Dance away the winter blues with Zumba
Get your booty moving to the beat
Eternal winter
I reckon I’m not the only one out there who feels like this January was the longest ever!
Maybe it’s the grief I’m experiencing, or the gloomy grey weather in Brussels, but I’ve really struggled with my energy levels so far in 2025.
I’ve felt compelled to get home from the office ASAP and hibernate, my usual enthusiasm for evening gym classes disappearing completely.
While wintering is natural and I’ve been embracing a more seasonal lifestyle, I’ve missed the rush of adrenaline from a great workout.
And lately I’ve noticed a knock-on impact on my sleep quality, as my mind races at bedtime without the outlet of physical exhaustion.
So, it feels like time to get back into my routine. I’ve been easing in with yoga classes, which is lovely, but…
Hi, I’m Holly - certified coach, Breathworks mindfulness facilitator and author of Zestful Zen. I write about wellbeing, self-care, personal growth, mindfulness, creativity and purpose. My mission is helping you to lead a more mindful, meaningful life, full of zest and energy, complemented by a calm, zen mind. Join the supportive Zestful Zen community today. 💖✨
Hello tropics!
…yoga just doesn’t pack the sunshine punch of Zumba! 🌞
🎉 Every class feels like a party with the music pumping: Afrobeats, salsa, merengue, reggaeton, bhangra…all the rhythms that scream summer sunshine.
If you want to shut out the gloomy weather and transport your mind to the tropics, Zumba is the perfect escape.
I finally returned last Saturday after weeks off, and damn, did it feel gooooood!
I’d almost say Zumba comes with a 100% guarantee that I’ll leave the studio with a massive smile on my face (and a lot of sweat!)
So, if you want to blow away the winter cobwebs, why not give Zumba a go?
A beginner’s Zumba guide
I know it can be intimidating trying a new workout, especially dance, and particularly if you feel like you’ve got two left feet. But trust me, if I can do it, you can!
If you’ve never done Zumba before, here’s my top beginner tips for you.
Leave perfectionism at the door. Zumba’s a bit different to regular dance classes where you learn steps following demonstration. Usually, you just follow the instructor and don’t worry about making mistakes. Moving is all that matters!
Go in the second row, not the back. This might seem scary as a newbie, but you’ll have a better view of the instructor and fewer people doing the wrong moves in front of you to confuse you (usually people in the first row know the songs well).
Start simple. If it all seems a bit confusing, just focus on the leg movements, don’t worry about adding in arm movements until later.
If you can count to 8, you’re fine. Most steps will be repeated in a sequence. You might do a 1, 2, 3, 4 movement. Or a single, single, double step. Or 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. Depending on the music, sometimes it could be 1, 2, 3. Or 1,2,3,4,5,6.
Move with the music. You can skip counting and let your body go with the beat – your instructor will have choreographed the movements to match the music.
Hand signals. Instructors often hint when they’re about to switch moves. So, pointing upwards probably means switching arm movements to reach to the sky. Holding up two fingers often means swapping from single movements to double.
Give it three weeks! Most instructors repeat routines for weeks, sometimes months (nope, it never gets boring!) So, you’ve got time to get the hang of movements and tracks. Give yourself three weeks before you think of quitting.
We’re all in this together. Don’t be put off if it seems like everyone else is doing it perfectly. It just means they’ve done the tracks before. As soon as the teacher springs a new song, you’ll see everyone stumbling, trying to catch the routine.
Muscle memory. There’s a finite range of moves, so once you’ve learned these, you’re pretty set. Even if the instructor busts out new tracks, the sequence will just be a different combo of moves you already know. So it gets easier!
Find your flavour. While Zumba is a franchise, most teachers choose the tracks and create their own choreography – it’s not like Body Pump releases. If you don’t gel with an instructor, try another class; they all have their own style and music.
Wear ear plugs. Most Zumba teachers have the music pumping LOUD! I highly recommend Loop earplugs designed for sound engineers. Brilliant clarity, you can hear all the music, just not at deafening levels. Saves the tinnitus later…
YouTube is your friend. If you’re nervous about hitting the studio with no idea what to expect, try a few tracks in the comfort of your living room. Just search for your favourite song + Zumba (or check out the list below).
JUST HAVE FUN! Seriously, no one in a Zumba class is judging you. Everyone is there to have a laugh and work up a sweat. I’ve never met friendlier people!
Shake your booty!
Maybe you prefer working out at home or want to learn a few moves before venturing to the studio? YouTube is a great source of free Zumba videos. They also make for a fun hotel workout when travelling (just don’t jump too hard! 😆)
Here’s some tracks I’ve enjoyed, they have typical Zumba moves:
And here are two different choreographies to the same track, just so you can see how instructors come up with different routines:
If you fancy learning a new dance style, but Zumba’s not your thing, check out Sadler’s Wells free Taster dance workshops for a bunch of options from Pantsula to Kathak.
Questions for self-reflection or journalling ✍️
What’s your favourite way of moving your body? When did you last do it?
How do you feel about shaking things up with some dance moves?
Is there something you’ve been wanting to try for a while but haven’t yet?
Or something you used to do that you’d like to bring back into your routine?
What’s holding you back from giving it a go?
What are three appealing ways to persuade yourself off the cosy sofa this winter?
Now take action 🎯
Decide what it is you’d like to try or bring back into your routine.
Think of it as an opportunity for fun, not an obligation. You get to have this in your life, rather than “I should…”
Investigate over a cup of tea - check for classes nearby, or online options.
Commit to giving it a go! Try it once without expectations and see how you feel.
If you need some moral support to get started, persuade a friend to join you for double the fun.
Try and stick at it for a few weeks and reflect on how you feel compared to before. Does it bring you joy?
Assess and adjust: maybe it turns out not to be the thing for you, and that’s fine! Learning what you don’t enjoy helps you find what you do. Experiment.
Just have FUN! Don’t overthink it. 😉
Share your perspective ✨
I’d love to hear your reflections on movement, dance and trying new things. Is Zumba the workout for you? What new things do you want to try in 2025? Have you got a go-to activity for shaking off the winter blues?
Let’s have a conversation in the comments or subscriber chat. 💬
Ways to connect or work with me 💬
DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer coaching sessions and mindfulness courses.
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I've never tried Zumba - but I do like to dance. Maybe I'll look for a class in Ljubljana. Thanks for the inspiration! Music really helped me with grief when my friend died. Either to lift my mood or to allow me to feel the pain. Wishing you well.