I could probably write a whole book about the different characters in a Zumba class, but I’ll just start with this post.
As most of my close friends and family know, I’ve become a little bit of a Zumba addict in recent years. Like, I attend a bunch of different ones, at different gyms, and even if I’m traveling, I have to get a temporary membership to a local gym that offers a Zumba class. I do other activities at the gym too, such as kickboxing, but a good Zumba class will take me to my happy place every time.
In almost every single Zumba class I’ve attended, I’ve noticed a trend of the same different characters. I don’t know which one of these I fall into, but take a look at this list and tell me if any of these seem familiar to you.
7 characters you’ll find in every Zumba class:
The Performer
This is the girl you swear is trying out for her own fitness video. She’s uber high energy, staring in the mirror, throwing in extra steps that even the instructor doesn’t know, and just overall – doing THE MOST. She does get the best workout in the class, though.
The Space Invader
This is the girl who more than likely has never taken a formal dance class in her entire life because she clearly does not know what it means to stay on your X. She starts out standing too close to you and knowing that you’re going to want to swing an arm or two, you politely move over – only to find her back under your armpit 2 minutes into a routine. I get it…sometimes a Zumba class gets pretty crowded, but there’s no reason for us to be nearly dirty dancing after every turn. In fact, an actual quote from the movie Dirty Dancing is appropriate here – “This is my dance space. This is your dance space. I don’t go into yours, you don’t go into mine!”
The Girl Who Is Clearly Dancing To Another Song
I think it’s mean to say that someone has absolutely no rhythm, so we’ll just say she’s dancing to another song…in her head…while making up her own dance moves….that don’t actually exist. You get the point. You have to purposely avoid looking at her during Zumba class to keep from getting off beat too. However, you respect her for bravely sticking through the class and showing that it’s all about having fun.
The Hype Girl
Not be confused with the Performer, this girl is not about doing all of the moves perfectly. Rather, she is the one who has made it her personal mission to keep the Zumba class hyped up and energetic. She is fun and outgoing with loud bursts of “Yeah,” “Uh huh,” Get it, girl,” and “Owww” sounds throughout every routine. She keeps you motivated and dancing harder than ever, and let’s face it, who doesn’t need a hype girl in their life?
The Sexy Seductress
This girl could take or leave the actual cardio aspect of the class, but she absolutely nails every hip roll, gyration, or booty shake. There’s a part of you that wants to be catty and remind her that this is not a pole dancing class, but that’s really just the same part of you that’s secretly wondering how great her sex life must be.
The Girl That Didn’t Realize This Was A Cardio Class
Now, this could be the Sexy Seductress, but it could also be the girl who’s a little out of shape and thought a Zumba class was not going to be a real workout. 5 minutes into the class, she’s complaining about how hard it is and asking the instructor to take it easier on the class. You feel her pain because you haven’t always been in such great shape, but you’re also annoyed because you’re there to work. So, when she packs up and leaves halfway through the class, you feel relieved that you’re finally gonna break a sweat.
The Single Guy
You still haven’t figured out this guy’s deal. He’s the only guy in the Zumba class, he doesn’t actually know anyone there, but he does most of the steps except for the sexy ones. You wonder if he’s just a guy trying to get in shape or if he’s there to pick up girls. Only time will tell.
while I have yet to take a zumba class I have heard my friends talk about how fun and crazy it is
You should try it. It’s a lot of fun and really good cardio!
LOL…this is spot on! specially the single guy 🙂
Haha!!!:) I would love to try Zumba but I KNOW I would be the girl dancing to another song…terrible, terrible dancer here!!!:)
You forgot me. The gay man who was born to dance and is too old to continue his career as a cruise ship dancer.
Awesome, Bob! I’d love to have you join my Zumba class!
This is hilarious! I think I need to add “try a zumba class” to my to-do list now.
This is so funny…I could never keep up and had to leave after 30 “……….
Yep, that sounds about right.
LOL. Why IS it that there is always only one guy in Zumba?
I wonder the same thing! And it’s not always the same guy, but it’s always only one. You’d think they’d want to bring a friend. lol
Haha this is hilarious and so true! I may, or may not be, the performer 😡 haha
I think I’m the performer sometimes too! Haha
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, my rhythm is 2-3 on a good day. So yeah, I’m the girl who looks like she’s dancing to another song. LOL
Lol. Seriously, it really is all about having fun!
I have been doing zumba for years and never once has there been a guy in class – and I go to 4 classes a week 🙂
I have never done Zumba but this sounds like a lot like when I did exercises classes at a gym. This was years ago.
Hahah I’ve never been to any zumba classes but they sure seem fun! I’d have to try them out
I think there’s always one of these people in every class! Lol. I think it’s going to be entertaining but what if you’re the one on the list, ah! That’s going to be a fear of mine from now on!
HAHA! This is hilarious and true 🙂 I think you find all of these in lots of different aerobic classes too.
Love it! My long time friend from school teaches zumba classes every week at our local gym. she looks amazing coz of it. Will def share this with her.
Hahahahahaha, so flipping true for any dance fitness class!
I love these characters. You nailed every single one in here. It’s really spot on.
I think I got all the characters lols. Now I miss attending Zumba classes.