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Weight Loss Exercise

Can Anyone Do Zumba?



Can Anyone Do Zumba? Zumba exercises are being touted as the newest fun way to lose weight, Zumba instructors call it “exercise in disguise”, but this doesn’t mean that Zumba is easy. On the contrary, Zumba will leave you panting and sweating as you get going. So is it suitable for everyone?

Can Anyone Do Zumba?

Can Anyone Do Zumba?

Can Anyone Do Zumba?

Zumba classes are fantastic for bringing people of all shapes, sizes and ages together. The key premise is to have fun, and the workouts are suitable for just about everyone. Kids are even invited to certain Zumba classes! Even if you’re very overweight, you can take it at your own pace until your stamina improves.

If you’re pregnant, Zumba exercises are still a possibility. However, it all depends on your level of activity before you became pregnant. If you’re not used to aerobic exercise then it’s not usually a good idea to start during pregnancy. Always ask your doctor before proceeding.

What About Older Participants?
Zumba Gold classes have been designed specifically with the older generation in mind. It’s the same premise, just slightly altered to suit the fitness levels of the baby boomers. For those who have specific physical issues, it’s a good idea to ask your instructor before you begin. Many are happy to advise you on how to take part in a regular Zumba class at your own pace. Some classes are even designed to be followed from the comfort of a chair, if you need to.

If You Know You’re Out Of Shape…
If you’re out of shape, that is you don’t regularly exercise and find you get tired out quickly, then you should always approach any new form of exercise with caution. Listen to your body, and know your own limits. Yes, you will probably be tired out after a Zumba session, but you’ll notice the improvements week on week. Remember, if you’re in any doubt you should always visit a doctor for advice.

What About Zumba At Home?
There are a variety of Zumba games and DVDs that’ll teach you how to do the Zumba exercises from home. These are generally safe, and are often designed at a more basic level than some Zumba classes. The main risk with an at-home option is that you may not have the motivation to really push yourself to burn those calories! If you do decide to do Zumba at home, the same rules as above still apply: listen to your body, and visit a doctor if you experience any problems.

So they answer to Can Anyone Do Zumba? is in fact yes although you want to be careful of the class that you do take.

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Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

What Equipment for Zumba Routines



Zumba routines do not require you to wear any special equipment but that will never stop people from trying to have a little fun. The best thing about Zumba routines is that they don’t require much equipment to be effective. That said, you do need to make sure you’re wearing the right clothing to perform the moves comfortably. Here’s a guide to what you should wear, and some other accessories that might come in handy, for your Zumba classes.

What Equipment for Zumba Routines

What Equipment for Zumba Routines

What Equipment for Zumba Routines

Clothing – Zumba routines are best performed in clothing you feel comfortable wearing. You can wear traditional sports clothing, just as you would for yoga or any other fitness class. Depending on how confident they feel, some women choose to show off their midriff in a crop top to keep cool. There’s also a range of colorful clothing available in the Zumbawear range, released by the creator of Zumba, but it certainly isn’t necessary to perform the workout.

Shoes – Traditional sneakers aren’t always the best choice for Zumba, as they could slip on the smooth surface of the dance hall when you’re moving around at high speed. Instead, opt for sneakers that have been designed for dance to ensure you don’t slip as you perform the various moves.

Zumba Toning Sticks – Toning Sticks are much like traditional dumbbells, with a few important differences. Aside from the rounded design, the main difference is that the Toning Sticks are filled with sand. Not only does this create the weight that you need to get fit and tone up, it also turns these fitness items into musical instruments!Toning Sticks really enhance the traditional Zumba vibe by encouraging you to shake in time with the music and have some fun!

Zumba Chain Tassels – These chains are more for decoration than anything else. The fact that they rattle and make noise as you dance will encourage you to stay in time and literally “feel” the music.

Wipe Away Sleeves/ Sweatbands – You’ll find a few different “Wipe Away Sleeves” in the Zumbawear range. These are designed to be worn over the arms. As you work up a sweat, use these sleeves to wipe it off your face and keep yourself feeling as comfortable as possible. Another alternative is to wear a sweatband on your head and wrists.

Zumba Belt For Games – If you prefer to do your Zumba workouts from the comfort of your own home then you’ll want to get hold of a fitness belt to use with your game. Unless you’re using Kinect, you’ll need the fitness belt to house your controller and keep track of how you’re moving.

Remember, Zumba routines really don’t require much equipment or special clothing! You can get them as you advance, but for now you just need to turn up with a bottle of water ready to replenish all that sweat you’ll be losing!

Categories
General Weight Loss Tips

What Eating Less Really Means

I’m realizing that weight loss= eating less. I already knew that, and you probably did too. But, what does that actually look like? Tonight at dinner I gave myself a challenge. The challenge wasn’t to pick the healthiest thing of the menu, or to measure everything out, or to be concerned with the calories. The only challenge was to slow down and enjoy the meal, guilt free, and to stop eating when I was full.

What did it look like? I ordered chicken fajitas with my husband to share. I ate a few tortilla chips, slowly and mindfully while we waited on our order to come. I put the food on my plate and took a bite. Chewed. Put my fork down. Took a drink of water. Then I took another bite, chewed, put my fork down and drank water. I repeated this process until my brain said full. I looked down at my plate and realized that I had eaten about a fourth of what I normally do. And I was satisfied. I was full, but not stuffed and I asked for a to-go box.

I know all of this sounds incredibly elementary, but I just couldn’t believe it. Josh actually kind of looked at me to say “are you not feeling well?”.

I bring this up because sometimes I have moments when I realize how much I complicate weight loss. How much emphasis on what I’m eating rather than how much. It’s a nagging thought I’ve had for awhile, and one I’ve mentioned before. The realization that I’m capable of losing weight if I just listen to my body. That understanding that at my weight, eating less, being mindful and stopping when I’m full is more important than worrying if I’ve had enough vegetables in the day. I do believe in good nutrtion, but deep down, I know that that will work itself out eventually. Today, a success is not cleaning my plate and then wanting more. Success is not feeling shame when I eat and enjoy my dinner.

A friend said something to me today and was profoud. A friend who I would consider healthy and balanced with her diet and exercise. The same friend who loves corndogs. Despite the ingredients she realized that feeling guilty about loving corndogs places the wrong emotions on food. Of course she isn’t eating them everyday, but I truly believe that guilt and shame lead to overeating.

As much as I struggle with overeating in my life. I’m realizing that there are many times in the day where I’m not eating. I’m just in the moment with whatever I’m doing. I’m trying to notice those moments more, to feel good about them, even if they’re my normal. To use them at a catalyst for motivation when I do want to eat too much food. Instead of looking at the day as a whole, I look at it in moments. Realizing that there are moments in the day where I’m content without food.  Moments of strength, awareness and thoughtfulness.

I realized that I don’t have to make weight loss confusing or brutal. I’m already the person I need to be to lose weight. My body is equipped to help me eat less if I’m willing to listen.  I don’t need to read another diet book, or count another calorie (I will for now), or keep up with the latest studies on nutrition. I know what makes me feel good. I know what true hunger and thirst feels like. And I know when I’m full without being stuffed.

It’s comforting to realize this. To realize I have the ability to eat less at any given moment. To realize that ever meal has potential to make me hear what my body is saying. Even without a meal plan, weight goal or dream about a thinner body, I choose to simply eat less. I can have what I crave and desire, guilt free.

What does eating less look like for you?

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