Zumba is a dance fitness program that was created in the 1990s in Colombia. It incorporates dance moves from various styles such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, and hip-hop, with the aim of making exercise more fun and accessible to everyone, regardless of their fitness level or dance experience.
Zumba was created in 1990 by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto Perez, who improvised a dance-fitness class for his aerobics students in Cali, Colombia, using music with a Latin beat.
In 2001, Perez partnered with Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion to launch Zumba Fitness LLC in the United States, with the aim of franchising the brand and spreading the Zumba movement worldwide.
Today, Zumba is a global phenomenon, with millions of people taking Zumba classes in over 186 countries, taught by certified Zumba instructors.
In 2020 Zumba launched a digital arm Zumba Interactive, which features hundreds of exclusive workout classes, thousands of recipes, and a global community.
Zumba has also partnered with various brands such as Strong by Zumba, Zumba Gold, and Zumbini, each offering unique fitness programs for specific demographics.
Jazzercise is a dance fitness program that was created in 1969 by Judi Sheppard Missett. It incorporates jazz dance moves with strength and cardio exercises, and is taught by certified Jazzercise instructors in over 30 countries.
SoulCycle is a boutique fitness studio that offers indoor cycling classes. It places a strong emphasis on music, with instructors using playlists and motivational coaching to create a high-energy workout experience. SoulCycle has locations in the US and Canada, and also offers an at-home bike and digital classes.
Pure Barre is a fitness program that combines elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga into a low-impact, high-intensity workout. It is taught in specialized boutique studios by certified Pure Barre instructors, and also offers virtual classes.
A home workout program that includes a set of DVDs with dance-fitness classes and workout routines to do at home.
A collection of clothing and accessories designed for dance fitness, including leggings, sports bras, sneakers, and water bottles.
A program for fitness professionals who want to become certified Zumba instructors, and teach Zumba classes in their communities.
Zumba's digital arm that offers hundreds of exclusive workout classes, thousands of recipes, and a global community of fellow Zumba enthusiasts.
Zumba is a dance fitness program that incorporates dance moves from various styles such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, and hip-hop, with the aim of making exercise more fun and accessible to everyone, regardless of their fitness level or dance experience.
The number of calories burned during a Zumba workout depends on many factors such as the duration of the class, the intensity level, and the individual's weight and fitness level. However, on average, a one-hour Zumba class can burn between 500-1000 calories.
No, you don't need to have any dance experience to do Zumba. The classes are designed to be easy-to-follow and instructors often offer modifications for different fitness levels.
It is recommended to wear comfortable workout clothes that allow you to move freely, such as leggings or shorts, a tank top, and sneakers with good support.
To become a certified Zumba instructor, you need to attend a Zumba Instructor Training session, which is a one-day or two-day workshop that covers dance-fitness techniques, cueing and coaching, and music selection. After completing the training, you need to pass a written exam and submit a video of yourself teaching a Zumba class to receive your certification.