Zumba Fitness Corporation used to describe Zumba as “exercise in disguise”. On this, I totally agree with them.
I was an expert-level couch potato from the time I was six until the year I turned 65. That was when I was told I had Type 2 Diabetes and needed to change my eating habits and get more exercise.
I hate to exercise, but I love to dance. So, when I was told dancing counts as exercise, I was overjoyed. It took me a while to get build up the strength in my arms and legs and lungs and heart, but I now can dance 60 minutes at a time enjoying every minute.
So…I would say that Zumba can be right for you, particularly if you too hate to exercise. Somehow, dancing and moving to the music are worlds apart from squats and knee bends and reps and that stuff they talk about in exercise classes and training sessions.
Will it hurt?
The number one reason people don’t like to do physical activity is they are afraid it will hurt and/or they are worried about making physical challenges they already have — like arthritis, joint pain, or other conditions — worse.
I am a doctor but I’m not a physician. (I have a PhD in government.) Please see your primary care person (doctor or PA) or your trainer (if you have one) before you get too hooked on Zumba. They know you and your body and they will tell you if you can exercise. There’s a very strong possibility they will be delighted you want to get moving and will encourage you to give it a try.
If you don’t have a physical challenge and/or if your PCP says it’s okay, you can do Zumba. If you’re a dedicated non-mover, it might take a while for you to get up to speed — by which I mean “get your muscles and joints used to moving” — but you really can do it.
More on hurt — Aches and Pains