What do I need to bring to class?

Your own mat (we have some at the studio if you forget, but it's always better to have your own), weights if you have some that you particularly like (although here at the studio we have various different sizes (from 1 kilo to 5 kilos)), a pair of good trainers suitable for light impact (running trainers usually work well, or step trainers) and comfortable clothing so you can move your whole body and sweat a lot. And most importantly: a desire to move your body a little and share the moment together!

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Do I have to choose a group and always go at that time?

No. The published timetable shows all the sessions available to train with Chris and you can use them like a gym, without having to sign up in advance. Simply choose your monthly plan (4 sessions per month or unlimited sessions) and turn up when it suits you best. ​​​​​

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Is there a registration fee?

No, there is no registration fee. With the monthly payment at the beginning of the month, you have access to classes for that month.​​​​​

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Are there classes in the summer?

No. Zumba Fit & Entrena HIIT classes run from September to the end of June, and we take a break in July and August.​​​​​

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Can I try a class before committing?

Yes. We prefer that you get to know the studio, the group and the trainer to see if it is something that fits with your goals, current situation and motivation. So we offer you the chance to try a class first and then decide if you want to sign up for classes.

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Do I need to have done Zumba or gone to the gym before?

Absolutely not. You don't need to have any previous knowledge of Zumba or have gone to the gym before. The class is designed to be accessible and adaptable to all levels. The training part can be modified in terms of the weight used and also the level of the exercises (if there are injuries, I give alternatives, and I give easier and more difficult versions of the same exercise).

It is important to start at each person's level and ability, and then we will work together to increase strength and agility to improve little by little!

Zumba is based on easy dance choreography based on Caribbean rhythms, i.e. salsa, bachata, merengue, samba, reggaeton, although we also have some Bollywood, pop, swing and tango! The idea is that it should be accessible to everyone and have a low impact on the body.

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Why combine strength training with Zumba?

Because this way we can benefit from two different types of exercise - anaerobic and aerobic - which burn calories and develop muscles in different ways.

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Zumba consists of relatively easy and fun dance routines (usually 4 or 5 movements that are repeated according to the structure of the song). We squat, stretch, use our legs, arms and abs, change direction, and all of this helps to exercise the body, improve mobility and do about 45 minutes of cardio to protect our heart.

And most importantly, we forget everything, immerse ourselves in the music, learn new things, laugh and have a lot of fun.

 

Physical benefits of practising Zumba:

• Improves the cardiovascular system.

• Burns calories.

• Tones and firms muscles.

• Improves flexibility and strength.

• Reduces lactic acid production.

• Increases coordination.

• Corrects poor posture.

• Improves appearance.

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Despite this, Zumba is mostly cardio and aerobic, so when we stop dancing, we also stop burning calories. Nor can we benefit from concentrated work on specific muscles.

 

This is where strength training comes in. In this type of exercise, as we are pushing our muscles to their limit (or close to it), the muscle fibres need time to rebuild after the session. This means that when you go home or to work, relax, sit down or go to sleep, your body continues to work and burn the calories (energy) needed to repair these fibres.

 

Combined exercises are the most effective: those that combine two or three of the large muscle groups. But it is important not to forget all the small fascia, ligaments, tendons and connectors that support the large muscles. Exercises that include elements of balance are a great way to work these elements.
 

Including weights in your routine is also a very good idea, as this helps improve osteoporosis, and by adding a little weight we can increase the strength we work on our muscles even more. ​

 

Current scientific studies show that strength training is one of the methods with the greatest impact on the musculoskeletal system and one of the most effective in preventing weakness and fragility and their harmful consequences. So, contrary to what we tend to do as we get older (stop moving so much!), we need to prevent the muscle loss that often accompanies the ageing process!

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Physical benefits of strength training:

• Improves joint mobility and flexibility.

• Increases HDL cholesterol (‘good’ cholesterol) and reduces LDL cholesterol (‘bad’ cholesterol).

• Reduces back and joint pain.

• Reduces discomfort related to osteoarthritis.

• Reduces blood pressure.

• Reduces the risk of muscle spasms.

• Improves posture: Muscles are the main factor in maintaining correct posture. Strong muscles help you maintain good posture without effort. Healthy posture not only prevents back, neck and shoulder pain and spasms, but also improves the function of the circulatory and digestive systems, among others.

• Improves performance in daily activities.

• Reduces stress and anxiety.

• Improves sleep quality.

• Improves mood.​​