Zumba?

I need the group's thoughts.....I am trying to find something new to get excited about as far as exercising.  I keep hearing about Zumba.  I checked out their website and I'm not sure. 

From my heavy days, I would go to Jazzercise.  It was so humiliating to be moving to the right when everyone else was going to the left.  Thinking about Zumba brings those memories up!  I suffer from the mentality of doing it perfectly the first time that I put in the dvd!  Duh - is that unrealistic or what?? 

What is your experience with Zumba?  If you've done it, how long does it take for you to get it down somewhat.  I know that if I go to the right and the dvd people are going to the left that it won't matter in the privacy of my own home.  It looks like it would be a good workout and fun at the same time.

I'd appreciate any thoughts you have, experience or what you do to avoid boredom in your exercise routine.

Thanks, Cathy

I just received a 4 DVD Zumba-cise I won on Ebay.  I did about 15 minutes of the "basics" DVD and, although I really liked the idea of dancing, I found I'm not very coordinated!  The DVD does the basic steps slowly, and then brings it up to speed.  I'm going to do it a few more times before going to a real Zumba class.  I like exercising with other people, but I dislike the drive to the gym!  I think I'll find a buddy to Zumba with in my basement!  Julie

I belong to a local mom's site here and that is definitely the rave of workout routines.  As a matter of fact, so many of my mommy friends are going that they are thinking of getting an instructor just for our mom's group.  i live 20 miles from most of them so i don't see wasting the gas to go all the way there and back.  they have 2 classes in my town, and i would LOVE to try it, but i am aftaid of making a fool of myself too.  maybe if i have a buddy to go with me it won't be so bad

i Zumba and i love it but i have to tell you i go left when they go right and I just laugh it off, I don't have the perfectionist thing that's for sure! As long as i'm moving in an exercise like manner I'm good to go! I bought the wii fit and i haven't had the chutzpah to set it up yet but that's my goal for today to not only set it up but to use it too! ANDI

okay i had never seen a zumba class before today.  i finally decided to look it up on youtube.  OMG i am totally starting monday.  this is too good to be true when it comes to exercise.  this is soooo up my alley.  i LOVE to go dancing at the clubs and such.  here is a link for you to check out.  it looks so fun and i could really see where it would wear you out and speed up your heart too.  i know after a nights worth of dancing i hurt the next day.  i was laughing because in my mom's group i mentioned before we have a monthly moms night out and have gone dancing before.  they joked about me dancing.  well when i saw this video i totally see some of "my moves" in it.    see i am not a fool for dancing that way, i am just burning calories.  lol

here is the link check it out:

www.youtube.com/watch

cathy i went tonight for the first time.  i worked my butt off.  i've not sweated like that in a long time and yes it gets yiur heart pumping.  i outgrew my asthma as a child, but i could have used an inhaler tonight.  maybe i'm just really out of shape.  lol