Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most asked questions. If you have a question about Zumba, ask us here!

ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS TO DO ZUMBA?

YES! Have fun!

WHAT IS ZUMBA®?

Zumba® is a fun and exciting dance workout that is set to Latin inspired music for the most part. Many Zumba workouts include dances like the Cumbia, Merengue, Cha Cha, Salsa, Tango, Flamenco, Reggaeton, Belly Dance, Hip Hop and even the traditional grapevine! This list is not all inclusive.

WHAT KIND OF SONGS DO YOU EXERCISE TO?

Toe tapping, hip swiveling, get and move music! Mostly Latin Music is used although other genres of music can be included as well. Party Nation is Zumba® Fitness' newest CD. Check it out.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE ANY RHYTHM AND CAN’T DANCE?

Zumba® Fitness Instructors will teach you the steps to their routines, but you don’t have to be able to dance to Zumba. The dance steps are basic steps and are easy to learn. Many instructors will start slowly and then pick up the tempo as the class catches on to the steps. As long as you are moving and having fun, you are doing well!

I AM NOT IN SHAPE. WILL I BE ABLE TO DO ZUMBA?

Absolutely! Even though Zumba is a high energy workout, it is easy enough for beginners to catch on to quickly. You can also control how much energy you use by increasing or decreasing your level of intensity. For example, if you feel you are doing too much, you can just do the footwork and then add the arm movements when you are more comfortable. As always, consult with your physician before starting this or any other exercise program.

IS IT TRUE THAT I CAN BURN 1,000 CALORIES AN HOUR?

Of course everyone is different, but there have been people who say they do burn up to 1,000 calories an hour doing Zumba. It will depend on several things including age, weight, and the level of intensity you put forth during your Zumba workout, but it is possible! On average, most people will burn anywhere between 600 – 800 calories.

WHAT DO I WEAR TO ZUMBA?

First and foremost you need to wear comfortable clothing. Your workout clothes should be breathable. There are lots of different types of clothing people wear. Some like the supplex materials while others like cargo types of pants. For tops, you might want to consider layers if the place you take classes in is cool at first. Once you start to Zumba, you will definitely warm up fast!

WHAT SHOULD I TAKE TO A ZUMBA® CLASS?

The most important thing is water! You will definitely sweat, so you need to replenish the fluid that is lost. Some people take sports drinks too. Second is a small towel. I also take a zip up hooded sweatshirt. This comes in handy for the beginning of class and then after class when I cool down.

WHAT KIND OF SHOES SHOULD I WEAR?

Comfortable shoes are a must! A shoe with a smoother sole like a court shoe or dance shoe that allows for pivoting, turning, and moving across the floor is usually recommended. Avoid shoes with deep treads because they may restrict your movement.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ZUMBA® BASIC AND ZUMBA® GOLD?

Zumba Basic is geared more towards the general public. Zumba Gold targets Active Older Adults, true beginners, and people who are not used to exercising. Although anyone can take a Basic Zumba® class and just bring down or adjust your level of intensity.

ARE THERE OTHER TYPES OF ZUMBA CLASSES?

Besides Zumba® Gold, another popular class is Zumba® Kids. It is, as the name implies, for younger children. However, I have also seen younger kids take a regular Zumba® class. Zumba® Fitness is also having "Basics 2" which teaches additional steps such as the Samba, Tango and Belly dance. "Zumba® Aqua" is a brand new Zumba in the water program and "Zumba® Toning" uses the toning sticks that came with the latest Zumba® Fitness four DVD set. I also know some studios are having classes like Zumba Sculpt, Zumba Plus, and Zumba Cardio. Be on the lookout for even more new types of classes to come!

HOW CAN I BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR?

To teach a Zumba® class you must be a Zumba® Instructor. To become a Zumba® Instructor, you MUST attend a Zumba® Workshop. You cannot teach Zumba without getting a certificate of completion from a workshop. To teach Zumba® Basic, you must attend a Basic workshop. To teach Zumba® Gold, you must attend a Gold workshop. Go to www.Zumba.com for a listing of workshops in your area.

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