Zumba® Checklist
Besides a towel and plenty of water, please consider the tips below.
What to Wear
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What Not to Wear
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What to Do
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The Importance of Proper Attire
Strong, Supportive Bra
You absolutely MUST WEAR A GOOD BRA. I mean one that allows you to breathe but holds the girls firmly in place. Make sure it’s the right fit because the last thing you want to worry about is having a black eye at the end of class from runaway boobs. Trust me, if you are wearing a bad bra with little support, you will definitely know and the rest of us will see. I highly recommend the Enell Sports bra.
Note: I’ve been wearing the Enell Sports bra since 2005 and it has changed my workouts. Of special note to my busty friends: This means being able to jump and run without having to wear two bras or holding the girls. Added plus, you can have it custom made to fit you, even if you are a 45K. |
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Comfortable, breathable, non-restrictive clothes
You will move and you will sweat. A lot. So, your clothes need to work with you. Do yourself a favor and go sleeveless or wear short-sleeves. Wear comfortable bottoms (loose, breathable shorts, skorts, cargo pants). Cotton tends to hold water, and when it does, it may constrict movement, not what you want. If you wear cotton, go as lightweight as possible. Dry-fit clothing is an excellent choice to wick away moisture. Synthetic or lightweight wool may work for you as well– you’ll be more comfortable and feel cooler.
For fun and to get into the Zumba mood, consider wearing Zumba inspired clothing. Bright, festive colors help transport you to the party zone. Pair black with a neon pink and see where it takes you.
Worried about showing your arms?
First of all, we are in this battle for fit curves together. No one will even notice because we all have body parts that scream for more attention than we’d like. But if you insist on sleeves, go lightweight.
For fun and to get into the Zumba mood, consider wearing Zumba inspired clothing. Bright, festive colors help transport you to the party zone. Pair black with a neon pink and see where it takes you.
Worried about showing your arms?
First of all, we are in this battle for fit curves together. No one will even notice because we all have body parts that scream for more attention than we’d like. But if you insist on sleeves, go lightweight.
Shoes in which you can dance
What makes a shoe good for Zumba?
You will want shoes you can easily move in because you will hop, skip, jump, turn and pivot. You will in every direction and often quickly, so you don't want to wear shoes that restrict that kind of movement. So running shoes or shoes with heavy treads will not work. Your best bets are shoes made specifically for Zumba, jazz shoes or aerobic shoes. If necessary, you can wear older shoes with worn out treads (that's one way to extend the life of your sneakers!). Be sure to take into consideration the type of floor you will dance on as well as your personal shoe needs. Performing Zumba barefoot is not permitted. Know your feet and listen to what they're telling you.
From personal experience, go 1/2 size to a whole size larger in the Nike Musique. Other brands that many Zumba instructors recommend are Nike Musique IV, Bloch Lightening Multicolor, Ryka Transition Fitness shoes, Ryka Studio D, Bloch Boost DRT Mesh Sneakers and Capezio Dansneakers. Choose a shoe that works for your needs. Read reviews, ask a shoe expert, and try until you find what works for you.
- A shoe with outsoles that offer proper traction; not to slippery, not too sticky
- A shoe with a pivot point (spin spot) for easy and safe turning and spinning
- A shoe made of materials that allow your foot to breathe
- A shoe with adjustable laces (for comfort and safety)
- A shoe with sufficient cushioning for your needs
You will want shoes you can easily move in because you will hop, skip, jump, turn and pivot. You will in every direction and often quickly, so you don't want to wear shoes that restrict that kind of movement. So running shoes or shoes with heavy treads will not work. Your best bets are shoes made specifically for Zumba, jazz shoes or aerobic shoes. If necessary, you can wear older shoes with worn out treads (that's one way to extend the life of your sneakers!). Be sure to take into consideration the type of floor you will dance on as well as your personal shoe needs. Performing Zumba barefoot is not permitted. Know your feet and listen to what they're telling you.
From personal experience, go 1/2 size to a whole size larger in the Nike Musique. Other brands that many Zumba instructors recommend are Nike Musique IV, Bloch Lightening Multicolor, Ryka Transition Fitness shoes, Ryka Studio D, Bloch Boost DRT Mesh Sneakers and Capezio Dansneakers. Choose a shoe that works for your needs. Read reviews, ask a shoe expert, and try until you find what works for you.
