Post Punk Kitchen Forum

So my running partner and I are back into running regularly again, and we do so at the campus gym. We've been joking around that we're going to do Zumba one of these days, but we're actually going to do it. So what are we in for? I don't know anything about Zumba except that it's like aerobics. Do I need equipment? Can I do this in a t-shirt, jogging shorts, and running shoes?

It is a dancy type class, you can certain do it in regular gym clothes and no equipment needed. I say go for it.

Yeah, it's based on Latin dance and there's no equipment. It's very high energy and pretty fun. If your gym/instructor is anything like any of the ones I've gone to, be prepared to get some attention for being a guy. Also, it helps to get a spot where you can see the instructor if you're not familiar with the moves.

Running shoes might not be a good idea if there is deep tread. The flatter, the better because you will probably some moves that involve pivoting. Have fun! Oh and new people tend to hide in the back but you're better off right next to the instructor so you can see/hear.

My coworker does Zumba and really likes it.

Can mbm record this? Please?

Zumba is *everywhere* here, in every gym, community hall, church hall, empty random shed... and sounds like my personal forking nightmare.

What I mean is, you are clearly super-rad if you're going for it. There are a bajillion videos on YouTube and it all seems like normal gym clothes. And terrifying.

She can not, because this is at the campus gym, which doesn't allow guests and she's not a student!

Thanks to the rest of you for filling me in! I may use my Vibrams for this because they're flatter (much flatter!) than my running shoes. And the room it's in is very small. The whole gym is very small. The track is a 1/12 mile track! Losing count of how many laps I've run is a common occurrence.

I forking love Zumba. You just need regular clothes. It's a ton of fun, really high energy.

I love zumba! If you do it frequently you might want to buy split-soled dance shoes or trainers as they're more supportive on your foot arches, but you definitely don't need anything other than sneakers/plimsolls to start with.

Where can we file a protest because MBM cannot record it? I think that is a violation of our rights.

I was conned into attending Zumba with a co-worker who totally LIED when she told me that you don't need to be coordinated to attend the class. The class I attended was about 45 minutes of non-stop mostly Latin flavor "dance" type moves with a bunch of squatting and leaping about thrown in. About half-way through class there was some kind of secret signal and everyone produced those belly dancing hip scarves with the jingles and danced with those awhile too. After they broke out the hip scarves the rump shaking hit an all time high. Everyone seemed to be having a tremendous time, except for my nearest neighbors who I kept colliding with. I hope you enjoy!!!

No one wants to see this more than me. I want to show him some zumba videos when he gets up, but i'm a little worried he'll be scared out of doing it.

I just went to my second class, and let me tell ya, it will wake up muscles you forgot about. Most runners don't work their adductors enough; all the lunges will make you acutely aware of them a few days out. Also, how are your knees? Modify the moves if you need to. But as mentioned above, maybe you should be most worried about the jingly hip scarf things.