The Basics of Zumba For Absolute Beginners

Have you ever wanted to hold a fun yet beneficial Zumba class for yourself, friends, or family? It has never been easier.

All you need to know is the structure of a Zumba class for optimal fitness results and a combination of Latin rhythms. Drawing on my experience as a former Zumba instructor, I will outline the considerations that take place behind the scenes so you too can enjoy this engaging program in our outside the studio.

What exactly is Zumba?

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness program that combines Latin and international music and dance movements. The selection of choreographies for each workout incorporates both fast and slow dances that offer both a cardio and strength workout. Regardless of your fitness goals, Zumba could be for you. The movements target arms, legs, abdominal muscles, and the core.

Zumba classes are positive experiences. An excellent Zumba instructor establishes a dance party atmosphere that makes all participants feel comfortable dancing and even doing their own thing if the moves are too challenging. Zumba is, above all, a dance fitness party.

How does Zumba differ from Body Jam?

The most significant difference between Body Jam and Zumba is the music itself. A Body Jam playlist is made up of more dance and house-style rhythms, whereas Zumba is where you go for Latin beats.

Like Zumba, Body Jam is also a dance workout but created by the world-renowned fitness program developer Les Mills. You might associate this name with the even more well-known programs: Body Pump, Body Attack, Body Combat, and various others. I did not necessarily write this article to convince everyone that they should prefer Zumba. Body Jam might be best suited to your needs and fitness goals, especially if you prefer music that gets your heart pumping and the Latin sounds of the guitar, clave, and Spanish vocals drive you nuts.

Some may argue that Body Jam takes a less festive approach. The class focuses on one or two full routines. The instructor repeats the moves to these throughout the class as part of fitness activities with a good range of energising songs. At the end of the Body Jam class, the elements of the dance are seamlessly combined as one or two dances.

This style may suit those who feel the need to know all the moves and are frustrated when they find it difficult to follow along. In any given class, you could dance between 7–10 new Zumba choreographies. Most routines incorporate some practice time before the instructor introduces stylistic and athletic variations to the different steps.

Some feel Zumba is not a ‘proper’ workout. I have received this feedback from some participants. Body Jam fosters an atmosphere of ‘workout’ rather than the more festive Zumba.

What type of music should I use?

As the name suggests, most of the music at an authentic Zumba class is Latin American. However, it is becoming more and more common for instructors to include Top 40 songs and international music. However, for the class to be authentic Zumba, the majority of the music must be of a Latin genre.

My style moves beyond the typical Latino or Top 40 playlist. I aim to include a range of rhythms from around the globe. I feel this makes it a more exciting experience for both myself and the participants. It is also a fun idea to add a quirky token song to the mix. I taught Zumba classes for colleagues in my last two workplaces. This kept me fit and was rewarding for everyone involved.

A Summary of The Basic Rhythms

There are many rhythms from which a Zumba instructor draws on to design a class. The rhythms described below are the fundamental dances you can expect at most Zumba classes in an appropriate order for an optimal and enjoyable workout.

As the access to original Zumba fitness choreographies is available solely for members of the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN), I cannot provide you with playlists or videos from the site. However, there are numerous choreographies on YouTube that you might like to try. A song title for each rhythm below.

Merengue

After a warm-up, you can expect a Merengue to get your heart pumping even more. Characterised by marching, simple steps side to side, and arm movements, this rhythm is fun, upbeat, and could feature quite prominently in the class due to its relative simplicity and fast-paced nature. In any given Zumba workout, you can expect more than one Merengue dance.

Soltero by Treo would be a good place to start for your at-home Merengue playlist.

Salsa

Salsa is a blend of many cultures strongly influenced by Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Africa. Short, quick steps and arm movements. This rhythm is sexy and the epitome of Latin-American dancing. The Salsa is less cardio-intensive and often comes after a Merengue or Reggaeton. I find Salsa the most challenging due to my two left feet and the speed required. Three steps for every four beats of music. That’s pretty fast!

To start your own Salsa journey, Sayonara by Jonathan Moly will put you on the right track.

Reggaeton

RnB and hip-hop lovers will look forward to the Reggaeton tracks. They are enjoyable to do, and they will make you sweat for sure. Reggaeton was developed in Jamaica and Puerto Rico. It incorporates both Latin and hip hop moves that are strong yet sensual.

Some suggested tracks for you to use are Despacito from Justin Bieber, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

Cumbia

The Cumbia rhythm is the native dance of Colombia. It has a tropical and creole sound. These routines are always pleasant, fun, and easy on the cardio. Use these after a Merengue or Reggaeton.

For a fun Cumbia with a Reggaeton twist try dancing to Chetos y Cumbieros by Nene Malo.

Are you looking for something a little different?

Bollywood and Bhangra are fun and energetic Indian rhythms. They are ironically my personal favourites to include in a Zumba class. They do, however, have a lot in common with the essence of the Zumba program. The moves will get your heart pumping, and you will have a good time. Get ready to shake, jump, twirl and pose.

Rest assured, Latin rhythms such as Tango, Bachata, Soca as well as many others are also well-represented. There is a wealth of resources available online to help you dance to these.

What do warm-ups and cool downs look like?

A comprehensive Zumba warm-up involves between one and three songs Each of these focuses on a different element of warming up the body for more intensive exercise.

The first song includes many ‘step touch’ movements and light marching. The heart rate goes up in the next track as participants engage in more cardio-intensive moves. The third song concentrates on strength and toning.

The cool down is a gradual transition from exertion to near rest. The cool down usually lasts between three and five minutes and involves slower movements and stretching.

Where to from here?

Hopefully, by now, you are feeling pumped and able to design your own Zumba workout, no matter how simple. If dancing alone is not for you, consider the information above next time you attend your Zumba class.

Do you still need to cower at the back as you may have before? I challenge you to dance further up the front and identify the rhythms as they flow through the studio.

“Dance, like nobody’s watching!”