Zumba® with Melissa

If you are reading this, you are either a Zumba fanatic making your Xmas lists or a relative, friend, or partner to a Zumba fanatic.  You have probably spent countless hours thinking about that perfect gift.  Think no more.  I am armed and ready to break down some of the hottest gifts for the dance and fitness enthusiast.

It's a combination of the Zumba DVD's and a Live class all wrapped into one with one goal in mind . . . SWEAT and SHAKE.  I played the game on the Wii.  It works with a belt that you strap your Wii remote onto and it sense's your movements.  The game guides you through 30 or so routines with songs led by our Zumba superstars: Beto Perez, Tanya Beardsley, and Gina Grant.  It's pretty awesome to see how similar or identical most of the routines are to the ones instructors do in class.  This is great because someone who has never taken a class and buys the video game WILL get a similar workout in regards to calories burned if you do an hours worth.  30 songs is definitely a good amount as well.  You can mix, match and customize your workouts or use it as a party icebreaker and have your friends join in.

Likes:  Loads of fun, Great music, Similar choreography to live class

Dislikes: Graphics could have been better, needs more Tanya B and Gina G (just love them), sensor belt kept falling off

I don't consider myself the biggest Michael Jackson fan but I love this game.  The music is amazing and the dance moves make you sweat and ask for more.  This is a must have for any dance enthusiast.  It's packed with Michael's hits including "Thriller," "Billie Jean," "Smooth Criminal," and 23 more awesome songs.  I couldn't get over how addicting the game was.  Every time I finished a song, I wanted to continue to the next. Up to four people can play the game together.  You can dance with Michael or as a backup dancer.  The moves can either be similar or completely different depending on the song.  This allows for more game time.  I can't give this game enough praise.  The choreography is fun and easy enough to follow.  The Dance School breaks down the moves for you, and the design, graphics and look and feel are perfect.  

Likes:  Choreography is great, dance school is a perfect way for that Zumba enthusiast to incorporate some moves in his/her classes, song selection 

Dislikes: Would have been nice to have the full music videos to watch, holding on to Wii remote isn't very comfortable

Whether the person you are buying a gift for is an instructor or just a student fanatic, there is something at the Zumba.com shop that will put a smile on their face.  The new winter gear rocks and Zumba has brought back the ever so popular Zumba Samba pants.  Yes, the funky colored, windbreaker-looking pants with strings all over.  They are TO DIE FOR.   At the Zumba Convention, people were waiting in line for hours to get a hold of those pants.  I purchased mine a size too large because I just needed a pair.

Other ideas from Zumba shop:

- The Headliner Top:  It's long sleeved, purple and screams the 80's  (I'm wearing it on my profile picture)

- Promotional Materials:  A Banner to promote classes is a must have for any instructor

- Zumba accessories:  Water bottles, earrings, totes, wristbands and more.  These little accessories will make any fanatics day

As I mentioned before, the sneaker will make or break your workout.  Stop by a local sneaker store and speak to the sales person.  Sneaker styles and functions vary and its important for anyone doing Zumba to have a shoe thats light, comfortable, and stable.  We don't want anyone twisting their ankles or hurting their knees.  I love the Nike Huarache but that's just my choice.  There are definitely many more styles that are comparable.  

That's all!  Hope it was helpful.  I extend my best wishes to you and yours this Holiday season.  Many blessings into the New Year.