Scared outta my mind

what about trying it at home first?

Why do you want to do zumba, if you think it will be so scary? If it's just about exercising in a group, there are lots of other less-intense groups, like yoga or pilates. Zumba seems to be very popular now - a lot of people do it - but that doesn't necessarily mean it will be the best one for you. It doesn't sound like a good idea to be doing an exercise that will make you unwell, unless you have a passionate desire to do zumba in particular.

I went to a few Zumba classes & was worried about my asthma as well. I had a word with the instructor at the beginning of the class & she was fine with me taking a 'break' if I felt my asthma coming on. I did take a few breaks, just stood to the side of the class & kept my feet going until everything calmed down. There were other people taking 'breaks' for various reasons as well.

Good luck & I hope you get it sorted, zumba's a great workout. I'm about to start going to aqua Zumba!

Aren't group classes for people who are also trying to get fit, not only those who are already? If the instructor tells you no then you need to find a different gym. EVERYONE is a liability no matter the fitness level.

I would stay in the back of the class so that way if you need to stop because of an attack you won't be in the middle where you would feel more obvious. Hope you try it and it works.

I agree with everyone - just go at your own pace. Take many breaks - everyone is there for the same reason, and everyone knows what it's like to be just starting out.

I have athsma also and I almost always stop during a break in class and use my inhaler. No big deal.

what about trying it at home first?

I don't own Zumba at all. I do have it on reserve at the library to try it but have to wait for it to be my turn to check it out. That would be helpful to do though at home first.

Have you tried YouTube? I was looking at a few clips this morning. Some are only 5 minutes long, but maybe a few short bursts of it could help you decide if it's really something you want to persue.

Zumba is like a cult, stay away from it like the plague!!!

I'm a type I diabetic, and I have gotten really scared going to group exercise. A new activity could send me into bad hypoglycemia, and I thought "I'll pass out! I will humiliate myself! I won't be able to leave if it's bad!" And what has actually happened: I've taken a break, and no one seemed to care. I've left the class, and no one seemed to notice. I've sat on the side, and joined when I was ready, and no one seemed to mind. Classes I attend reguarly, I tell the instructor "Hey if I leave, don't take it personally. I have health issues." None of the other class people seem to care what anyone does, they are too busy watching thier dance moves in the mirrors! I would suggest stand in the back near the door, take it REALLY easy, and listen to your body. Take care of you, leave or take a break if you need to, and have fun!

She is so right in every way! Everyone is so concerned about themselves they hardly notice.

I REALLY hate exercising in public. (I think high school P.E scarred me for life!) It took almost 20 years of exercising in front of the t.v. before I'd go to a class. What helps me is to arrive a few minutes early and find a place in the room that I feel comfortable in (usually near a side wall, near the back). Remind yourself that everyone is arriving at that class with all their own problems and goals and worries and really, truly, is NOT looking at you no matter what if feels like. Smile. Fake it 'til you make it. And, don't lose out on the joy of group exercise because of your worries. (And, yes, keep your inhaler handy and stay hydrated).

And, yes, tell the instructor that you have asthma. Take a break or leave the room if you need to.

(I have asthma too. I was SO scared to try Bikram Yoga. I told the instructor my concerns and she was very discreet about it. Fortunately, it actually helped my lungs. You definately want to take your inhaler ahead of time if it's exercise-induced - at least the first time. But, don't let it stop you from trying something new. Good for you!)

You can do it! It's worth it!

I think the others have given great advice. Contact the instructor, make sure you have your rescue inhaler and use it beforehand, and go at it slooooowly. I have asthma too, but mine is well controlled with meds. So I know how scary attacks can be, and I applaud you for wanting to get out there anyway! Just be safe about it!

If it were me and my end result was a major asthma attack no matter what type of exercise I did, I wouldn't go. I'd feel as if I would be lessening everyone else's experience and making the instructor "babysit" me in case i fell out and had an attack.

If there was a way I could work up my stamina at home, (via Youtube or other dvd's) i would do that first and get a sense of how i would react, and make sure I could complete the class safely before going. I'd hate to have a serious medical condition, fall out in the class and no one is really familiar with what to do to help me.

also like someone else said, i'd also check with my doctor and make sure i'm cleared for aerobic exercise. i'd also hang out in the back as someone else said so i could do my own little low impact thing and i could exit if necessary

I have asthma and have taken group kickboxing classes. If I feel my asthma come on, I step to the side (where I have a rescue inhaler and water bottle) and take a break. I'll sip some water or stretch a bit until I feel I can join in. I even did this in a class where there was only two other people. No one cared. The instructor could tell it was asthma. Just do what you can, go at your own pace/skill level. Stand in the back, near the side so you aren't in anyone's way.