Zumba?

soprano87

Has anyone done Zumba?  Would it be ok for a gal with a wonky low back?

I've heard it's really fun and want to try it, but I need to be sure I stay safe.

Thanks! 

Gigs2000

I take a weekly zumba class and it's a lot of fun!  I think it should be ok for a bad lower back, since there's not much bouncing around or bending.  There is a lot of hip action and some very fast crunch type moves (they're supposed to be really fast but the only person going at the right speed in my class is the instructor) that may affect the back, but I would think the majority of the class would be ok.   

JCS2007

I think you would be ok. I do it weekly as well, and there are all ages and levels of ability (and size) there and everyone just does it to their abilities.  You also might want to talk to the instructor, I know that ours gave my friend tips on how to do movements without causing problems with her ankle that has pins in it.

victoria1212

I take a Zumba class twice a week and mine is pretty high-impact, intense workout with lots of hip and core work. I don't know how wonky your back is but I am not sure I would recommend Zumba to someone with back problems. But, it sounds like classes can vary from place to place. It is super fun but it is a pretty hard workout.

LondonMouse

Zumba is so much fun! In my experience, the instructor just wants you to do the best you can and keep moving. If you can't move your hips as much (which may affect your lower back), don't feel obligated.  My entire spine is fused and I can do just about everything except some of the cool down exercises when she is stretching the back...and some of the hip stuff.

julie5220

In a gym class or a community one?  I go to a community one where it's just 150 people in a fire hall.  There are people doing every level of modification to the moves.  I have a really, really wonky back, and while I was hurting (no surprise-- walking around at Costco makes it hurt) I could adjust as needed. You could stand there and sway and no one would care. 

A class in a gym could go either way-- the instructor could help you modify, or the class might be more exercise-y than dance party, and could be more rigorous.  The community ones are usually first class free, so no commitment to try it.  

soprano87

Thanks for all the responses!

It's a class in a gym, so I'll go early and talk with the instructor.  I'm a yoga instructor, so I largely know how to keep myself safe.  I just don't want to go and not be able to participate, or get overly into it and forget to take care of myself b/c I'm having fun dancing

Seems like fantastic exercise, though! 

cheekywife

definitely talk to the instructor before your first class and if you have any tension/soreness in your back after any classes. i pulled my ACL in college so i always have to talk to the instructor first. i loved my old gym in queens because the instructors i went to regularly would suggest modifications for my knee if they thought it would be potentially risky.

soprano87

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and details about Zumba.  I went yesterday, and I loved it!  It was super fun and kicked my butt a little bit, which is my favorite kind of class.  

I'm hella-sore today, though!  I miss being in shape.  This getting back on the wagon thing is *rough*. 

I'm definitely going back for more Zumba.  Thanks again!