Today I’m sharing one of my favorite routines that we’ve dubbed an arm destroyer. The key with this song (And any toning routine really), is to really focus on engaging your arm and shoulder muscles throughout the work phases of the song.
Unfortunately, as I mentioned on Tuesday when I recorded the room was much brighter than I realized, and since I was in bare arms (and my skin is as white as white could possibly be) it’s difficult to see my arms #failwhale. I’ve darkened it as much as I could to make it easier to watch but it’s still pretty hard to see what my arms are doing if you don’t already know. So I’m writing out below the video what my arms are doing and the counts to help anyone who has difficulty seeing. If I record here again, I’ll be sure to wear long sleeves next time!
Also, you’ll notice once again there is no verbal cueing. I find it easier to record this way, though I promise I do cue verbally in classes.
After the basic cumbia/front & back step we move into a side salsa, this is where the work phase for the arms start.
- Right arm does a shoulder press up, 2 counts
- Left arm does a shoulder press up, 2 counts
- Both arms lower down together, 4 counts
- Arms come into a chest fly together, 4 counts
- Back out, 4 counts
- Should rotation down, 4 counts
- Back up, 4 counts
The second and third time we enter the arm work phase, we finish off by repeating the shoulder rotation a few times.
If you are really conscious about engaging your arms/shoulder you should reeeaaaaallllllllyyyyyyy be feeling them burning by the end of this song. If you get to the end of the song and your arms aren’t burning, trust me, you aren’t engaging your muscles. 😉
Anyone wanting to do this or any Zumba Toning routine without toning sticks, you can use any 1-2.5lb hand weights. You can also to them without any weights at all and still improve your muscular endurance. Whoop!