The Latin dance-inspired fitness craze, Zumba, is an excellent way to get a good cardiovascular workout without making you feel like you’re exercising. As a result, the popular workout is a huge hit among those who have never exercised before. Unfortunately, the fact that they’ve never exercised before makes Zumba participants susceptible to injury – particularly injuries to the knees and hips.
On a weekly basis, orthopedic surgeons and hospital emergency rooms see Zumba-related injuries. Some of the most common Zumba injuries include:
- Knee injuries like ACL tears
- Hip injuries like labrum tears and bursitis
- Back injuries such as lumbar strains
- Ankle injuries like sprains and fractures
- Leg injuries such as shin splints
How to Prevent Zumba Injuries
One of the best ways to prevent Zumba injuries is changing shoes. In Zumba, you spend a great deal of time moving from side to side and pivoting and swiveling on your toes. Sneakers, which are used for running, have a thick tread that makes these movements difficult and can cause extra pressure on the tendons that hold your knee in place. Experts recommend basketball shoes because they are built to handle quick stopping and turning.
Other effective ways of preventing Zumba injuries include:
- Making sure classes are conducted on hardwood floors, which have a softer impact on the body.
- Warm up, cool down, and skip moves that seem too difficult
- Drink plenty of water
- Find an instructor that suits your fitness ability
- Stopping if your muscles feel overly strained or a move is too painful
If you experience any pain or injure yourself, you should contact a medical professional immediately.
Injured During Zumba? Find Out Where You Stand.
An injury can leave you facing medical bills, missed work, and a painful recovery. If unsafe gym conditions, negligent instruction, or defective equipment contributed to your injury, GWC Injury Lawyers can review what happened and explain your legal options.
Contact our Chicago personal injury attorneys for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay no attorney’s fee unless we win your case.