First time Zumba, 6 weeks pregnant?

Middlesnpoddles

I really want to want to start Zumba!  I have never done it before, though.  I am 6 weeks pregnant and am not sure what to expect.  I know it's good to exercise during pregnancy, but I have never done Zumba.  I have heard that you aren't supposed to begin a new exercise routine without talking to your doctor.  But is Zumba that strenuous?  Is it something that's okay to introduce yourself to in the first trimester?

JFH2010

Well, definitely best to talk to your doctor, but if you're in shape I imagine it would be fine. Yes, it can be VERY strenuous (you can burn 1000 calories in a class!) but you can control your own exertion level. Check it out and see how it feels, but don't overdo it, and don't start it if you haven't been doing ANY exercise. That would be my rec.

blushingbride_08

AutLuke:

I really want to want to start Zumba!  I have never done it before, though.  I am 6 weeks pregnant and am not sure what to expect.  I know it's good to exercise during pregnancy, but I have never done Zumba.  I have heard that you aren't supposed to begin a new exercise routine without talking to your doctor.  But is Zumba that strenuous?  Is it something that's okay to introduce yourself to in the first trimester?

 Unless you have a background in dance fitness or can pick up choreography quickly, I would not try it at this point.  A lot of the zumba routines require that you change directions quickly and you can easily lose your balance if you don't know what you are doing.  I would stick with a low impact class if you are unfamilar with it.

Middlesnpoddles

Thanks ladies.. I'm not sure what to do.  I'm not really in shape, but not out of shape either (if that makes sense).  I have a healthy BMI and walk my dog but other than that, I'm not super active.  If my doctor says it's alright, I think I might go and check it out.. maybe just do the bare minimum?

oddvision

Get a spot in the back of the class and go slow, you should be fine. I was super clumsy and out of shape when I started and it didn't take me long to pick up on the routines - pick one person who seems to know what they are doing and follow them if you can't see the instructor. I can't imagine that the changes in direction would be a problem until you are further along, but you can get overheated super easily so be careful!

My doctor told me it was ok to continue, but I'm not supposed to jump and I have to stop and take a drink of water between each song. I rarely jumped to begin with since I overheat so easily, so when they jump back and forth, I just step back and forth. I would be having fun and get really into keeping up with the class, and then I'd get out of class and realize I had given myself a minor case of heatstroke by working too hard, so make sure you stop and drink lots of water!