snack before class, so that you've got the energy to give it your all without listening to your stomach growl the whole time. Or if you feel you're okay before class, having a light snack after class but before you can go home and get dinner also can make sense. You're probably going to be starving after Zumba class if you haven't eaten anything, and being overly hungry can lead to overeating at dinner if you're not careful. By having a snack before or after class, you'll be able to make the right choices for dinner without letting your stomach be your sole guide.
5. A Friend, Family Member Or Co-Worker
If you're new, while you're definitely going to make some new friends by regularly going to Zumba, you may feel better having at least a familiar face who's starting out with Zumba at the same time as you. And if you're a regular, you already know what great things Zumba is doing for your body and mind--you'd be doing a great thing by introducing someone you care about to the benefits of Zumba. So bring a friend, family member or co-worker to Zumba--male or female--and have a blast!
I give my Zumba class members a free class for referring three people to me over time. Check with your Zumba Instuctor to see what reward she or he gives for referrals.
Zumba Love!
Melanie
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Melanie Jordan is an ACE Group Fitness Certified and licensed Zumba Instructor, ZIN Member and IDEA Member currently teaching Zumba in Western Chicagoland in Glen Ellyn, IL and Oakbrook Terrace, IL for class schedule CLICK HERE. She is also working towards her ACE Lifestyle and Weight Management and Wellness Coaching certifications. Melanie is the author of Have Your Cheeseburger And Keep Your Health Too! and blogs at The Healthy Food Review. When she's not teaching Zumba, Melanie heads up SunLoverPublishing.com, her media properties, publishing and marketing coaching/consulting company.
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