Most people who take Zumba® classes are incredible. They're enthusiastic, dedicated and contribute very positively to the group fitness experience with their energy and presence. But in any group, you're bound to have those who don't always do right by their fellow classmates.
We love you and know you don't mean to be annoying, so to help you out, here are some tips for proper Zumba class etiquette.
1. Shut Off Your Cell Phone Upon Entering Class
It's REALLY annoying to your classmates and Zumba Instructor to hear a ringtone that is not part of the song that's supposed to be for the workout. There's plenty of great music happening in a Zumba Fitness class, so no need to collaborate.
Keep the cell phone in your bag, in a locker or cubby. You're working out and focusing on being in the moment and doing your best. You don't need it.
2. NO Texting
In case you still kept your cell phone on you, and decided you wanted to sneak in some texts on
The younger you are, the harder it's going to be for you to break this bad habit, but it's annoying the heck out of everyone else, so please be courteous. It may be hard to believe, but you can go an hour without texting. Trust me.
3. Being Late For Zumba Class
Stuff happens, I know. Especially when you're rushing to make the class after work or on a lunch hour. Your Zumba Instructor doesn't mind if you arrive just as class is starting, or a a couple of minutes after, but try not to make it a habit. It's disruptive and you're also not warming up properly if you miss some or all of the warm-up. Some gyms won't even let you join the class once you miss the warm-up.
4. There's No Such Thing As Someone's Spot
It's funny how possessive class members can be of where they stand in Zumba class, or really any group fitness class for that matter. I've seen class members actually get into fist fights over it--then again that was a tough neighborhood. It's natural for regulars to be comfortable in a certain place, and those who are really getting the moves and are confident, feel they've earned that front row or other coveted spot.
Fair enough, but don't get bent out of shape if a new class member stands in "your" spot because they got there first. It's a rare class that has nametags on the floor, and it's first come first served--another reason not to be late to Zumba class, right?
And if you are late, don't cut off someone or invade their space too closely when they were there on time and grabbed what they thought was a great spot...at least until you came along and basically bumped them out of the picture. Not cool.
5. No Lengthy Conversations In The Middle Of Class
I'm not talking about bonding with class members or your Zumba Instructor before or after class, or exchanging a few words on break, or even spontaneously while doing a routine to share excitement. What I'm pointing out is chatting more than that while moving, is distracting and discourteous to everyone within earshot. Everyone wants to hear that great Zumba music, and you're blowing the vibe.
So now that we're all clear on Zumba class etiquette, go have a blast!
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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Hi Jacque, So sorry to hear about your issue at your Zumba class. Some people just don't realize their rudeness. I would try one more time to explain that while she does pay her gym dues too, it's common courtesy to yield to those who arrive on time for a class--it's also not good to arrive late for a class as you might not get a proper warm-up which can lead to injury. And she may not realize she's crowding you out, but she is.
And then if she still doesn't make an effort, you might want to ask your instructor to step in and possibly make a general announcement during a break in class that if you arrive late to please respect those who arrived on time for class and take an available spot in the back, and to also explain why it's not safe to arrive late for class. That might encourage the problem classmate to arrive on time--or at least not try to take over your spot after class has started. Best of luck!
Posted by: Melanie | Sep 24, 2013 at 07:27 PM
Hey Jackie, of course I remember you. Thanks for hanging with me all these years.
It is unbelievable that we have Zumba teaching and mystery shopping in common. Thanks for the compliment on the blog, and feel free to join me on my Facebook page for Zumba where I put up a lot of great tidbits http://www.facebook.com/zumbaforhealthwithmelaniejordan
Posted by: Melanie | Mar 07, 2012 at 04:51 PM
Hey Melanie, great stuff here! I haven't heard from you in a long time with your coach letters, and then find out we are both doing shops AND Zumba instructors. I think I subscribed to you way back in 2001. So cool!! Zumba love- Jackie in California
Posted by: Jackie Brown | Mar 07, 2012 at 04:26 PM