The Soltow Family ♥: Zumba

So, I've been taking Zumba classes for almost three years, and I knew that from the day I took my first class that I wanted to be an instructor! Well, I was always way too busy to take the training, it was too far away, or I didn't have the money. Finally, I decided just to do it! So, even though this has literally been the busiest week of my life, I finally did the training and I am now a licensed Zumba instructor!

My training was in Hagerstown, Maryland, which is the closest I've ever seen to where we live. I got there suuuuper early, because I was excited. Thankfully, that meant I was first in line for registration which began at 8, which meant I was the first in line to shop for ZUMBA WEAR! I got some really cute stuff. I'm holding off on getting more until I actually start teaching though. :)

At 9:15, we began our MASTER CLASS! That was suuuuuch a fun experience. I don't think I have ever sweat that much in my life as I did in that class. After the class, there was just enough time to change clothes before our first lecture on rhythm/music. During every lecture/time we were sitting, I was shoving food and water down- definitely needed it to keep my energy up!

After our first lecture, we practiced put together a warm up routine. I learned sooooo much about fitness during this part, and I'm excited to put my new knowledge to use! He taught us a LOT of basic arm/leg routines. After the warm-up, we did merengue. There was very little sitting during this training. We were pretty much up and moving the whole day practicing our steps- it was tiring, but also exciting at the same time! We did merengue, salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton. There were about 15 or so different steps under each category that we learned, and then we put them all together. We also practiced cueing and cool-down. Finally, near the end, we were divided into groups and had to choreograph a part of a song. Then each group did a different part of the song and BAM- we had a new routine. That part was my FAVORITE! My favorite has been and will always be SALSA. &hearts;

Unfortunately, we didn't have time for a Q+A, but we were provided with so many resources that will definitely answer all of my questions. We were given so much! 6 CDs/DVDs, 2 books, and I joined the ZIN network, which will provide me with absolutely everything I need- including music and choreography!

Erick Santana was an awesome instructor! I'm so excited that, after three years of taking Zumba classes and wanting to take the instructor training, that I am finally now a licensed Zumba instructor! &hearts;