why am i having a hard time doing zumba or dancing

Posts: 1,838
3/1/12 2:49 P

I live in the country..., no neighbors....
But if you live with close neighbors, maybe just pull the drapes/shades whatever and do what moves you. It sounded to me like a fear of someone finding out that you are doing aerobics in line-dancing choreography mode. (I tried Zumba, borrowed dvd, I liked it.)

I suggest you ask yourself what is more important, doing exercises that please you? or worrying about what someone else may think.

I am nearly 70 and have relatively recently discovered that pretty much nobody really cares about what somebody else is doing, unless they are jealous that they are not or cannot do it themselves.

That is my 2-cents worth.

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3/1/12 1:05 P

I've been to Zumba class at the gym and my motto is "Zumba passes no judgements".

There's one lady who's always off rhythm but she's there working and dancing her heart out. So I don't care if I'm in time or not. I just try not to hit anyone with my flailing limbs.

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2/27/12 11:09 P

I agree with SCTK519. Don't put it in the same category as partying with friends -- because it's not -- and that contrast will always be obvious. Think of it as work ... as exercise ... a chore you need to do. Do it at the same time each day and/or under the same conditions. That will help you establish the activity as a habit.

There is a good chance that once you establish it as a habit -- a chore you need to do (like brushing your teeth or shaving) -- instead of thinking of it in compariso to partying with your friends -- you'll start to think of it as a pleasant way to get your exercise in the day. You may find yourself starting to relax and enjoy it.

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2/27/12 6:31 P

best thing about doing it alone is that no one sees you! I LOVE doing Wii Dance or Zumba at my house. Sometimes I even wear dorky outfits for the fun of it. Sing along, get into it! Just forgot about doing it correctly and let go. No one will be able to tell you that you are doing it wrong, or look like an idiot. Unless you have cats, mine tell me.

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2/27/12 6:26 P

THen try just letting go!!

You get the best burn from Zumba if you let go and dance. You really have to move your midsection. HAVE FUN with it!! That's the point :)

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2/27/12 6:15 P

Hi! I am new to this site. How can I get the fun little Weight Tracker most of you have on the bottom of your posts?

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2/27/12 6:06 P

Don't think of the zumba as dancing by yourself. Think of it as working out; are you comfortable working out on your own?

It may also be the difference in dance moves. If you're using the ones you'd use when you go out dancing with friends, you're likely to be uncomfortable as, at least for me, the way I dance is completely different.

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2/27/12 5:45 P

Do you have a friend (s) that could maybe go with you? The first time is the toughest, but the range of ages and sizes that go to zumba are amazing and there are always newbies showing up to even small town classes like mine. Once you get over that hurdle of the first time, its all downhill from there. Helps maybe if you find workout clothes that make you feel good. Zumba is all about being you and moving your body and getting in shape - everyone has that same goal that goes. Smile and the world smiles with you kind of thing. Good luck!

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2/27/12 3:01 P

I have been doing Zumba for 2 years and I have been belly-dancing for 1 year now. I still have to go over routines over and over and over (and over) again until I get it. I don't know why people think they can learn how to dance in a day. Really could you learn how to play tennis one day? Its a skill that you have to practice at to improve. For me, it works because I love to practice so I will actually do it.

For example , I have to perform in two weeks and I will probably practice the routine our group is doing probably 50 times. The moves/combos that are being used I have been working at for at least 3 months and I still don't feel I have nailed them. Most people you see dance practice alot, that includes Zumba instructors, who go to a 3 day workshop before they get certified. Plus they have to practice new routines at home.


If you using videos make sure you have a beginner one that breaks down the steps. If you doing Zumba most of the steps are right out of the latin style. Look up on how to do a salsa, samba, cumbia and flamingo. Really, classes are really better for this kind of thing as you can ask the instructor to break down steps for you after class. Also you can pick up energy from a group. As for the self-conscious thing, you have to get into the music enough so you forget yourself. Dance is about self-expression and how can self-expression be wrong.

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2/27/12 2:34 P

Zumba can be really difficult if you don't have a good surface to do it on-and it can be discouraging if you have a hard time with the moves at first (like me!). You just have to keep going and do the best you can and the moves will get easier-that's when you know it's time to bump up to something harder!

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2/27/12 1:41 P

Don't I understand that - here in florida everything is concrete. i developed facisitis of my feet after moving here and my floors are all tile over concrete slab as is all the houses. It is very hard on my feet. I have orthodics and put on my sneakers soon as i wake up - i can't walk anymore barefoot because of the damage to my feet from the concrete surface. it is very hard.
please ignore the spelling!
But that is not the reason i am having a hard time with this. I love to dance and will do it if someone is home, but for some weird reason i can't bring myself to feel emotional comfortable to do it on my own, my myself.

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2/27/12 1:13 P

I don't like to dance because I have injuries from doing exercise on the incorrect floor surface at a gym.. I suffered stress factures down my back from jumping on a concrete floor covered with carpet..

Perhaps I dislike zumba because I know the floor under my homes carpet is also concrete and not suitable to jump around on even with the best shoes.. Concrete doesn't give the impact returns up my spine and hurts alot, so I have a hard time enjoying high impact sports in general..

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2/26/12 2:11 P

Looks like we have the opposite problem, I fee out of place dancing or doing things like zumba in public, so doing it at home by myself is no problem. Different strokes I guess. ;-)

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2/26/12 1:28 P

emotionaly uncomfortable i guess - an i want to get over it and wonder if anyone else has had a similar problem

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2/26/12 1:27 P

the thing is that i guess i omitted is that i love dancing, so whats up with me? i love to dance - having problems doing it alone ----why? i ask myself i love it, do i feel stupid? do i feel alone?, do i feel unable to let go? i can't figure out whats stopping me

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2/26/12 1:27 P

I just want to clarify what you mean bu having trouble with it. Do you feel physically uncomfortable or mentally uncomfortable. If either is the case you should find something that you feel both mentally and physically comfortable with.

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2/26/12 1:20 P

Those may not be the workouts for you. I've done Zumba a couple of times, and I just wasn't comfortable with it. I'm just not coordinated enough. Try a different workout, maybe some kickboxing, or a more traditional aerobics workout.

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2/26/12 12:39 P

I can't dance and I don't enjoy it...so I don't even try.

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2/26/12 12:37 P

I am having a hard time doing zumba or dancing around the house by myself and i don't know why. does anyone else have a problem like that? I don't know what it is - if i feel too stupid or inhibited or possibly lonely? any input?