Disclosure: I received a free Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD Set from Yahoo! Shine to complete this review.
Last year I said I’d try a Zumba class as part of a Commit to Fit challenge…and then I didn’t. It wasn’t because of fear of commitment; it was because I developed tendonitis. I’m surprised no one called me out on my failure to Zumba. Seriously, very surprised. I guess all the mean people forgot to read that entry.
My foot is finally better, so I decided to accept an opportunity to review the Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD Set which is featured in this month’s Yahoo! Shine Get it Guide along with three other fitness DVDs. A new Get it Guide is published every two weeks and showcases “the things women are searching for and talking about.” The latest one is all about Fitness DVD’s. I chose to review the Zumba DVDs because Zumba’s got a reputation for being a fun aerobics class that is based on Latin dance moves.
I was expecting to get a DVD in the mail, like I’d subscribed to Netflix: PR Division, but instead I got a box that contained four DVDs, a guide booklet, and two maracas toning sticks. So, woah! I hadn’t even opened the DVDs and I was already in for more than I’d bargained for.
The Total-Body Transformation Guide
The package comes with a booklet that contains an overview of what Zumba is, a stretch guide, a weekly workout schedule, and a sample weekly menu with recipes for each day. I suppose that’s why this is a “Total Body Transformation System” and not just a fitness program. I know a lot of newbies prefer to be told what to eat and how to exercise each day, so I’m sure they’d appreciate that. The booklet contains a Spanish translation and all the DVDs have an optional Spanish audio track, which is a nice touch since Zumba is rooted in Latin dancing.
DVD 1: Zumba Fitness Basic and Zumba Fitness 20-Minute Express
I popped in the first DVD and started working through the Zumba Basics class. Then I took a break to roll up my carpet and reveal the hard wood floor because it was hard to swivel on the rug and I didn’t want to break an ankle. Then I looked at where the rug had been and took a sweeping break. (Has anyone created a Work Out While You Clean fitness program? If not, I totally call dibs.) After I put away my broom, I started working through the basics class again. And kept working. And worked some more, until I picked up the remote and hit the display button to discover the basics class is 60 minutes long! (Technically it was 58 minutes and 10 seconds, but close enough.)
The length of the basics class is a bit overwhelming. I don’t want to train for the Royal Ballet here, I just want to Zuuuuuuumba! Despite the length, I actually like the way the basics DVD breaks down each move in an EasyBeat 1-2-3 format. First the instructors do the move at full speed and make it look like something I could never do. Then they slow it down and simplify it for Easy Beat 1. Then they add some complexity in Easy Beat 2. Finally you’re doing the full move you never thought you could do at full speed in Easy Beat 3. I learned better this way because they didn’t just slow the moves down. I eased my way up from a simple version to a more complicated version. If you’ve ever played a video game, it was like playing the first part of the game that’s a training level. It helps you learn the controls until you feel comfortable enough to get into the real game play. The real game play was the other program on the first DVD. It’s called Fitness 20-Minute Express and it literally strings together all the moves in the basics class at full speed.
It’s interesting how the costuming and staging of a DVD gives you information on what the attitude of the program is. My Pilates DVDs have a calm vibe and are filmed in a quiet studio or a zen garden. The Zumba videos have a party atmosphere where people are clapping and happy and having fun. They even had live drummers. At first I thought some of the instructors were working out in cargo pants, but upon closer inspection I think they were just baggy workout pants.
DVD 2: Zumba Fitness Cardio Party
The second DVD contains a 50-minute program that focuses on cardio. I really liked the graphic overlay that appears at the beginning of each set telling you what moves you’ll be performing. This helped me prepare mentally for the routine instead of just jumping into a move with no prior warning.
The only thing that annoys me slightly (and this is true of most workout videos I’ve tried) is that instructors make everything look so damn easy. They flit and float and bounce around like they’re on a trampoline. I cannot bounce like that! I have more mass and it takes more time and more energy to move it. I also have bad knees, so I backed off on a few of the moves that included small jumps. And even though I pretty much despise my downstairs neighbors who fill my apartment with loud noises and gross smells, I still felt guilty for jumping around my living room when I knew they were home. I wish I were nastier!
Oh, and the other thing that annoys me slightly is this:
Why does this woman have only one pant leg rolled up? What is with that? I saw it once in the Vanessa Carlton video for White Houses and thought it might be a ballet-dancer thing. The asymmetry of it bugs me. I think I hate this fashion trend even more than I hate ponchos, and I really hate ponchos. (No offense, Latin America.)
DVD 3: Zumba Fitness Sculpt and Tone
The third DVD contains a program that helps you “shimmy and shake your way to super-sculpted shape.” This program uses the Toning Sticks which are one pound each, so I doubt they’re accomplishing much toning. The sticks have beads inside them, so when you shake them they sound like maracas. There’s an info sheet included that tells you only to use the Toning Sticks as intended, which I think was legal speak for “Don’t whack your brother in the head with these!” I also think it’s funny that there is a card filled with seven bullet points instructing me on how to take care of these things.
DVD 4: Zumba Fitness Live! & Flat Abs
The final DVD has two programs. The first is a live 55-minute workout in front of a big audience. I’m not sure how all those people could pack together so tightly and Zumba without someone losing an eye, but they did. This program includes the least amount of instruction, so you should really know the moves before grooving to it. The other program on the DVD is Zumba Fitness Flat Abs. It’s 20 minutes long and focuses on strengthening your core.
And that’s it! Overall Zumba looks like a pretty fun program. When I was learning my salsa steps and booty rolls I couldn’t help thinking this was as close as I’ll ever get to appearing on Dancing with the Stars. I imagined Bruno Tonioli yelling, “More hip action!” at me. I’ll be using the DVDs again, though if I do the sculpting program I’ll probably grab my own five, six, or seven pound weights to make it more challenging.
Giveaway
Ok! Now that you’ve made it to the end of the review, here’s your chance to win a copy of the Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD Set which retails for $69.95. To enter, leave a comment on this entry with a creative use of the Toning Sticks. (Not that you would use the Toning Sticks in other exercise programs or for any other uses! No, no, no!) Giveaway ends at 11:59pm ET on Saturday, January 28th, 2012. Only United States residents eligible. Winner will be chosen randomly.
Prize includes: Four DVDs with workouts: Zumba Fitness Basics Workout, Zumba Fitness 20-Minute Express Workout, Zumba Fitness Sculpt & Tone Workout, Zumba Fitness Cardio Party Workout, Zumba Fitness Live! Workout, and Zumba Fitness Flat Abs Workout; two toning sticks.
About Zumba: Zumba Fitness® – Zumba Fitness is a Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music created by Grammy Award-winning producers featuring contagious steps to form a ’fitness-party.’ Since its inception in 2001, Zumba Fitness has grown to become the world’s largest and most successful dance-fitness program with more than 10 million people of all shapes, sizes, and ages taking weekly Zumba classes in over 90,000 locations across more than 110 countries.
Cool! I tried to take a Zumba class but I was hopeless. Some instruction might havenhelped. I would use the toning sticks to enforce pant leg symmetry.
Oh man, Zumba is so much fun, but I never get a chance to go do it at a gym or anything! To have it at home would make life so much easier. And those toning sticks? Paper weights, naturally 😉 Thanks!
I want to try Zumba so badly! I would use the toning sticks to drown out my husband if he was being annoying 😀
I love working out at home (the gym can be scary) and these would be a welcome addition to my Wii repertoire. Plus on some of the Wii games (especially the boxing one) my dog thinks I am getting ready to throw the remote and starts jumping up and down trying to get the remote (which I am never going to let him have… teeth marks and drool would ruin them) so the toning sticks would make a great dog toy.
Practical “fetch” jokes on my dog.
I love to dance but am hopelessly uncoordinated. Your description of the basics class sounds perfect for me to get started!
I would use the toning sticks to do a handstand on as part of my own Zumba routine once I’ve mastered these DVDs. :>)
I have a pretty big yard so when I wasn’t busy using the toning sticks to tone my arms I would probably stand out in the yard like an air traffic controller and pretend to guide planes in…just to mess with my neighbors. They would also be excellent decor pieces, I’ve always wanted to re do my house in shades of neon.
I did a little Zumba a few years ago, but it looks like it changed alot. I would like to see what all the hoopla is about. I would use the toning sticks correctly and according to the instructions supplied…of course. If that worked out, I might also try them in the rhythm section of a small Latin dance band I could put together later.
Oh! I need this also!
I would use the toning sticks to roll out extra thick pie crusts and cookie dough.
Too much fun! I, personally, would use them to stir the melted butter and brown sugar I mix with salt and popcorn for my homemade low-cal Cracker Jacks. Mmmmm.
I would use the Zumba sticks to get my kittens in shape for the kitten half time show of the Puppy Bowl!
This sounds like fun! At 1lb each, I would use the Zumba sticks as a dog toy. Though my dog likes to take his toys to the landing on the stairs and throw them off and watch them roll down – so maybe that would end in disaster.
I would use them to contribute to a sing-along, hippie-style, around a campfire!
Or, you know, to teach my painfully uncoordinated hips how to do shimmies.
I actually don’t recommend trying the “toning” video with regular weights. The moves are rapid enough that I think you’d be risking injury. Better to just do your own strength-training workout. The “Flat Abs” workout, though? I’ve experienced DOMS after that one.
I like Zumba—I don’t love it. But I pull it out sometimes when I want a lighter (and lighter-hearted) workout, or if I just plain feel like it. Also, Beto Perez? Rawr.
I’ve done both the DVDs and live classes. Live classes vary greatly in intensity, so it’s a matter of finding an instructor who’s at your level. Oh, and if you’ve watched the live DVD, you get a good idea of what the participants look like—all ages, all shapes and sizes. Yes, I have stood next to a 60-something woman determinedly grooving along to “Shake, shake that ass, ass, show, show that thong, thong…” (yes, the music in a live class will include more current pop and hip-hop music).
I’ve been looking at the Zumba DVDs for awhile…
I’d let my kids play with the Zumba sticks to keep them busy while I do the videos!
I’ve wanted to try Zumba but haven’t been able to make it to a class – this would be awesome!
As for the Zumba Sticks, I would use them as an additional musical instrument in our weekly family music parade. My husband has the kazoo, daughter the pot lid cymbals, son the keyboard. These will be a nice replacement for the drums.
I can totally see giving the sticks to my 1-year-old to beat on pots and pans (and possibly his father).
Use the toning sticks with one of those fitness bands. Tie the ends to the sticks and create a real interesting workout (read annoying). Also, try the sticks as a way to get out knots or kinks.
I would use the zumba sticks as a mountain lion diversion system as first demonstrated in the movie the Parent Trap.
I would shake them at the squirrels that persist in eating all the birdseed. Cursed squirrels!
I figure that would give them one more thing to laugh out- “Who is that crazy lady and why does she want us to zumba?”
Sadly, I would probably use those toning sticks to roll out pie dough.
I am not eligible – Canadian BUT I do have a US mail address – so we can decide later. Wanting to say that like this review and it made me want to try the product and I already want to try Zumba! Although, I have put into zumba that irrational pressure of BEING MY FAVOURITE EXERCISE EVER! The one that will cure all 🙂
If the sticks float, they’d be perfect for playing fetch with a dog in a pool. But I have neither, so I’d be forced to use them for exercise 🙂
I’ve done Nia, but not Zumba…sounds fun! I would use the toning sticks as cat toys. Or, rather, cat frighteners, since my cat likes plushie toys and runs from anything that makes noise.
I’m going to need those sticks to “persuade” the cats to leave my legs alone while I’m using the DVDs. I can picture them getting accidentally punted across the room.
Oh, definitely I’d use them to muddle the mint for my mint juleps as I look forward to a slimmer me for Derby Day!
I’ve recently started a “fitness” program which consists of lots of stationery bike, arm exercises with 5 pound weights (too large for muddling the mint that why i need the toning sticks with rhythm) and no wine or whining after 8:30 PM. Zumba would surely up my game.
Giant drumsticks!
Wasn’t that one pants leg up thing a thing in the late 80’s or early 90s? I vaguely remember people doing that for some reason once upon a time in school.
I would use them to prop up my arse which is as big as Chicago so I could actually do the Zumba moves. Srsly I would LOVE me some new Zumba tapes!! Pwease
I think I could use the toning sticks to place under small pieces of furniture to roll around the house.
I would love to Zumba with the grandkids and we could all take turns with the sticks. rock on or Zumba on.
I would use the Toning Sticks to hold open my darn bathroom window that keeps shutting on me!
I so need this. We’re doing a weight loss challenge at work and I don’t want to be the kid who is picked last! Sigh. I would use the toning sticks to smack some co-workers around if I AM in fact picked last.
I’d use them to let my dog exercise – I could bring them to the park and use them to play fetch. My dog will get both cardio AND strength training as she tries to carry the sticks back 🙂
Ooooh!!! I would LOVE this!! I would use the toning sticks as rolling pins for my pizza dough. That way I could have a delicious post-zumba snack.
I think I’d tie my cat string toy to the toning sticks so I could prop it between two chairs and she might play by herself for a while so I could concentrate on the DVDs.
Maraca rolling pins?
I took some Zumba classes late last year. I was so horrible, I tried to follow the instructor, but I don’t think the people at DWTS are going to lose any sleep worrying about when I’m going to join their little competition. I found out just how uncoordinated I am. That being said, the set you got sounds very cool, and I’m ready to try Zumba again in the privacy of my home. I may buy this set if I don’t win it! I’m struggling finding someplace to walk during this cold, snowy snap we’re having in the Midwest. Plus I’m not sure that walking is giving me enough of a workout to keep this weight OFF! I’m ready to try something MORE.
As for the toning sticks??? Hmmm……I think I would try to remember some of those baton twirling skills I used to have, and see if I could make those babies SPIN!
I love Zumba….that said I’ve never used sticks, weights or stones in my workouts. I love to cook so I’d use one of the sticks to stir the pot of soup with. Yum.
I used to live in a rather “seedy…aka transitional” part of town. One pant leg up meant you were holding drugs or knew where to get them. (I can’t remember which one it was.) I’m not sure what it means in the video. Can’t be a drug thing…at least I hope not!
Looks like fun! I love Zumba. I think I would use the toning sticks as pretend microphones so I can workout while singing and dancing around my house.
I would use the toning sticks to do secret under-desk workouts during the workday. (Mayhaps I’ll learn to type with my toes?)
Looks like fun! I love Zumba. I think I would use the toning sticks as pretend microphones so I can workout while singing and dancing around my house. Hopefully no on else would be around because it’s really not something anyone would like to see or hear!
I love Zumba. It would be great to have this to do it at home. I’d use them as my instrument to join a band;-)
I just recently found out about Zumba and would love to try it.
As to the toning sticks – I have a dog and they’d be her new toys – and if she didn’t like them, she’d give them to the parrot!
I would use those toning sticks to get my cat into shape. I’m sure she would enjoy chasing them around (and the sound they make) more than I would.
Foot massage, naturally. They look like they’re made for the task.
Oh Zumba! What a great reminder that I am horribly uncoordinated but love moving. I would use the toning sticks to stir the margarita that I would drink to refresh myself after my Zumba workout.
I ordered this same set from another website months ago. I finally started trying it a week ago since I’ve started WW. (Important note: I haven’t done any regular exercise in over a year.) My chiropractor asked, almost begged me to avoid the Zumba for some time until I get in better shape with walking and some lower intensity exercise. Its HARD work if you’re out of shape. (I Know its probably the point, but Jen you are right they make it look like so much fun and then you get it home and its a bit different!)
I haven’t made it to a Zumba class yet…but have good intentions 🙂 I would have to use the toning sticks as paper weights until I get out of nursing school.
I would use the toning weights as a toy for my kids. LOL
I don’t know what they are called but I would take the sticks and attach them with a string and make an asian weapon out of them, so that when ever my UP stairs nieghbors were pounding on one another or the floor, I’d flip the weapon about… Or in reality I’d use them altermately as a hammer to put up art work and such on my bare walls… I would love to try Zumba; it looks like a lot of fun…
My dog needs new throw toys! 🙂 I absolutely love Zumba and go to the classes frequently, but it seems like a great program to do at home too.
I would love to try out the zumba. I would use the toning weights as massage tools lol
Sadly, I would use those toning sticks to tone. Even if they are only 1 lb, my upper body strength leaves so much to be desired these days I’m sure they would prove challenging enough!
I desperately need some new work material to get me motivated again! I think I would give the toning sticks to my 6 month old – he is always most interested in playing with things that are decidedly NOT toys.
One use would be to thwap hubby in the head when he annoys me. However, that is abuse so that is out. A girl can dream.
Another use would be to hang them on the wall and use them as a wash cloth rod.
Yet another, put it in my hair at Halloween and be pebbles!!
I have the Wii Zumba game but I think it sounds like you learn the moves easier with the DVD’s.. I would use the toning sticks (when not hard at a Zumba workout) to entice my cat to play. 🙂
Wow! I would love to give Zumba a whirl- My exercise has been limited to the treadmill and I am ready to diversify! I would shake those sticks for all they are worth in hopes the “Maracas” would drown out the “swishy swishy” sounds that my thighs are going to make in those work out pants…..
ME!!! I want to win!!! Me! LOL
Ok, I would probably use the sticks to throw at the lady with one pant leg rolled up telling me all about how I can do it and stuff. 🙂 OR, I could throw them at my husband to get his attention…What? We can’t use them for throwing? That would sort of be toning our arms, wouldn’t it?
I’d probably stick with whacking my brother in the head with them :]
I really enjoy Zumba classes but would love to have an in-home option as well. Toning sticks = cat toys
Love your review, so funny! I don’t get the pant rolled up thing either. I”m like you and have bad knees and hate jumping around so that’s the only way I wouldn’t like this. Otherwise it looks FUN. We have a zumba for the Wii that my daughter LOVES, she gets really into it, I do it but am not as flashy with the moves. Maybe I need to roll up one pant leg.
I’m impressed that you have 7 lb. weights that you would consider doing this with, I’m up to 5 lbs. and wouldn’t use them for a dance video.
I’m quite sure that the maracas er, toning sticks would be used to scare the cat away or something by my boys. They would find plenty of use for them!
Who doens’t want to try Zumba at home – where else can I shake my grove thing and roll up one pant leg and be the hottest uncoordinated girl in the room?
I would use the toning sticks….maybe….as…giant chop sticks 🙂
Hmm…maybe for street fighting?
I take kickboxing with many Zumba fans who totally live for their five Zumba classes per week and wear the colorful clothes that announce it. Since I love Latin Dancing and have wanted to take Zumba for some time (my gym is supposed to get it soon because “the young people” have been asking for it but it isn’t a sure thing), I would love to win a free Zumba. That way I can get thin enough to wear the wild and zany Zumba clothes, too.
I think I’d use the shaking sticks to fill up with curry and tumeric for cooking and would dance around the kitchen shaking them. Or maybe I’d take a hike in a jungle and use those shakers to scare away snakes (or make rattlesnakes think they have friends).
I would love to try Zumba in the less humiliating privacy of my own home. I tried Zumbz once when I was traveling to a work conference and succeeded in demonstrating my lack of athletic prowess to a large number of people in my field. Home would be better for a second round. Also, my cat might even pause from his daily effort to shed orange and white hair on every item of black clothing in my wardrobe in favor of watching his owner act crazy.
Since I doubled my commute when I changed jobs last year, I’d use the sticks to prop up the bags under my eyes.
The pant leg thing eludes me, too. I also confess to being annoyed by the “bare abs” look but maybe I’d feel differently if my abs were fit for public view.
One word: nunchucks.
After reading your post, I googled videos of “Zumba” and wasted tons of time quality time enjoying the bouncing people. I see what you mean about mass and jumping around. Sigh. It’s something to aspire to anyway.
I’d probably use the sticks to hold my blank pattern paper down while I cut out new patterns for sewing.
I have been wanting to try Zumba. But that one leg up/one leg down thing is totally going to drive me crazy.
I will restrain myself from throwing the toning sticks at the tv as a way to make the scary pants go away…because that wouldn’t be very good for the tv, and then how would I watch all my reality tv shows.
I would totally use them as two-fisted microphones in my own private karaoke party. They look more realistic than a hairbrush!
Zumba is so fun. I’ve only done it in a live class and on my Kinect, but the DVDs sound more like the class than the Kinect can feasibly duplicate.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Hi Jennette! Long time reader first time commenter. If you ever want to do a live Zumba class I would absolutely go with you. My gym is in north Raleigh and there’s a 830 Zumba class on Saturdays. 🙂 I’m terribly uncoordinated at 830 in the morning and the rest of the class looks like exercise hour at Shady Pines.
I would use the zumba weights as drum sticks, making up new zumba beats
I would totally use the toning sticks as items for my dog to fetch. And I would LOVE to win that set.
Those toning sticks would make very excellent paper weights! 🙂
My 10yo twin boys would likely use the toning sticks as light sabers….
I would use the sticks to keep me from getting dirty when I fall down after this workout! I would just fall on them! Ouch!
I’ve wanted to try Zumba for a while but haven’t gotten around to it. But I have to be honest, I’d probably use those sticks to torture the cats.
Zumba is fun. I would use the toning sticks to tone my arms. I need it!
Toning stick use… to shake at the cat to scare off of the back of the couch. He knows he isn’t supposed to be up there!
Oh, yay Zumba. 🙂
Since we have a puppy that eats anything and everything, the toning sticks will probably end up being his latest snack.
Sounds like fun! Those toning sticks look like massage sticks … You can roll them up and down sore muscles when you ate sore from getting your Zumba on 🙂
Looks like so much fun! Although I think I might be using the toning sticks to ding the hi-hat as my uncoordinated feet try to dance along. 🙂
I am attempting to learn to drum, and I think 1 pound drumsticks would add a nice fitness element to that endeavor. Thanks for the opportunity!
Cool review!
I would use the toning sticks to pretend to be the drummer in Spinal Tap
That was an interesting review. I love how honest & detailed it was. No legalspeak at the end though, “I was given a Zumba system DVD to review, the views & thoughts are my own..” But it wasn’t necessary, because we can tell the thoughts are you own! 🙂
I was bothered right away by miss weirdo pantlegs. I hope to win, but I will Zumba & all the while want to tug on her pantleg.
Hm. 1 lb toning sticks?? What will they tone? I’m not certain I would use them for anything.
Do you read all the comments? Maybe not when there is a giveaway, huh.
I’d chill the Toning Sticks and use them to rehab the plantar fasciitis flare-up that Zumba will cause.
(roll the chilled sticks on the bottom of my feet). Zumba = cause and cure
Love to try…
The toning sticks, eh? Annoying my coworkers?
I was too broke to continue the Zumba classes at my gym but I’d love to have this to continue at home with my mom! Thanks!
I have wanted to try Zumba, couldn’t even find the game for my WII.
The toning sticks, I might be tempted to take up the drums!
i would use the toning sticks as juggling clubs and incorporate that into a fitness routine.
I’ve always wanted to try Zumba. The toning sticks could also be used for directing planes into their gates.
Toning sticks = door stops!
OMG – I LOVE Zumba! I go to class 2x a week, but this would be great for weekends or weeks when I can’t make class. Speaking of class, I’m also currently taking obedience classes with my dog, Sally, and those Toning Sticks would be great to get her attention! Damn dog pays attention to everything but me!
i would use the toning sticks to entertain my kids, or as a doorstops 🙂
I would use those toning sticks to teach myself to juggle. I could have an act! Like vaudeville. Maybe even light them on fire…gives the act that extra special touch.
I’d use them to trash the truly awful bellydance DVD I tried. No one over 9 should have that much pink.
I would totally learn to juggle with those shake-weight-wanna-be toning sticks. Or see if they might somehow boomerang back if I threw them? Great review of the Zumba product, by the way.
If I win the Zumba DVD’s, maybe I could perfect the whole “Forbidden Dance of Love” exercise moves! I’ll even roll my left pant leg back down…oh hell, it’s caught on my cankle! ZUMBA- take me away!
I think the toning sticks could work in the kitchen…pounding out chicken breasts and rolling out (really thick) pie dough!
I would LOVE to try Zumba at home! I am WAY too uncoordinated to try it in public. I would use the toning sticks to tenderize meat!
Love Zumba! I would use the toning sticks to roll out fondant for a pretty cake to eat after working out!
I have seen the commercials for Zumba so many times and would love to try it though (I agree with the pant leg thing though, annoying).
Sadly I know those toning sticks would get used against me by my very energetic 12 year old, and then I would have to hurt him 🙂
If that fails I see them rolling around on the floor as an improvised cat toy. My cat loves anything that rattles.
My sister loves to dance so I am making this entry for her. But I would give the toning sticks to my 6 year old niece to annoy the crap out of my sister.
This sounds awesome! As for the toning sticks: flaming batons =)
Sounds like fun -I’d totally try it, but I’m really uncoordinated.
The sticks? I’d probably throw them at the squirrels or send them to my mom to use as weights.
foot massage!
Looks like I could get my 7 yr old daughter to do the video with me (and not complain that I’m hogging the tv) if she could use the sticks.
I’ve always wanted to try Zumba but have always been too embarrassed to try it in front of other people.
I’d like to think I would lay a giant drop cloth on the floor, dip each end of the toning sticks in different colors of paint and make some sort of Pollock-y Zumba art while I shimmy to the beat in the privacy of my own home. That, or I’d use them as “microphones” while singing.
I love Zumba, but there are no classes in my area and the Wii game gets old after a while lol.
I’d use the toning sticks to play fetch with my shih tzus, it’d be pretty comical to watch them try to pick them up.
i can use the toning sticks as a roller massage for my feet
I haven’t ever commented before, but I have been reading your blog for several years now. I like the new format.
I would use the toning sticks to distract my 2 year-old and Zumba with my 8 year-old. We need more female bonding! 🙂
I would LOVE to have this kit…I’ve heard so many great reviews about Zumba but I’ve always been afraid to join the class at the gym…
I love me some Zumba! But the toning sticks?? I’d use them to entertain my granddaughters as we Zumba’d away!
I might use those toning sticks, when they’re not being used to tone of course (!), to beat saltines into crumbly submission before I bread fish with them. Or to tamp down laundry in the hamper to make room for another pair of socks. Or to gently tap a latin rhythm on the arm of my leather couch while obsessing about Zumba. Or to destroy my laptop when it reboots of it’s own accord.
I will use the toning sticks to smash the DVD’s if I can’t learn how to do Zumba… 🙂 Either that or use them to crush oreos to put in my ice cream, er, strawberries in my frozen yogurt!
Awesome I love zumba!
This looks like a lot of fun! I think I would put the toning sticks in the freezer to remind to stay out of the ice cream!
I would use the toning sticks to prop up my windows during the spring. You know, spring cleaning you have to let fresh air, into the house!
Seriously, I would love to win this set. I have no rhythm, this would be the perfect opportunity for me to develop some, before entering a class room full of people!
I would whack my brother in the head with them. Whatchoo gonna do about it?
I have 5 kids. I’m now very fat. I could use the Toning Sticks to fend the kids off as I stuff my face…. or actually use them for their intended purpose. I could use the pretense that they’re fancy Nunchucks to create my own personal space to do my Zumba.
Did I mention some of them are teenagers? Perhaps the Toning Sticks would have dual purposes in my house 🙂
My gym offers yoga during the weekdays in the morning, but I’m working. I went everyday over Thanksgiving and Christmas. I loved it!
I would use it as a chew toy for my brand new puppy and then teach her how to fetch it for fun.
I’ve always wanted to try Zumba. A friend of mine has this DVD set too and likes it but I was put off by the high price tag. I’d let my one and half year old son play w/the toning sticks. He has a foam sword he likes to use by chasing his father around the house. I think the toning sticks would help give him an advantage since my husband a has a black belt in aikido.
How about as rolling pins to make sugar cookies? Maybe that would be self-defeating, though…
Oh man, my sister is all over Zumba, but I took a class a couple of times and felt hopeless. And I took the class for older people at that! Maybe if I could master a few of the moves, I could do better in a live class. Maybe.
If I win, I’m willing to give it a try!
As for the toning sticks, I think I’ll use them to wake up my husband in the morning. Or maybe I can shake them at my cat to discourage her from escaping out the door, since she’s an indoor cat only. Not much scares her though.
WAIT! I know, I will use them to roll my feet on, the perfect exercise for my plantar fasciitis!
Those toning stick would be perfect toys for my two year old daughter! Just think of all the noise she could make with them!
I’ve been meaning to try a zumba class, but haven’t actually looked for a class… The toning sticks? They would be perfect for my 3yo to use when he does my dumbbell routine with me. 3# weights are just a tad too heavy for him at times. 🙂
My friend keeps wanting me to do Zumba at her gym with her. I am way too self-conscious to go in and dancercize in front of strangers. I would LOVE to practice at home first.
Creative Use of toning sticks: To hold my cookbook open on the counter, or roll out the sore muscles in my legs and back!
I already know my kid would use them for drum sticks and stuff I can’t even imagine…
I would use them to throw at my sons if they laugh at me while I’m doing the zamba.
I’ve been wanting to try to Zumba too! but the price was not budget friendly…it sounds like fun, especially having Bruno in your head.
I would use the toning sticks to wake up my mother in the morning! putting a little excitement in your am routine.
Maybe the toning sticks would be good to pulverize some mint for mojitos. Only to be enjoyed after the Latin Zumba experience of course.
I have used Zumba for Wii and it’s been fun but a great workout but not easy. lol The girls on the game has the same pant leg rolled up in the game too. I always wonder how it stays up. I would use the toning(maracas) sticks to walk around behind my kids shaking them to annoy them like they love to annoy me with their noisy toys lol
Lisa B
My husband does p90x and that’s just killing me when I do it I was thinking that this would be a better fit for me. From your review – which was very detailed n great it sounds like it would be a great fit for me. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
It’s been awhile since I tried Zumba – I loved it when I did it, and would love to get back into it. After which I’d use the toning sticks to massage out the complaining muscles that I’m sure would follow the workout…
I haven’t Zumba-ed in years and have been meaning to get back. I would use the sticks as rods for drying creatively made pasta.
As someone with two left feet, I wanna win this…so maybe I can get some groove and not look like a total spaz when dancing with my girlfriends who have some seriously sweet moves.
I tried Zumba at my local gym but the instructor is Russian and she also wears the one pant leg rolled up. I couldn’t understand her and the pant leg bugged me. Then again so did her thong sticking out her pants and her Hello Kitty socks. Strange.
I would use the toning sticks as crutches after Zumba officially kicks my ass!