What is a Zumba Class? Fun Fitness for All Levels

If there’s one fitness craze that’s shown to have serious staying power, it’s Zumba. Dance classes dominated the charts of the country’s most popular workouts in 2023, and Zumba, in particular, landed in the top ten.

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Known for its high-tempo vibes, super-fun music, and absolutely thriving community, Zumba provides a host of physical, mental health, and social benefits.

But what is Zumba class, really? What can you expect if you take one? And how can Zumba elevate your fitness routine?

Let’s glide into the topic.

The Basics Behind the Worldwide Fitness Fad

Zumba classes began gaining serious traction in the early 2000s, but the concept actually started taking shape a decade earlier. 

Then, 16-year-old Colombian fitness instructor and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez accidentally forgot his usual playlist for his aerobics class—a list of pop songs his employer insisted he play., He improvised by leading the class with a mixed tape full of Latin tunes he happened to have in his car. The on-the-spot session turned into an innovative, vibrant mix of aerobics and dance moves. 

It was, in a word, a hit. 

By 2003, more than 150 US residents became certified Zumba instructors, and classes were offered everywhere from Cali, Colombia to Los Angeles, California. Nine years later, Zumba Fitness was crowned the biggest fitness brand in the world. And today? More than 12 million people of all ages jump into Zumba classes at more than 110, 000 locations across 125-plus countries (if ever there’s a testament to a workout’s popularity).

What is Zumba Class?

Zumba, which was initially called “rumba” (or Colombian slang for “party”), has held onto its original flow of cardio exercises mixed with internationally-inspired dance moves, like:

• Salsa
• Merengue
• Hip-hop
• Bollywood-style
• Reggaeton
• Cumbia
• Samba

The general consensus is that Zumba doesn’t feel like exercise. Instead, Zumba classes seem like a dance party set to heart-thumping songs by the likes of Shakira, Con Calma, Ricky Martin, and Bruno Mars. It’s lively yet low impact and fast-paced yet freeing, making it a popular workout choice across all ages and fitness levels. 

What are the Benefits of Zumba?

In addition to torching some serious calories, Zumba may:

• Provide full-body toning – Squats, slides, flamenco arms: Zumba classes are jam-packed with moves that target dozens of different muscles, including your:
  • Quads
  • Calves
  • Glutes
  • Core
  • Shoulders
  • Arms

• Boost flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health – The constancy (but doable constancy) of Zumba classes may offer both aerobic and anaerobic advantages, while the assortment of dance moves may nurture muscular strength. The stretches that conclude Zumba classes might also increase flexibility. 
• Promote mental and cognitive wellness – Exercise in and of itself has proven to be a boon for the brain. In particular, creative dance classes like Zumba—which forces the mind to tune into the next step at hand—may:
  • Improve self-esteem
  • Decrease fatigue
  • Enhance concentration and alertness
  • Curb stress and anxiety
  • Enrich memory

• Increase stamina – Searching for fresh ways to bolster your stamina? You may want to give this group fitness class a whirl. Zumba is first and foremost a cardio workout, which may strengthen your heart and lungs while also improving your circulation. This may lead to enhanced stamina inside and outside of a Zumba studio. 

What Can You Expect in a Zumba Class?

Don’t consider yourself a dancer? Fear not: Zumba is famous for its nonjudgmental, welcoming warmth. Attendees are encouraged to move creatively to the beat of the songs (like the addictive “Que Viva la Vida”) rather than strictly follow the choreography (which, we might add, involves easy-to-remember, repetitive steps and simple instruction). 

However, what you can expect in your first Zumba class will depend on the type of Zumba class you take. There are a handful of Zumba classes for specific interests and populations, such as:

• Aqua Zumba
• Chair Zumba
• Zumba for Kids
• Zumba for Older Adults (or Zumba Gold) 
• Zumba Step (which incorporates moves typically found in Step classes)
• Strong by Zumba (a routine that includes additional strengthening exercises like pushups and Burpees) 

No matter the class you choose, sessions usually start with a warm-up that gradually progresses into a higher-intensity dance/cardio workout with intervals woven in. They end with a cool-down that incorporates essential stretches that can leave you feeling extra refreshed.

What Should You Wear to a Zumba Class?

Freedom of movement is a huge part of Zumba, so you’ll want to wear non-restrictive clothes, such as yoga leggings and a breathable tank top. And don’t forget about your feet! Your shoes should be comfortable, supportive, and flexible. 

Once you have the proper gear, get ready to rumba: Zumba is the party you’ve been waiting for. 

Embrace the Global Workout Craze at Chuze Fitness

If you’re keen on spicing up your workout routine, Zumba may be the solution. Its tantalizing mix of upbeat music and body (and brain)-boosting exercises can make a trip to the gym feel like a mini, ultra energizing vacation. 

Chuze Fitness is the perfect place to begin salsa-ing your way to enhanced health. Whether you want to sign up for a gym membership or start off with a Free 7-Day Pass, our friendly team is thrilled to help you meet your fitness goals.

Reap the rewards of Zumba at Chuze Fitness. 

Discover nearby locations across California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, Florida, and New Mexico. Whether you’re searching for gyms in San Diego, Sacramento, San Bernardino, or gyms as far as Jacksonville, we’ve got you covered. Find your nearest location today and feel empowered with Chuze!

Sources: 

Athletech News. Dance, yoga were most popular exercise classes of 2023, data shows. 

https://athletechnews.com/dance-yoga-were-most-popular-exercise-classes/

Zumba. The origins and staying power of Zumba. 

https://www.zumba.com/en-US/blog/the-origins-and-staying-power-of-zumba

Women’s Fitness Clubs of Canada. A short history of Zumba. 

https://womensfitnessclubs.com/a-short-history-of-zumba/

BBC. Zumba: how a missing tape launched a global craze. 

https://bbc.com/news/business-49111612

CNBC. How Zumba’s founders turned a video made on the beach with a Handycam into a global phenomenon. 

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/19/how-zumba-exercise-class-went-from-an-idea-to-global-phenomenon.html

Business Insider. How Zumba became the largest fitness brand in the world. 

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-zumba-became-the-largest-fitness-brand-in-the-world-2012-12

​​Zumba. What is the Zumba program? There’s a new era in the world of fitness and a new face to go with it. 

https://www.zumba.com/en-US/fitness_facilities

Livestrong. Basic Zumba moves to learn at home before your first in-person class. 

https://www.livestrong.com/article/259945-basic-zumba-moves/

Clovia. Best Zumba songs to get you in the groove. https://www.clovia.com/blog/best-zumba

-songs-to-get-you-in-the-groove/?srsltid=AfmBOooD0asx9YdzgAe0-mMjr-aBK1tfhzTHVvmM1wnpoV5C-GwDseJk

Piedmont. 7 health benefits of Zumba.

https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/7-health-benefits-of-zumba

Everyday Health. Zumba: what it is, health benefits, and how to get started.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/zumba-what-it-is-health-benefits-and-getting-started/

 ​​Zumba. The beginner’s guide to Zumba.

https://www.zumba.com/en-US/blog/the-beginners-g

WebMD. Mental health benefits of dance. 

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-benefits-of-dance

Healthline. What’s the difference between endurance and stamina?

https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/endurance-vs-stamina

ClassPass. What is Zumba and why is it so popular?

https://classpass.com/blog/zumba-class/

 

Reviewed By:

Ani is the Vice President of Fitness at Chuze Fitness and oversees the group fitness and team training departments. She’s had a 25+ year career in club management, personal training, group exercise and instructor training. Ani lives with her husband and son in San Diego, CA and loves hot yoga, snowboarding and all things wellness.