Zumba??

[pinkie1982]

I do zumba classes once a week. I am 5 weeks pregnant, found out on Monday! Is it safe to carry on?

[MyCrazyLife]

Ask your instructor?

[HazleNutt]

unless you have a high risk pregnancy or some special concerns, yes it's fine to continue with zumba. When you get a little bigger, you probably will need to modify the moves - ask your instructor to show alternatives for very twisty or high impact ones.

[foxyfemke]

Zumba should be fine. Tell your instructor though as you may need to be careful with certain moves. I wanted to continue with Zumba as well, but the combination of exhaustion and round ligament pains early on has prevented me from carrying on. Listen to your body!

[RedRose27]

I would make sure your instructor knows, and don't push yourself if you don't feel able, but if you were doing it before, you should be safe to carry on. I continued Zumba classes until I was 32 weeks pregnant wish I could find the time to get back to it now DD is 19 weeks.

[pinkie1982]

Brilliant, thanks everyone. I need to inform instructor but I go with friends/ family I'm not telling yet

[Apophenia]

How long have you been doing the classes? Are you relatively fit anyway?

I actually did my Zumba Instructor training whilst pregnant, but was already a fitness instructor so obviously fit and healthy already.

Midwifes always suggest you don't start anything new during pregnancy as your ligaments and muscles are more prone to damage at this time, so if you're relatively new to Zumba I would be wary.

Otherwise, it's as a previous poster said - listen to your body. Be prepared to need extra breaks - you're also likely to overheat quickly so have lots of water available.

PLEASE tell your instructor either way - she's legally obliged to ask at the start of every session if there is anything she should be aware of - pregnancy is absolutely one if those things she needs to know.

Good luck with your pregnancy - keeping active will have a positive impact on your body through the coming months and Labour/recovery.

[Apophenia]

Is there a way of contacting your instructor outside of the class? Is she on Facebook, can you contact the gym?

I appreciate you want to keep it a secret, but somebody in that room needs to know, in case you are suddenly unwell.

[pinkie1982]

I will get there earlier this week to quickly speak to her before the class. I have been going for a year, did jazzercise twice a week before that for two years. Recently I have been training on the C25k app and completed that. Was just about to start the 10k training but obviously that's on hold now. I've recently also joined the gym so planning on just doing the same level of cardio as I can easily do there, no weights.

[Apophenia]

In that case you should be absolutely fine.
FYI, As my pregnancy progressed I really struggled with a treadmill - my centre of balance was off and the movement under my feet that I couldn't see (bump in the way!) really unnerved me. I adapted my programme though , and managed to stay at it throughout my pregnancy - I was even in the gym the day I went into labour.

[HazleNutt]

weights are fine in pregnancy, no need to steer clear. There are things to avoid, but the trainers at the gym should be able to advise.

[redexpat]

Should be fine. i was a zumba instructor and managed to keep going until week 26 of my pregnancy. Absolutely listen to your body. If it's an option where you are I'd recommend zumba gold, which is aimed at 'the older active adult'. It's still good cardio and toning but less stress on joints. I would also recommend it for getting back into shape once you've given birth. All that wiggling and grinding of hips does absolute wonders for your pelvic floor.

[RetroHippy]

I used to instruct Zumba classes, I'd say the main thing that put me off classes (was no longer teaching by that time anyway) was the boob pain! I could barely walk up and down stairs without clutching the girls in agony, the thought of jiggling about filled me with horror!

[HazleNutt]

there are sports bras available nowadays that allow you to teach totally jiggle-free. Freya Active is excellent.

[Racheyg]

I have stopped zumba and all my cardio as found the jumping hurt my breasts. But you can continue if you are fit and well and having been exercising previously. I have now taken up swimming which is excellent during pregnancy.