Break-down of the Merengue

This step is basically like walking in place. Step your feet together and leave about 3 inches of space in between them. March in place while you bend your knees slightly towards your body with each step. Move your feet about hip distance apart while still marching in place to give the merengue a little bit of "flavor".

Break-down of simple salsa step

Salsa
You first stand with two feet together and this dance is done by a four count. Your right foot steps out to the side for step number one and two. Then you bring your right foot back in counts three and four. The same movement is repeated for your left foot. Bending your knees and swaying your hips is a great way to add a little bit of jazz to this basic salsa step.

Activate

One of the specific Zumba workouts in the DVD set is called Activate. It is a 45 minute long workout that includes fast paced steps including the reggatone, salsa, and the merengue. The instructors first show a step by step slow version of all the dances, and then the pace quickly picks up. It's a very good instructional dance workout because of the way they start out slow and increase the pace for you.

Zumba DVD workouts

I started the basic Zumba workouts, and they are so fun! The beginning of the DVD set starts out showing a 20 minute basic step on how to do all of the different dances and breaks them down slowly. This is great for beginners to show them how each step is done correctly. After the basic 20 minute workout there is a cool down and total body stretch. The first DVD in the set is a must for all new people to Zumba so they can learn the basic steps and get used to the beats and the quickness.

Zumba Basic Steps

An Intro to Zumba Fitness

Zumba is the new way to get in shape and have fun doing it! Zumba was created by Alberto "Beto" Perez, and which first started out as just dance classes, has now turned into Zumba available on DVDs, Xbox, Wii and PS3. Zumba is a Latin inspired dance-fitness program that has upbeat music to keep you going while you are getting in shape and toning your muscles. Zumba is for men, women, children and can be done by any shape or size.
The Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms that go with high energy Latin and Italian beats. There a few different types of Zumba classes available.
Regular Zumba features just the basic dance moves and instructions but still help participants get in shape while having a great time.
Zumba Gold is for the baby boomers. It features moves based on an older participant and ways to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle.
 Zumba Toning is focused on body sculpting. For this Zumba, toning sticks are used during the workouts and includes calorie-torching workouts and strength training. This Zumba focuses on abs, thighs, glutes, and arms.
Aqua Zumba is known as the pool party. It is just what you would think, Zumba in the water! It includes a safe yet challenging workout that tones the body and also feels exhilarating.
Zumbatonic is designed for kids ages 4-12. It includes high-energy, safe, metabolism boosting dance workouts.
Zumba in the Circuit is 30 minute fast paced metabolism boosting exercise that includes strength building circuit training and is guaranteed to blast calories with the many different inspired dance moves such as; reggaeton, salsa, merengue, hip-hop and more.
Zumba Gold Toning is safe and effective strength training for baby boomers and beginners. This Zumba helps build muscle strength, increase bone density, and improve mobility.
As you can see there are many different types of Zumba that can be purchased or classes that can be attended. I myself, have just purchased the DVD set and have started the basic workouts and so far love it! I will keep blog postings about my progress and about different workouts that are available to do through the DVD set.