faqs
Have a question?? Here are the answers to the ones that I get asked the MOST!
CLASS POLICIES
Shoes Policy: For all classes (except yoga), a supportive fitness shoe must be worn (cross-trainers & fitness dance shoes work best for Zumba® but it's really a matter of preference). I do not allow people to take class barefoot, in socks, sandals or wearing any version of the toning/shape-up type of shoes. This is for your safety and is non-negotiable. Thanks for understanding!
Kids Policy at the Skatium: As many of you know I have no problem with kids taking class with their parents or sitting on the sidelines while you take the class. Just to be clear though, here are the rules...
1. If your child wants to participate in class please make sure they are wearing proper fitness shoes and please keep them to the exterior of the class (sides and back of the room). As long as they are acting respectfully and not getting in anyone's way, dance on kiddies!!
2. If your child will be watching as you participate and they are not old enough to sit on the bleachers or use the game room, please have them sit inside the gymnasium area along the exterior wall. Again, I just want to be sure that they do not get in the way of others as we can move all over the place... just don't want anyone to get hurt.
That being said I LOVE when the kids come... I think it sets a great example for them to see their parent taking care of their health!
Check Policy: I will accept checks for the $40 and $50 cards at the Skatium. Please have your phone number on your check and know that I will make you dance SOLO on stage (and pay a $20 fee) if it bounces when I try to deposit it! If you are paying per class, please pay in cash.
Camera/Video Policy: Ideally I prefer not to have them there as I know it can make people uncomfortable and hinder movement. If you are going to take photos during class please ask me in advance. Videotaping is not allowed and is punishable by death. OK, not death, but I'll make you feel really bad.
Cell Phone Policy: If there is a call that you MUST take during class, please leave the workout area to take it. Same goes for texting, etc. Don't be that guy!!
ZUMBA® questions:
What is Zumba®?
~ Zumba® is a Latin & International-based Dance Fitness class. You will hear everything from salsa to bellydancing, hip hop to merengue and the dance moves will change with each song. The dance moves follow the music and the workout is interval-based which means low, medium and high intensity songs are scattered throughout the class to peak and lower the heartrate and scorch the calories. Zumba® is so much fun that it is often considered "exercise in disguise"... it's like going out dancing with your friends, but has all the benefits of a butt-kicking workout!
What do I need to bring to a Zumba® class?
~ All you need is a bottle of water, a small towel, comfortable workout clothes and a good, supportive fitness shoe. For my class it is also required that you bring your sense of humor!!
What if I can't follow along?
~ It is common for new students to miss a few steps... totally normal! In fact I still miss a few steps. :) I always tell my first-timers that there are two rules... 1) Keep moving and 2) Have Fun. When there is a step that you can't get quite yet, just do something else. As you come more regularly you will pick up more and more each time. It will get easier!
What type of shoes should I wear for Zumba®?
~ Zumba® recommends that people wear a supportive crosstrainer to allow for lateral movement. Many of my students wear dance fitness shoes (sold by Nike with pivot points on the sole to allow for more movement). What's important is that the shoe is supportive, comfortable and NEW... shoes worn for over a year in general have lost their support and can lead to sore knees, etc.
**Please note that I will not allow those that are barefoot, wearing sandals OR wearing Shape-Up Shoes (the rocking shoes) to take my class. This is for your safety.
How many calories are burned in a Zumba® class?
~ In an hour-long Zumba® class the typical person can burn anywhere from 500-700 calories. I have seen people burn much more than that and also much less. Just like any other workout you will make or break your workout.... meaning you will get out of it what you put into it!!
Can my kids come along to your Zumba® class?
~ For my public classes at the Skatium I will allow children to attend. Please know that in general the music used in Zumba® is geared towards adults and may contain adult content (although I do not use any with curse words). If a child is going to participate in the class, the same rules apply (proper footwear, keep moving, etc). As long as the child is acting respectfully and is not disrupting other class members I am happy to have them. If a child does become disrespectful the parent is responsible to remove the child from the class.
How do you move your butt like that?
~ The more you think about it the harder it will be... the key is to relax. Stand in front of a mirror and start by doing the move very, very slowly. See which muscles are working and which need to be isolated. Once you have it down slowly, start speeding it up. But honestly, just let loose, don't worry what's jiggling and next thing you know that butt will be moving!
GENERAL FITNESS questions:
How often should I workout to stay in shape or lose weight?
~ Ideally you should aim to do cardio exercise 3-6 days a week (on the higher end if you're trying to lose weight) and strength training exercise 2-3 days a week. This will vary depending on your goals but the magic is in the mix of the two!! I am a FIRM believer in taking one full day off a week to rest and let the body recover.
What should I eat before working out and how far in advance?
~ YES... please, please, please make sure that you have something to eat before you exercise. It is fuel for your body... don't show up on empty. I prefer to have a snack that includes some whole grains & some protein about 90 minutes - 2 hours before my workout. I try not to eat the hour right before. Good snack ideas: whole grain toast w/ peanut butter, yogurt w/ granola, protein bar (watch the sugars), fruit & cottage cheese. Also make sure you are hydrated!! Water is your friend!
I'm doing all this exercise, why am I not losing weight?
~ While there can be many factors, the first thing I advise anyone to consider is nutrition. Yes, exercise is very important but without proper nutrition and eating real food (not all the processed crap) you will not see the results that you want. You could workout for 2 hours and burn off 1500 calories and then turn around and eat back all those calories with just one restaurant salad... YES some of them are 1500 calories. Look it up!
