I am not one of those people who loves working out. I’m always busy. I’m usually tired. And on those rare occasions when I have a chunk of time to myself, my favorite way to spend it is on the couch with a cup of tea and that book I’ve been trying to finish for four months. Finding time for fitness can be a challenge, especially since I’m a work-at-home mom who squeezes as much productivity into early mornings and nap times as possible.
But can I tell you something? Last week I got a copy of the new Zumba Fitness 2 Wii game and ever since that day, whenever the munchkin goes down for his nap, I dance in the living room for 30 minutes. Then I force myself to stop working out so I can get other things done before nap time is over. I can hardly believe it. I’ve been working out and liking it.
Zumba is not a new thing to me. When the munchkin was born I lost the majority of my pregnancy weight with the first Zumba Wii game. I fell off the bandwagon after several months of playing the game, mostly because we moved to a new state and I was figuring out this whole “working from home while taking care of a toddler” thing. I just got out of the habit and it’s so hard to get back into working out once you’ve stopped. But then the stars aligned because I heard there was a new Zumba game and the generous folks over at Majesco offered to send me a copy of it for review. It was like some divine force was saying “Ari, get back in shape. You are out of excuses.”
Checkmate.
I loved the first Zumba video game but the new Zumba 2 fitness game is way, way better. One of my only problems with the first game was how uninteresting the graphics were: the instructors didn’t have faces, the background was kinda blah, and there weren’t any of the interactive Wii incentives that are part of so many other games. Nevertheless, I thought the game was great because the workouts were fun and set to catchy music.
Zumba 2 feels like a totally different game. As you can see in the image above, the instructors are now fully fleshed out: from their facial features to their outfits (which you can change), each one has a unique personality. In addition, you can choose from 5 different background environments, each of which has other Zumba dancers in the background.
Using the Zumba Fitness 2 is easy as pie and just as addictive. An exercise belt is included with the game and after selecting your workout routine/song, you simply place the Wii controller in the belt pocket. Then you dance hands free, following the onscreen dancer as if they were your mirror image. You can choose to dance to a single song, dance to a customized playlist, do a Zumba class or host a Zumba party. The classes are 20, 45 or 60 minutes long while the parties allow up to 3 other people to play the game with you. There is also a tutorial section where you can learn the steps. Altogether, there are 20 dance styles and 32 new routines with varying difficulty levels (low, medium and high intensity).
Two of my favorite additions are the progress tracker and the inclusion of new dance styles. The tracker not only shows you how well you’re doing (the screen lights up during game play when you dance especially well) but also shows you how many calories you’ve burned at the end of each routine. It calculates this number based upon your height/weight/age, which are entered into the game when you setup your profile. In terms of new dance styles, in addition to Latin you can now get your groove on to Bollywood, Hip-Hop and Bellydance style moves, among others. Right now my favorite routine is a Hip Hop dance set to Yolanda Be Cool’s remix of Pitbull’s “We No Speak Americano.”
I could keep going on about how much fun I’m having with this game, but I think you get the idea. And if you’re wondering whether these Wii dance routines are a good workout let me tell you, within 20 minutes I was not only working up a sweat but I was sore the next day. My biggest problem as I get back into my workout routine with Zumba Fitness 2 is not overdoing it – I want to keep playing the game but I know I have to slowly increase my fitness level. So hard!
You can learn more about Zumba Fitness 2 for Wii at the official website.
Want to Win a Copy of Zumba Fitness 2?
If you own a Wii and want to give Zumba a try I have good news: you can win a copy of this fabulous game! There are 2 ways to enter.
1. Leave a comment on this post and tell us about your experience with Zumba. If you haven’t done Zumba before, share why you want to try it.
2. Like this post on Facebook. (Please use this link!)
The winner will be randomly selected and posted on this page when Sweet Happy Life reaches 500 likes on Facebook!
Happy holidays & don’t forget about the $200 Visa gift card giveaway, which will end when Sweet Happy Life’s Facebook page reaches 1,000 likes!
Winner!
Congrats to Amanda who won a Zumba Fitness 2 for Wii with comment number “237″.
The winner was randomly drawn at 11:27PM on 12/16/2011 when Sweet Happy Life’s Facebook page reached over 500 likes!
In order to determine where the winner’s name was located I assigned the number 1 to comments here on this post and the number 2 to Facebook likes. The random number generator at Random.org chose #1.
Of course, my commenting system chose THAT EXACTLY MOMENT to start displaying only odd numbers next to comments. Gah! So I decided ahead of time to add +1 if the random number generator gave me an even number out of the “253″ comments. Which it did.
After adding 1 to 236, comment “237″ was the winner. At 11:27PM Amanda had that comment!
Congrats Amanda! Please send me your mailing address so I can send your new game off to you!
Thanks to everyone who participated and don’t forget – there’s still a $200 gift card up for grabs!
I’ve never tried Zumba. I completely lack the grace and coordination (and rhythm) required for dancing. Being able to try this out, in the privacy of my own home, would be fantastic! Then maybe I could go to those Zumba classes everyone raves about with no shame :)
I’ve got some holiday weight and I need a good shake your body workout to get rid of it. Plus I’m old and don’t get to dance in public anymore! :) Thanks for opportunity to win!
I liked this post on facebook!
I think it just looks like fun and something I would actually enjoy!
This would be the best excuse to get my wii out and start having fun!!!! I live in a small country town and the nearest class is almost 2 hours away – with a toddler it wouldnt even possible to attend even once a week, this game would let me do it when ever I wanted (love the tip about doing it when bub is asleep!!).
I’ve only taken one actual zumba class, but it was super fun! I loved watching an older crowd jukin on hip-hop! I have a Wii, but I should admit it doesn’t get played much lately–the games are so fun at first, but easily lose their appeal. I think I’d really like the activity tracker on zumba II. :)
never tried zumba…. but your post here really makes me wanna give it a try!
I’ve been wanting to try Zumba. The closest has been a demo I downloaded for the 360. I love the Wii dancing games as a way to get moving while having fun. I tell my teen when I have the top scores, as it encourages her to do better & then I can just beat her again. I might be a little competitive :D
I’ve never tried Zumba before but I have a Wii and this looks like a lot of fun!
I have the first Zumba game and have had so much fun with it. Winning the second one would be awesome!
I liked the post on Facebook!
I’ve been so curious about Zumba, and really need some inspiration to get moving. This sounds great!
Ive never tried Zimbabwe, but all of my friends rave about it. I’d rather get the hang of it in my own home though before going and shaking it in public:)
Zumba*
I love Zumba at the gym…its so motivational! I haven’t tried it at home, but would love to be able to use Zumba on my Wii!
I tried Zumba last time I visited my mother. Loved the game, but found it somewhat buggy, as it had trouble reading our movements. It sounds like Zumba 2 is much more advanced and I’d love to try it!
I’ve never tried Zumba before, but I hear people talking about it at my gym.
I’ve never tried Zumba. My step-mom does it twice a week and loves it. I’m p or anything that makes me feel more like I’m dancing than exercising. :)
I liked this on FB. (Julie Espy)
I’ve never done Zumba but I’ve heard really good reviews about it. My sister has the first Zumba game and she says she gets a great workout from it.
DD is getting a Wii for Channukah, with the Nick-Jr. workout and balance board. What could be better than a workout for Imah? After all the sufghaniyot and latke I’ll be needing something!
I have been trying to decide whether or not to buy this game. Your review pushes it to the ‘to’ field…. if I don’t win :)
Ive never tried zumba but I’ve heard its a lot of fun. I definitely need something to motivate me into losing the baby weight.
I have been wondering how this game was… Adding it to my Christmas list base on your glowing recommendation!
I’ve never done Zumba but love dancing on my own. I think it looks like such fun and KNOW that dancing is a great form of exercise!
I would love to win this. I just got laid off and can’t afford to take classes. My son has a Wii so this would be perfect. Keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed) Merry Christmas.
When they offer Zumba at my workplace, I love to do it, but it has been awhile, and with bike riding season (outdoors) coming to a close in New England, this would be fun to try!
I have not tried ZUMBA yet. But, I love to dance. Working long hours at a desk job has let me become very sedentary. ZUMBA – Bring It!!
After having triplets, I need to shed pounds and tone! Doing so in the privacy of my tv room would be awesome, plus convienient!
I have always wanted to try Zumba but I have been too embarrassed to do it at a gym having no experience. This game would be perfect because I could learn the steps in the privacy of my own home with no one to laugh at me besides my husband. :)
This sounds like a great way to lose weight. I’ve been trying the conventional gym and 45 minutes just for cardio before your actual workout gets not only boring but who has the time? Would love to experience something quicker and more fun!
We have the Zumba DVDs and they kick my behind not to mention make me sweat. I would love to try it on the wii to see if I am actually doing the moves correctly and getting all the benefits from the workouts that I can.
My daughter and I have gone to Zumba classes at our local Y. It would be great fun to let loose in our own home too with the Wii;)
I love Zumba! They offer classes at my gym, but not every night…I’d love to have the Wii version so I could be able to do Zumba anytime I want!
My niece, who is an exercise fanatic, posted that Zumba Fitness 2 kicked her butt.
i have a friend who loves zumba so i’d love to try it. thank you!!
I am a zumba instructor and got certified June 10 and love it. It has saved my life. I have thyroid issues and was pushing 215 before I got pregnant with my youngest a 1 1/2 ago and then after I had him I started Zumba a month later. I love to dance so this was my kind of working out. I had no energy, I had chest pains, and felt sick a ll the time but was a stay at home mom and needed to be well for my kids. So I started eating right and doing Zumba twice a week. I have now lost 55 pounds and went from an 18 to a size 10. I teach Zumba 5 days a week now and love it and would love to eventually open a fitness place full of different types of Zumba classes, and even get my 20 year old certified, but just have not had the funds to do so. We have 5 children though that love to join in and would love this for their wii. Natasha wight
oops I mesnt to say 1 1/2 years ago I had my youngest! sorry for the typo
I’ve never tried Zumba, I’m somewhat uncoordinated and don’t want to look ridiculous ;-) This would be a fabulous way to try it! Thanks for the opportunity! Our Wii is one of our family’s favorite things!
I absolutely LOVE Zumba! I have the first game and would love to win the second game!
I first started doing Zumba at my gym. I’m not big on group exercise classes…I get embarrassed. But I had such a blast doing Zumba that I showed up religiously every week. I had to quit the gym, but got the first Zumba Wii game and love it. I’ve been wondering about the second one. Sounds great! Would love to win it! :)
I would love to try Zumba because I’ve heard so many good things about it!
My mom does zumba and she said its really fun. I haven’t tried it and if I can do it in the comfort of my own home with no one watching me, then I’ll try it.
I have never actually tried Zumba before. I would love to get this though! I am also a work-at-home mom and by the time nap time for my boy comes around, I usually put off working out (I have Just Dance that I use to workout now). Zumba sounds like the kick in the pants I need to get back in shape!
I LOVE Zumba. Before I got married, I belonged to a gym with the best Zumba instructor possibly ever – Theresa. She had us rocking out to Rihanna, Shakira, Missy Elliot – fantastic stuff. After the wedding, I moved to live with my husband (obviously) and left the gym behind (an hour away). I have yet find an instructor half as awesome – or a gym worth joining (what gym doesn’t have Zumba? Honestly?). This Wii game would seriously change my life, I would LOVE it. LOVE IT.
I haven’t tried Zumba before because I don’t have a babysitter to watch the kids while I leave the house. I would love to try it on the Wii so that I could do it at naptime!
I’ve always heard so many good things about Zumba and how fun it is. I could definitely use it. I desperately need to find some sort of exercise that I actually like to do.
I love to dance and need the flexibility of working out when I can as a stay at home mom. Wanting to try it!
I have three boys and no extra time to run to the gym. I would love to win this game so I could zumba before they wake up in the morning or after they go to bed at night. I really need to get in shape so I can keep up with them. Zumba would be the perfect way.
I love Zumba. Just doesn’t feel like you’re working out! It’s so much fun.
I have never done Zumba, but I’ve seen people doing it and it looks so fun!
I started Zumba with two of my friends about a month and we love it. What a great workout!! Would love to win the new game!!!!
Lori
lthomas3@insightbb.com
Can’t wait to try Zumba it sounds so exciting.
I’ve never done zumba but always wanted to try it. A lot if people I know do it and love it just never have the time or money
I am desperately wanting to try Zumba on the Wii. I would love to go take a live class but would like to get into the groove on the wii first to avoid falling on my butt in front of 50 people LOL plus my 10 yr old daughter and I could do this together. We are both video game addicts ;)
Love zumba! You move so much and it doesn’t feel like a chore.
Highly recommend you try aqua zumba!
If Zumba is anything like Jazzeersize of ald… I’d like to get the hang of it in PRIVATE! My Momma didn’t call me Grace for a reason :)
Would love to get this! Went to a Zumba class and loved it! Now I am a stay at home mom of two little girls and no longer have time to myself! I could do this well they are napping!
Like you I am also not one of those people who loves to work out and
when I do have time I am also usually tired and end up on the couch. Lol
However, I would love to become one of those people who love to work
out! I was able to try the first zumba (dvd) and even though I found
some of it a little difficult it was fun trying it with my two daughters
(ages 5 & 10) I wish we lived closer to a gym that offered a class
but we live way out in the country! lol So this would be perfect! I
would love to have this for not only me but for me & my daughters!!
It’s something that could benefit me & at the same time still be
able to spend fun quality time with my two girls!!
A win win!! :)
Thank you for the opportunity!
I have never done Zumba before and would really like to give it a try. I am a runner but with the weather getting colder now, I would like to have another option available. Thanks so much!
I’ve wanted to try Zumba, but I’m too embarrassed to try it at the gym! The wii game sounds fun!!
Like you I am also not one of those people who loves to work out and
when I do have time I am also usually tired and end up on the couch. Lol
However, I would love to become one of those people who love to work
out! I was able to try the first zumba (dvd) and even though I found
some of it a little difficult it was fun trying it with my two daughters
(ages 5 & 10) I wish we lived closer to a gym that offered a class
but we live way out in the country! lol So this would be perfect! I
would love to have this for not only me but for me & my daughters!!
It’s something that could benefit me & at the same time still be
able to spend fun quality time with my two girls!!
A win win!! :)
Thank you for the opportunity!
Zumba is on my list of things to try soon…if only I can find the time.
Zumba is a great way to get in shape by shakin’ it and having fun! One instructor I have says, “you don’t have to get all the choreography right, you just have to have fun and keep moving!!!” :) I’d love to win this!!! If I do, I’m giving it to my sister who has Zumba 2 on her Wish List for Christmas…even though I’d love to keep it for myself. ;)
I’ve always wanted to try it but I could never get up the guts to go and work out with others (I’m seriously overweight and a little “dance move” challenged ) But something like this I would love!! It would give me a chance to work on the moves. Plus, It sounds like a lot of fun and my kids would probably enjoy it with me. :)
I tried Zumba at my gym and wasn’t comfortable because I didn’t know the moves. I would love to do this in my home!
I have the 1st Zumba. I love it! It is so fun, easy and a great workout! I have been eyeballing Zumba 2, as a Christmas present to myself. I am also want to order the Zumba DVD sets from the infomercials.
The only time I tried Zumba was on QVC! Almost bought it as a today’s special value, but then changed my mind; wasn’t sure if I wanted the whole set and pay all that money. Looks fun, and I know my daughter & I would have fun doing it on the Wii
I’ve never tried Zumba, but I think it would be a fun way to “sneak in” exercise. (I need it! Just ask my unused elliptical machine!)
I love Zumba! I’ve been doing it for about 5 months. Such a fun way to work up a sweat. And it doesn’t matter at all your size or age. You just get out and start moving and have fun.
I have never tried Zumba but your post makes it sound so promising. I am over 200lbs so working out for me is very difficult. I am too embarrassed to go to the gym at this point. I deffinately need to do something and regain control of my health. I would love to try this on my WII……
I love Zumba! I used to go to Zumba workouts at my local gym but I moved to the middle of nowhere. I hate exercising, but I love dancing, and Zumba was the perfect way to stay healthy. It definitely IS for everyone, there were 7 year old little girls in the class, pregnant women, men, women over 60, it’s wonderful! Can I please please please win this Zumba Fitness 2 for Wii? I’ve never tried it on the Wii!
I have the first game for the wii, and it’s super fun but frustrating b/c the controller doesn’t recognize all of the dance moves you’re doing.
I ‘liked’ your link on facebook!
I just started Zumba a couple of months ago and am addicted. I have no time to go out and dance but now can dance at home!
I like the link on fb.
I need a fun way to get in shape!!!!!!!
I’m one of those busy Moms too and often, my exercise consists of an impromptu ‘dance party’ in the kitchen with my three year old son while making my five month old giggle at my moves. I would love some Zumba to teach me a few new tricks!!
I tried Zumba once by trying the DVD’s…I looked like a complete idiot and was glad no one witnessed how uncoordinated I must’ve looked. I’d love to give it another try with Zumba Fitness 2.
I have never done zumba but have heard from several friends that is is a great time. Would love to try it out!
I did Zumba for the first time during Thanksgiving break. My mom has been doing it for a few years and has lost a ton of weight. It made me feel a lot better about all the pie I had been eating! I usually walk for exercise, but with the weather getting colder, I would love to have something to do inside!!
I’ve not tried Zumba before. I need to start exercise and living a healthier life. I would love to try Zumba from home!
I liked the Facebook post.
First of all, I am so happy that I found your new site. I use to follow you over at Baking and Books. I was missing all your yummy recipes!!!
I’ve only ever been to Zumba classes at my gym but with the addition of some newer classes, the Zumba is getting moved around on the schedule to times that are not good for me. I’ve been curious what the Wii game is like and have heard good things from some friends that use it. Would love to try it out!!
Heading over to your Facebook page to Like!
Never tried Zumba, but my English professor loves it & says we should all give it a try.
Haven’t tried Zumba, but would love to!
I’ve taken some classes at a local church and enjoyed it!
My daughter has tried Zumba classes in collee and tells me I would love it. I’m looking for some way to start exercising, get back into shape and hold off “old age” and this might just be the way to do it!
I have taken “Cardio Party” at my school gym which replaced Zumba. It’s a lot of work, but fun and my daughter loves when I come home and do the dances with her. Plus they use really hot music
I have never tried Zumba, and would be a bit intimidated taking it in a gym, but at home I would feel more comfortable, this definitely sounds doable for me!
I have never done Zumba and with my body I will NOT be doing so unless it’s in my own living room. LOL I REALLY need to do much more than I am doing now and would be thrilled to win this and maybe I can get hubby to do it with me since I’d be taking over his tv set in the living room where the game systems are all set up. :)
Anyone knows who sings” I know you like it” from zumba 2?
I really want to try this! I love dancing and working out with the wii!
I’ve never done a Zumba workout before, but I think it would be a fun way to get a cardio workout in during the winter when it’s so cold outside.
I have never tried Zumba before. I do lots of other workouts and ready to bring some fun into my workouts! :)
I love zumba and go 3-4 times a week to the YMCA but would love to do it at home because my son loves dancing but is too young to go to the class with me. He would love dancing with mom at home.
I would love this! My 4th baby is due in feb. And it would be much easier to make time for zumba at home rather than making it to the gym! I could zumba in the morning before they all get up!
I haven’t tried it before but it looks like it would be fun & keep me engaged unlike so many other workout videos/games.
I haven’t tried Zumba but I am about to have my 4th child and would be interested to try it after my recovery.
I liked the post on fb
I have not tried zumba but I keep seeing the commercial for this Wii game and it looks super fun!
I want to try Zumba!
Ive never tried zumba. I’ve heard its a lot of fun but I’m too uncoordinated enough to try it in public
i’ve never tried it but i love to dance so i’m sure i’d love this!
I love Zumba! I’ve struggled with my weight every since I can remember. I’m 20 years old now and would love to get in shape for spring break! I’ve used a few Zumba DVDs and they’ve helped tremendously. It’s fun and doesn’t even feel like you’re working out!
I’ve never tried Zumba and am struggling to lose the baby weight….. I would love to try it out, when I was younger clubbing and dancing was what I did to stay fit. C’mon 7 more likers!!!! =)
I tried zumba for the first time with my mom at Thanksgiving. It was fun, though the non-verbal directing still baffles me a bit – why non-verbal?
I have never tried zumba but I’ve heard it’s tons of fun and a great workout!
My only experience with Zumba is listening to the awesome music in the corridor of the local school after my weightloss classes let out. I always thought I’d picked the wrong class!
I’ve taken one Zumba class because I had a coupon for a free class. It was fun. I would love to win this! I’m currently losing weight doing video (down 22 lbs!). I’m dying to try a Zumba game!
I went to a class and felt like an idiot, so doing this in the privacy of my own home, is right up my alley!
love to dance tried it once was fun
fb fan
My daughter and I have been talking about getting this to start working out to when we have the money. Winning this would be fantastic.
I zumba atleast 3 times a week at the gym, it is my love! I would love to get this game so I can zumba when I cant make it to the gym! :)
I would love to try Zumba out cause it looks like a fun way to get some exercise (esp during the winter) and with the wii I don’t have to embarrass myself at a class!!!
I have never tried Zumba but want to because everyone I know that has tried it absolutely loves it!
I have no experience with Zumba but would love to win since I’m due in 2 weeks with our first bundle of joy and have managed to gain 70 lbs.
I would love to try Zumba!
My sister is a Zumba instructor, but I am way too self conscious in her classes, I would prefer to do it a home
I like the post on FB under Lisa Berkery.
I’ve never tried Zumba and would love it. Currently, I’m doing all the Just Dance Wii games and would love to try something new!
I have never tried Zumba, but my daughter loves it. She had 2 babies in 2 years and swears the only thing that worked with the baby weight was Zumba.
I’ve never tried Zumba, but am motivated with the Dance Party series from Wii…I’d love to try this, as I need to drop some weight!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I haven’t done it before, but my daughter homeschools and we need the activity, even if we can’t leave the house due to her medical condition.
When we had our gym membership, I tried out a Zumba class. It was very hard for me, but I did like it! We had to give up the membership, so I think a Zumba “game” for the Wii would be a great alternative! What a nice giveaway (and review). :)
I really NEED Zumba in my life!! Haven’t tried it but I want to. Pick me to win pleeeaaaase!
I haven’t tried Zumba, but it seems to be popular….and I do have a Wii..
I’ve never tried Zumba, but have always wanted to. We have a Wii and I’d love to give it a try!
Would love to try Zumba! Would be a great way to get my post-baby weight off. :)
I want to win this so I can give it to Jennifer Looney Adkins!! :) She is such a busy Momma and I think this would give her an amazing opportunity to wind down and burn off some stress :) Thanks :)!
I’ve never tried Zumba, but my MIL teaches a class and it sounds like something I’d like to try!
I would like to try this. We are getting a wii for Xmas and I have been wanting to try Zumba. I just can’t fit it into my schedule to leave home and do it elsewhere.
I’m a Zumba instructor & I’m so anxious to try this!!
Ive been wanting to try zumba for a while but didnt want to embarrass my self in the gym! So I avoided it. this is a great opportunity to see if I can hang with the folks at the gym..LOL
I have been taking a Zumba class. So much fun and you get a great workout! It is a great start to my day!
Would love to try this! Finally moving to a house large enough to actually USE my Wii! As for why I want to try Zumba? I spent 9 years dating a guy in a band and that was the best shape I have ever been in! Dance is great exercise and fun!
I have never done Zumba, but need to tone up and can’t afford a gym membership.
I never tried Zumba before but I would love too Try it….I don’t like the way I look very one told me that Zumba is the number one that would help me to lose weight
I have the Original Zumba DVD’s and I love dancing to the routines. However, I fell off of the exercise bandwagon when I suffered an injury that has led to several surgeries to my upper extremeties. I am now able to start again and I have heard so many good things about the Zumba Wii 2 game/exercise game. I would like to try it out someday soon.