I know that Zumba is gaining in popularity, and I know that it is strenuous, but just how beneficial is it? I don't have the ACTUAL Zumba videos, but I've been using some I found on Youtube, and if they aren't the real thing, then I don't know what they are.

I just wanted to know if anyone actually knew how beneficial it was and if it is actually worth the six minutes and basically killing myself.

As someone who teaches it, I can tell you that Zumba has a lot of benefits. The main benefit is that it provides cardiovascular exercise as well as strength training so you get it all at once! The greatest thing about Zumba is that you participate at your own level. If you've got bad knees, bad back, or whatever you can modify what you're doing and it's no big deal. With any exercise program, the key is that you do it more than once a week and regularly. If you exercise once a week and think you're doing something for your body...wrong. Classes are generally 45-60 minutes and it's not a session of "killing you" because it's fun and the instructor knows how to adequately warm you up and cool you down so that you don't get hurt. Live classes are much more fun than videos and remember: Every one has a first day.

After my banding on 3/3 i plan to return to Zumba low impact and let my seasoned veterans do all the jumping for me until i can do it again myself!

I have to say I am addicted to Zumba it's the best been doing it for over two years and it works and you feel good and the music is awesome.

but you have to have good instructors and I have two great ones. I love love love Zumba it's the best ever.

being in a class is so awesome and you can work at your own pace. i have met so many people and became friends it's awesome. I was banded almost three years ago and Zumba has helped me in so many ways. I do it 4 days a week. I also do Master classes when special instructors come down from all over, it's a blast.

I've been totally curious about Zumba for a while, but was nervous because I was worried it might be hard on my joints, but it looks like so much fun! I want to try it! This thread has inspired me to check out a class now. What level of fitness do you recommend before trying?

Zumba was my first type of workout with this weight loss journey. I was totally out of shape, but I did what I could, I was actually able to do most of it. 40 pounds down and I feel I can participate 100%. You should just try it; you'll probably find that you love it and it is easy to make it low impact.

I love Zumba I can go every night

It's a great workout that feels like your dancing to great Latin music for 55mins

It's the best thing that ever started

I have been going for over 5 1/2 years

I had to stop twice for surgery and believe me it makes a difference in my stomach thighs butt etc

I met so awesome people and made some very close friends. There is nothing like it

But you have to find a good instructor that makes a difference. And it's Zumba not a jazz class

Been to different classes to try other instructors out and you know when you find the right one

For me it's Latin not jazz

I love it. It's the best

Do it you will be hooked

Zumba addict here!! I totally suck at it as I've only been going for a a month, but every class is pure fun and entertainment. I am so busy trying to keep up, I don't care what I look like or if anyone else is looking at me. All ages, all sizes and all fitness levels are in there as well as all skill sets.

My biggest focus is finding someone who knows what they are doing and following them. I am getting some of the moves down but I can tell you that I have a LONG way to go. When I leave Zumba, I am drenched in sweat and I am exhausted, much more so than any other cardio workout including my beloved kickboxing. I have no doubt that as I get better at it, the workout will only be more intense because at that point you can let yourself go and really move as you are no longer working so hard just to go in the right direction.

I can totally see why anyone would feel intimidated, but I promise you, you won't be the first one to suck at it and you won't be the last. Learn at your own pace, move at your own pace and have a great time! Every class brings new challenges and giggles. I love every minute of it.

It's true everyone is different all shapes n sizes

It doesn't matter. It's the beauty of Zumba

It doesn't matter if you can dance or not

Everyone is having a great time smiling n loving the music and the people I can say enough about it

So addicted 5 1/2 years addicted

Can't wait to get back to Zumba

How long after surgery can you resume Zumba.

I think that depends on your doctor

I had to wait 3 weeks to even go back to work

I started walking first the got back into it

Ask your doctor