Zumba Made

It's awesome to see progress. Results motivate me to keep going! These fotos are from March-July 2009!

Zumba Party August 15th! It's Official!!!!!!!!!!

Yes! That's right the first Zumba Party will be on Saturday August 15th 6pm to 9pm at the Lynwood 24 Hour Fitness. Don't worry if you are not a member we got you covered! You will be asked to sign a waiver at the front desk. Ok now on to the juicy details:

This is the a Zumba Party, so dress to impress (YOURSELF)! Do it up with color and be sassy! This is a celebration for all the work you have put into coming to Zumba class!

1. Buy your ticket to secure your spot!!! Tix on sale starting July 23rd $10
2. Comfortable fitness clothes (Zumba sassy even better; colorful and fun)
3. Dance sneaks (or flat sole sneaks recommended)
4. Towel (you will sweat a lot!)
5. Water
6. Big fun attitude! Lots of cheering, singing, hootin and hollarin!

This party is going to be off the chain fun! Bring friends and family who have been wanting to know what Zumba is all about!

To make sure you get in pre-order your tickets today!!!! send me an email brooklynzumba@yahoo.com with the number of tickets you want! Remember space is very limited so don't wait!

Strength Training NOT just for Bodybuilders

Friends I know this may be hard to believe, but in order to dance forever, you will have to be strong. Dancing is one of the best exercises because it incorporates the whole body. I am a strong proponent of adding strength training and conditioning to your dance fitenss routine.

Now, you dont have to use the typical gym dinasours like barbells or dumbells. In fact, that's why they are called dumbells....get it...yea dumb. There are hundreds of ways to do strength training. My favorite way to train is using my own body weight. The last time I checked I didn't have to lift a car off it's tires, but I did have to squat, bend, and hoist luggage overhead on my last trip.

Body weight also known as functional strength traning is not a new concept. However, it is becoming a more sensible and affordable way to train. Here are ideas for tools to add to your fitness routine:

1. Resistance bands: easy to transport, store, and use and limitless in work out possibilities
2. TRX from Fitness Anywhere: As seen on Biggest Loser its one of the HOTTEST tools I have one and use it constantly.
3. kettlebells: Cast iron balls with a handle. It will eliminate the need for over 30 gym equiptments including the treadmill. Dragondoor.com or at your local target or play it again sports store.
4. Hot yoga: Helps to strengthen body from the inside out
5. Nothing just your body. Squats, pull ups, chin ups, push ups, lunges all these "old school" exercises help increase stength and stamina.

The key is to combine both dance fitness and strength training in your routine. This formidable two step combination will have you reaching your fitness goals in no time!

Here is a couple of demos of the TRX demostration of the TRX

Introduction to TRX

Military style

Keep moving! Build strength, stamina, and life through dance and strength!

Playlist

Wow are we having fun or what???? We go through songs in class like water. I get a lot of requests for my playlist. You can buy CDs at Zumba.com they provide Zumba instructors with some of the music you hear. Below is my personal play list as I like to keep it hot and fresh at every class. Leave a comment if you want to know more about Zumba, playlists, or my schedule! Love to hear from you!!!

Brooklyn's Playlist, Enjoy!

Song
Artist
Style of music

Tambourine
EVE
Hip hop

La Negra Tiene Tumbao
Celia Cruz
Merengue

Yo Vivire/I will survive
Celia Cruz
Latin pop

Shooting Star
LMFAO /Pitbull
Hip hop/dance

Right Round
Flo Rida
Hip hop

Tu Es Foutu
In-Grid
Dance (French)

BOOM BOOM POW
Black Eye Peas
Hip hop

Magalena
Brasileiro
Samba/African

In-Tango
In-Grid
Dance (French)

Merencumbiaso
Fulanito
Merengue & Cumbia

Suavemente
Elvis Crespo
Merengue

I know you want me
Pitbull
Hip hop

Quiere Mas
Angel y Khriz
Reggeton

Muevela
Angel y Khriz
Reggeton

Zumba on Fire in the Puget Sound

Ok so the battle is on! Kirkland Zumba divas brought it today. Class was a blast. Back to kirkland tomorrow and West Seattle can't stand the wait for Wednesday. Keep a look out for pix! The Puget Sound is buzzing! Redmond wants the secret sauce at their dance studio on Tuesdays in July...more to come on!

One of my students asked another student "so how many calories do you burn in this class". She replied, "Girl, I don't know but it's crazy lots! I have so much fun that alone is worth it!"

I LOVE IT!!!!!! Well it's true Zumba is truly an infectious calorie burning solution. On the average a person can burn 400-500 calories easy during class. The key is to give it your all. I have clocked myself at 650 calories. But again its about having fun and moving to the music!

Let's Zumba!

Dance for Ever

Zumba lovers of the land, here are my tips for staying fit and healthy so you can Zumba for many years to come:

1. Drink plenty of water (duh) but especially 1 hour before class
2. Stetch using a foam roll or balance ball if you have one
3. Do static stretching; meaning stretching while standing still
4. Stretch in the morning, throughout the day, before and after class
5. Stretch...are you getting the picture?...stretch often

Stretching gets a bum rap. Being flexible and improving mobility is an integral part of living healthy. If you want to lose weight, stretch. If you want to garden stretch. If you want to play with the kids...you get it!

Why is stretching important? Your muscles support your body all day. Unfortunately most of us spend a tremendous amount of time in one or two positions; sitting or standing. These positions force muscles to go unused for much too long. When you stretch you warm up and increased joint mobility. If nothing else stretch so that you are not in pain as often.

Have you noticed when you have been sitting for a long time what happens when you get up? Yea, lower back feels tight. You might even feel pain in the knees, ankles, calf, even shoulders. Why? Because you have been practically frozen in one position.

So move. Guess what stretching; static, active, and dynamically all help to burn calories too! Static stretching is when you stretch while standing still; such as arms over head while standing with both feet shoulder width apart. Active stretching for example is when you alternate one arm at a time over head. Dynamic stretching is mostly done prior to a specific movement, such as the swimmers arm circles.

The point is if you want to dance for ever increase flexibility and mobility through stretching. Not to mention you will reduce injuries to hips, knees, ankles, and lower back!

Let's Zumba!

Man oh man what a great kick off to the summer!!!!!!! Thank you for joining me in Zumba fun all over the greater Bellevue and Seattle areas. Here is the updated schedule. Feel free to contact me for more information:

Monday @7:30pm Kirkland 24 Hour
Tuesday @ 5:30pm Highline YMCA
Wednesday @ 5:30pm West Seattle 24 hour
Thursday @ 6:30pm Highline YMCA
Saturday @ 11:30am Downtown Bellevue 24 hour
Sunday @ 930am Kirkland 24 hour

For those of you who do not have a membership at these clubs, don't fret...there's another way. I am taking requests for private sessions with you and a group of friends who want to Zumba at home or at a local spot. All you have to do is drop me a line at brooklynzumba@yahoo.com

I welcome your feedback, comments, questions anytime!

Let's Zumba!