Friday, February 26, 2010

How to Prepare for My Zumba Instructor Certification Class

Arrival:

First, note the location before your travel day to ensure find it on time and avoid driving around, especially if you are not familiar with the area you are visiting.

It is important to arrive earlier and check in. For example, if your class starts at 8:00, then come at least at 7:30. This will ensure that you receive your welcome package in time, to have a chance to glance through it, sign all required forms, and to get to the classroom (or gym) early enough. Why is that important? It is because you will be able to take the best spot in the floor where you can be close to your instructor. That way you will be able to see, follow and remember the steps much better than if you are standing somewhere in the last row. Instructor classes typically attract anywhere between 80 and 100 participants, therefore it is important not to end up too far from the instructor.

Bring cash:

Many instructors sell Zumba clothes before the class. Even if you have no intention of buying anything, I can assure you that once you see how cute, bright, sparkly, fun, attractive and cool the clothes are, you will feel very compelled to buy at least one or two items. Therefore, bring cash as many instructors are not accepting credit cards and you may not have time to run around looking for bank.

Bring food and drinks:

Next, it is advisable that you bring your snacks, drinks and lunch. The Zumba instructor training day is very intense and packed with activities. Breaks may not be long enough to go out looking to buy something. However, if you have food with you, there will be plenty of opportunities to eat and drink.

What else to bring:

It is also highly advisable to bring a towel, sweatshirt, and perhaps a change of workout clothes for the afternoon session. You can bring a photo camera, but no videotaping is allowed because of privacy matters as well as music copyright regulations.

What to wear?

You should choose clothes that are suitable for workout, which are not too tight or restrictive of movement. As for shoes, it is advisable to wear court shoes or “aerobic” shoes or ones that are suitable for medial, lateral or twisting motions. Jazz sneakers are OK too. Running shoes are not ideal as they are meant to be more for forward motion. However, if you have old and worn-out running shoes, those can be good as well. Avoid buying new shoes just before the workshop as you will spend the whole day in them and therefore have a risk of developing sores or blisters.

How long is the workshop?

The Zumba instructor workshop lasts the whole 8 or 9 hour day (really). On the evening before, there may be a 2 hour Zumba master class organized just to get you familiar with all the moves. You can bring a friend to this class if you want to! You instructor will let you know if this class is available after you sign up for your Zumba instructor class. At any case, make sure you get a good rest before your class!

Should I bring credit card?

Yes, there will be opportunity to join Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) and get bonus CD/DVD when you do so. Majority of participants choose to join ZIN once they learn about the amazing benefits it offers. It is not mandatory to join ZIN.

What should I expect to learn in the class?

Your instructor will explain/demonstrate the following: Overview of what Zumba is Explain and show different Zumba moves (don’t worry, it will not be too hard to follow) Explain music copyright regulation (this is very important to understand) Explain and demonstrate how to listen to the music, find the rhythm and create a choreography Learning how to identify Latin rhythms (for example, how to recognize a Cumbia, Salsa, or Merengue song) Basic principles of teaching a fitness class and instructor safety tips How to structure your Zumba class Overview of ZIN membership

.....and much more! This is just an example of a class I attended. I am sure every Zumba instructor can teach in different manner, without compromising the quality.

What will I receive in my Zumba instructor welcome package?

You will receive a Zumba manual, ZIN membership booklet, 3 Zumba DVDs to watch at home, and one Zumba CD with music. I can assure you that this material, along with Zumba instructor class, will be more than enough to prepare you to teach Zumba.

Good luck!!!

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