Breaking a sweat? More like breaking a hip

A new exercise fad featuring crazy dance moves with latin and international music has people of all ages breaking a sweat. But unfortunately that is not all they are breaking. Zumba has caused many people to become injury prone from the waist down. Torn meniscuses, broken hips, twisted ankles, shin splints are just beginning of the long list that doctors are beginning to treat on a routine basis.

With the intriguing line of “party yourself into shape”, it is hard to turn down the possibility of toning muscles and increasing cardio while having fun. However, it may be what pushes people to “party yourself into the operating room”.

“I never knew that it caused so many injuries I just get so caught up in the music and have fun,” said senior Haley Sturgill.

Since the creator Beto Perez crafted Zumba ten years ago, over five million people take classes a week. Recently doctors have witnessed an increase in injuries, especially in the older people who are targeted by the program. Many people are re-starting their workout program or increasing it with Zumba causing injuries, especially since classes are held in every location imaginable.

“I take it at Model A Fitness and we dance on hardwood floors so no one really gets hurt,” said senior Megan Jones.

Not having a proper floor or shoes with no grip can cause body parts to get twisted and more than half the time people will not realize they are injured until it is too late. It is important to not be on a floor with carpet, or cement. Dance floors are often the best because they are floating floor which causes less impact on bones and joints and it has no ridges for peoples feet to get caught up in.

“It is really important to be aware of your surroundings,” said Zumba instructor Barbara Peterson.

It is also best to invest in a pair of either jazz shoes or shoes made specifically for Zumba, that are priced around $70, because there is no tread on them so when people are sliding and swinging their hips they will not get stuck.

“You always have to listen to what your body is telling you, if you need to modify, modify,” said Peterson.

Always warm up properly, and check the instructors credentials, it is not difficult for them to get a certificate to teach and because of the increase in popularity many people are becoming instructors but do not contain the experience necessary to teach a proper class.

“I will definitely think about investing in a pair of Zumba shoes so that I do not get injured,” said Sturgill.

People can find Zumba classes to take at local gyms, dance studios, some clubs, churches, and schools. As long as people take care of themselves, observe their surroundings, wear proper shoes and come prepared to be drenched in sweat, they will find themselves “partying yourself into shape” and not into the operating room.