Are there basic zumba moves

Then, repeat that sequence in the opposite direction. Zumba uses the simplicity of the merengue steps to create a fast-paced series of steps. Start slow to master the basic steps before you pick things up. Stand tall with your feet close together. Shift your hips to the right and pick up your left foot, then stomp it on the ground. Then, shift your hips to the left and pick up your right foot, then stomp it.

Find a rhythm with that step pattern, then try to move faster once you're comfortable. You can add arm movements like a reach out to the side or overhead as you step.

For this upbeat and modern style of dance, start with the leg movements first. Step out wide with your left foot. Bring your right foot in and tap it right next to your left foot. As you tap your right foot, lean to the right so that you would fall if you didn't catch yourself. Step wide to the right with your right foot to catch your fall, then step your left foot close to the right as you lean to the left.

Keep alternating to the beat as you get comfortable with the big steps. When you're comfortable, it's time to add the arm movements. When you step both feet to the left, raise your right arm up high. Put it down, then step to the right and reach your left arm up. This classic Latin dance style involves some fancy footwork. With your right foot planted, step your left foot forward. Keep your body tall and don't lean forward with your leg. Keep the front knee straight, then pick up the lead leg and bring it behind your right leg.

This time, plant your left foot behind your body. Let's not forget the aerobic aspect either! You'll be shedding the pounds shaking your booty, doing the mambo, and swiveling with the best of 'em. No, you don't have to be a dancer. Remember how Zumba is for everyone? If you're taking a class, just let your instructor know you're new to this thing, and they can give you the rundown.

Be sure you can see their entire body, though -- don't hide in the back! There is no pressure to be super fit. You just do what you can when you can. All the moves are of such a nature that you put as much effort into it as you want to.

If your fitness level isn't great, then you just take it slower! Give it a few tries. The first class you take may actually be difficult. You may feel like you're overwhelmed and you can't keep up with the moves and you just really don't have any idea what's going on. But by the second class, you'll remember things. You'll pick up on your favorites. And by the third, you'll leave asking for more. Everything takes time to learn and get good at.

The more you do it, the more you'll enjoy it! Part 3. Let loose. To get the most out of Zumba, you gotta let loose. You gotta channel your inner child and dance like no one's watching — Dance like no one is watching. Who cares if you're shaking it to the left when everyone else is shaking it to the right? No one, that's who. If you let loose and enjoy yourself, you're doing it right. If you're tentative about your moves, you won't get the workout you're meant to get.

If you keep your feet toeing the line more literal talk here and your arms at your sides, you won't have fun, you won't sweat, and you probably won't come back. So go for it! Use your arms! This is the easiest way to get more out of your Zumba workout. It's tempting to be a little reserved, to let your legs do the brunt of the work, but throw your arms in there, too! Those Latin dancers look so good because while their feet are moving, they make sure the movement is seen through their entire bodies -- even down the lengths of their arms.

You wanna look like them, right?! When it doubt, just hold them strong. You don't have to flail them around like a madman or a six-year-old, but do hold them out from your sides, strong and sassy-like. Half the fun of Zumba is the attitude! Move up and down more. There are squats, lunges, and some straight-up workout moves in Zumba. Then there are the natural levels of the dances, when your instructor has you working closer to the floor and working your way up. When this is part of your choreography, go all out.

The more up and down you move, the better a workout you'll get. And the more you'll feel it in the morning! You know, the burn and the sense of accomplishment. Shake that booty. If you've got it, flaunt it, right? So shake away. The entire room is pretending like they're Jenny from the Block, so join in! The only wrong way to do it is to not do it. The more you shake, the better you'll look, the more fun you'll have, and the more you'll be doing the moves like they're meant to be done.

So shake, shake, shake. Shake, shake, shake. Shake yo' booty. Shake yo' booty! There is a sexiness at the core of Zumba, for sure. Let yours out!

Add your own flair. You could be reserved about the moves, you could do the moves exactly like your instructor is doing, or you could do it your own way -- the way you're best at, the way that gives you the most satisfaction, the way that you enjoy the most. And if you do, you'll burn way more calories going for it. Is it for fitness or pleasure that you're rocking out? Who knows! And once you have the moves down, adding your own flair, your energy will add to the dynamic of the class.

The more people who are taking the leap, truly letting loose, the better it'll be. You'll all be able to feed off of each other's buzzes! Now that's a high quality workout! Fun Zumba Routine. Good Music for Zumba. Michele Dolan Certified Fitness Trainer. Michele Dolan. Yes, just not as many. If you get warmed up in those 10 minutes, then expect to burn 50 or more calories.

Remember, burning calories happens when your heart rate is elevated. Not Helpful 4 Helpful Yes, if you get your heart rate elevated for a sustained period, you can burn plenty of calories doing Zumba.

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