Have you ever attended a Zumba class? If not, it’s a lot of fun with high energy and a lot of latin music. But, you need to be aware that there are many injuries that can occur during a regular class.
The main injuries tend to occur to the knee and ankle joints. This is mainly due to the lateral movements while in class.
How can you have fun and stay injury free? By being aware of your movements and ensuring you are wearing the proper shoes for the floor type. Most Zumba classes are filled to overflowing and instructors are few. At YWCA Hamilton, our instructors are always watching the class to make sure no injuries occur, but, our eyes can’t always be everywhere. You need to keep an eye on what you are doing as well.
If you are on a carpeted floor, you should ensure your shoes are smooth on the bottom as regular running shoes are meant for forward/reverse motions only. The side to side twisting or jumping could cause you to twist your ankle or knee.
Also, the music is fast and your heart rate increases very quickly, so if you find that you are having difficulty you should not come to a complete stop and sit down. Instead, allow your heart rate to lower naturally by marching on the spot, keeping your hands below your heart and just walking around the room.
The following links are to recent articles in the Hamilton Spectator and the New York Times:
http://www.thespec.com/feature/article/653991–zoom-in-zumba-away
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/09/health/09consumer.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=zumba%20article&st=cse
If you want more information before taking part in a class, feel free to contact your local fitness facility or visit www.zumba.com to find an instructor near you. Or you can call the YWCA Hamilton Fitness Centre for class times and instructor schedules.
We’d love to have you join us! Ditch the workout, join the party!!!
posted by Jen
