Tina's Blog

If you want to head over to Walnut Creek this Saturday, you can celebrate with music and dancing with these Zumba loving Brazilians! (click image for full size)

Here is Helio dancing some crazy samba!  What is he even doing at 0:45? His other videos on youTube are equally impressive.  He clearly loves to dance and sharing it with others.

And here is Raquel, who organizes these special events with amazing guests all the time as if it were effortless. And speaking of effortless, watch her dance! She is so graceful and gorgeous!

Ok so I’ve talked about shoes plenty on here.  How about pants?

If you poke around Zumba.com, youTube or just at your own gym, It is rare you’ll see a Zumba instructor in your basic black stretch pants.  For one thing, there’s comfort.   Close-fitting pants can be super sweaty and bunch/ride up, stretch at the knees etc., at least in my experience.  Then there’s appearance. Zumba is practically synonymous with bright cheerful colors and a mashup of urban/tropical style.  If you’re ready to break free from your black capris (and in some cases break the bank), read on.

My personal preference is cargos.  I don’t actually store anything in all those pockets, but I just like the baggy cut.  If you are shopping online they can be called fitness cargos, workout cargos, dance cargos, hiphop cargos, etc.  They can be cargo capris or full length.  I like thin soft fabric, and a comfortable stretchy waistband (as opposed to a simple drawstring across the top).  Zumba.com has great pants and I’m not just saying that!   They are designed with Zumba movement in mind and the ones I’ve worn/seen are all great!

I also have some KOS and some Bluefish.  I give Bluefish the edge for the comfortable waistband, light fabric and the cut fits me better.  I am really eyeing these Protokolo UV Cargo pants though.

Don’t they look ridiculously comfortable?  Loose fit pants like this do not impede your movement and air can get up in there and cool off your legs.  As long as the fabric is flexible and not stiff, they will flatter your curves too!  The material is generally not stretchy but because it’s a loose cut, it is not necessary.  Warning, though, line dry only!

Where to shop?  Anyone who’s shopped with me, is aware that I am allergic to paying full price.  At the brand sites or fitnesswear distributors, and even Zumba.com you can often find a clearance/sale/closeout section. Also be sure to hunt for coupon codes, deals on FB etc.  I’ve happily purchased from Bluefish Sport directly, Palm Beach Athletic Wear, and Body by Brazil.  Yeah I’ve shopped at Target too but the cuts are very straight and the quality is iffy.  Another option is outdoor brands like Columbia (try Sports Authority) or REI.  My Lucy Walkabout pants are absolute heaven to wear: very stretchy, feather-light and seemingly indestructible.  Sure the colors are going to be limited to some variation of khaki but the performance fabric will be sweat-wicking, sturdy, and flexible to accommodate any rock climbing you might be doing in addition to Zumba.

Heading out to class!  Happy shopping!

I have a strange affection for sweats and my daughter!

Monday is a holiday so come on out and dance on Sunday!  More info at: Santa Rosa Salsa

Love the sound of this band.  Percussion galore!

Come for the lesson if you’re a beginner- they start with the basics and it is very non-intimidating.  Nice people, no partner needed, and, well you can get a margarita or two first if you’re nervous!

Master Zumba instructor Staci Boyer’s top tips to maximize your workout  (link to the article)

Love Zumba? You’re not alone! The Zumba program has helped melt the pounds and inches off 12 million Zumba-enthusiasts in 125 countries, according to the Zumba Fitness website. The Latin-dance inspired workout features fast and slow rhythms which, when combined, successfully tone and sculpt the body and burn fat.

We caught up with master Zumba instructor Staci Boyer [Link] to get her top tips for burning even more calories (and having even more fun) during your favorite Zumba class:

1. Let Loose
Zumba is all about having fun, and joining the party, which is hard to do if you’re stiff or self-conscious! The best way to burn more calories in class is to let go, have fun, and try not to think too much. “Letting yourself go will let the calories go!” Boyer says.

2. Maximize Your Arm Movement
During the moves, be sure to fully extend your arms, Boyer says. You’ll boost your calorie burn and engage more muscles by maximizing your arm movements during class. “It’s not that tricky and you can do a lot for your body by lengthening, raising, and extending with oomph.”

3. Move Up and Down More
“When your instructor takes you though a level change try and do it,” Boyer says. All that up and down movement will not only boost your burn, it will also get your glutes, hips, and thigh muscles firing even more. “Sit into your moves, bend your knees, and go up and down and all around as much as you can—level changes burn calories!”

4. Work Your Booty
“There is always a lot of booty shaking in Zumba!” Boyer says. “Just shake it—and shake it good (to best do this, see tip #1).” Boyer recommends pressing through your heels whenever you can to maximize the move’s booty shaping benefits.

5. Rock the Moves You Know
So maybe you don’t have every move mastered yet, that’s OK! You can still get a great workout as long as you rock the moves you’ve got! “Always accentuate the moves that you are actually comfortable with,” Boyer says. “Make the most out of that shimmy you love, or the salsa step you have mastered. Feel confident in adding your own flair to the movement. If you know it, show it!”