Bay Meadows

Meet Cat Lopez, well known Zumba instructor in the Bay Area.  We were so excited when one of our residents introduced us to Cat.  Cat is a Project Manager by day and a Zumba instructor in her spare time.  On August 3^rd we are thrilled to introduce her to Bay Meadows for our August Rubbing Elbows Zumba Class.  We welcome all of our Bay Meadows residents and invite our friends in the community to join.  Cat will get you sweating and dancing…all with a smile. (Find class details here!)

Q: What inspired you to teach Zumba in your spare time?

I’ve always loved to dance, ever since I was a little girl.  I never had any opportunity to go to school for it or anything like that– it’s just something that’s always been a passion of mine.  I’ve tried many different forms of exercises and Zumba was the first one that helped me maintain my weight in addition to building my stamina and endurance because it’s non-stop for an hour!

Q: How do you describe Zumba to someone that has never heard of it? 

I would say that it’s NOT a dance class, even though we do dance steps in the class.  I like to describe it as a “cardio workout where you happen to dance around.”   A dance class to me is working on a specific routine, with complicated choreography.  A Zumba routine consists of easy steps; usually no more than five.  Because you do the same steps in the same parts of the songs, it’s pretty easy to remember the choreography and follow along.

Q: What if I am uncoordinated can I still get the same results doing Zumba?

Absolutely!  This is one of my most favorite things about Zumba.  You don’t have to be a dancer to enjoy and love it.  As long as you can move side to side, front to back and mind your space, you’ll do just fine.  I’ve had many students in my class that claim to be “uncoordinated” but have shed some pounds because they are constantly moving around.  That’s what it’s about — smiling and having fun!

Q: Are all Zumba Classes the same?

I would say no, because that’s what I’ve been told.  Even though I’m a dancer, I’m an athlete first.  So, my approach to Zumba is more athletic, rather than danc’y-arts’y.  My goal is for everyone to walk out of there soaking in sweat!

Q: Name 3 favorite songs, artists or CDs that pair perfectly with Zumba?

Without a doubt, Jennifer Lopez (JLo) is the Queen of Zumba songs!  Most of her songs are PERFECT for Zumba classes.  The beats are great, the speed is just right (for my class, that is), she’s got a good mix of “old” and “new” sound as well.

Lightening round… Fire away

Zumba makes me want to travel to BRAZIL or HAWAII … somewhere exotic and tropical!             Favorite Latin cuisine on the Peninsula: Sixto’s Cantina  Great food and margaritas! Passionate people inspires me.    Three words to describe San Mateo: Warm, Cozy and a Community

Walkscore.com rates Bay Meadows high on the list for walkable locations to live on the San Francisco Peninsula and for good reason! Bay Meadows has a high Walkscore because it is steps from shopping, groceries, parks, Caltrain, a farmer’s market and a few short miles from downtown San Mateo with its bourgeoning restaurant scene. Check out our Mosey suggestions for more places to explore on foot!