Q:  What is ZUMBA®?
A:  It's a Latin Inspired Dance Fitness Workout.  It's a cardiovascular workout which will get your heart pumping!  You may even sweat - ooops sorry, I mean glow!   ZUMBA® is about having fun - we have a giggle, shake everything that will possibly shake, and just generally have a good time.  If you've had a bad day, ZUMBA® is guaranteed to put a smile back on your face for sure. 

Q:  What should I wear?
A:  Whatever you feel comfortable in - sports clothing, tracksuit, leggings, t-shirt, vest top, sweatshirt, etc. 

Q:  What sort of footwear should I wear?
A:  Trainers are the most appropriate footwear.  Aerobic or dance trainers are more suitable than running trainers or cross trainers.  

Q:  Do I need any equipment?
A:  A bottle of water, a big smile and your sense of humour!   Possibly a towel if it's warm.

Q:  What is the difference between ZUMBA® and ZUMBA® Gold?
A:  ZUMBA® Gold is a less intense workout to ZUMBA®.  You will find less jumping, less turning, generally less impact on the joints.  Songs are not slower, although more thought is given to the choice of music and the speed of it. 

Q:  Who is ZUMBA® Gold suitable for?
A:  ZUMBA® Gold is suitable for everyone, but particularly for those who prefer a lower impact workout.  This tends to be those of an older age group, those with injuries or health conditions, or those returning to exercise after a long absence for whatever reason.  It can also be a good place to start if you are new to exercise.   

Q:  What is the difference between ZUMBA® Toning and ZUMBA®?
A:  ZUMBA® Toning uses toning sticks.  These are light weights to encourage conscious muscle contraction to tone the muscles.  The class incorporates toning exercises for the whole body whereas ZUMBA® is a cardiovascular based activity.  The combination of the two classes, toning and cardio exercise, is ideal!  

Q:  Where can I get Toning Sticks from?
A:  If you own a ZUMBA® DVD set, you will already own a pair of Toning sticks.  You can purchase them from eBay - look for the green pairs (light or dark green).  If you prefer, you can use your own dumbbells. Toning sticks are like maracas and designed to shake, but dumbbells are not suitable for shaking.  It is not recommended that you use dumbbells weighing more than 3lbs (1.5kg).  0.5kg or 1kg are most suitable, with maybe a 1kg or 1.5kg pair for heavier tracks. 

Q:  How much does a class cost?
A:  Please refer to the "Classes" page for the different prices.   

Q: How old do I need to be?
A: Over 16s only for Zumba Toning at South Hornchurch, but under 16s are welcome at Zumba if accompanied by an adult also taking part in the class.  Please note that this is an adult class and therefore, you bring your child knowing this. There may be moves and/or music which you consider unsuitable for your child.  Should you wish to discuss this before bringing them, please contact me in advance. 

Q: Am I too old for ZUMBA®?!
A:  You're only as old as you feel!  If you're up for giving it a go, then there's no maximum age, as long as you are fit and well enough. 

Q:  Can I do ZUMBA® if I am pregnant?
A:  I am now qualified in Pre and Post Natal Exercise so you are welcome to attend.  There may be some modifications you need to make, so please do let me know if you are pregnant. 

Q:  I've just had a baby.  Can I come to your classes?
A:  If you had a natural birth, you should wait until after your 6 week check up, and if you had a c-section, you should wait until after your 12 week check.  Provided everything is fine, you are more than welcome to come along.

Q:  What should I do if I have any concerns about my health?
A:  Consult with your doctor and tell them that you're thinking about doing ZUMBA®  They will then advise whether they think it is appropriate for you or not.  I ask all new participants to fill in a short health questionnaire before their first class, but of course, this information is kept in the strictest of confidence and is for my eyes only.  

Q:  Am I fit enough for ZUMBA®?
A:  YES!  The aim of ZUMBA® is to help you get fitter, so don't worry if you don't think you are very fit right now.  Everyone will have a different level of fitness when they start but that's ok as there are options that allow you to work to the level that is suitable for you.  You will never have to do anything that you don't want to do in my ZUMBA® classes.

Q:  Can men do ZUMBA®?
A:  Yes, they can!   

Q: What are the health benefits of doing Zumba®?
A:- Reduces the risk of breast cancer by 30%
- Improved balance and co-ordination (helping to reduce the risk of falls as we get older)
- Increased lung capacity
- Improved flexibility
- Enhanced mobility
- Stronger bones (reducing the risk of osteoporosis - brittle bone disease)
- Beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, Parkinson's Disease, dementia and depression (apparently dancing can reduce the risk of dementia by 76%!)
- Improved mood and sense of well being
- Lower levels of stress hormones (who doesn't need a lower stress level?!)
- Improved self esteem
Plus, Zumba® can help you with weight loss if you are also following a healthy eating plan. 

Q:  Do I need to book for classes?
A:  You do not need to book for any of my classes. 

If you have any other questions that are not covered here, please do not hesitate to email me at carlyfaiers@yahoo.co.uk and I will answer them for you :-)