Discover the Best Zumba Classes Near Me
Popular as a form of exercise, Zumba features Latin-inspired dance moves choreographed to lively salsa music. As one of the most well-loved exercise styles internationally, Zumba classes boast over 15 million attendants per week. Because music and positivity are major elements of this fitness style, Zumba courses offer an alternative mode of exercise that’s both fun and motivational. The exercise style was aptly named for its basis in the Cuban music genre, rumba.
Zumba was created in the 1990s by the Colombian dancer, Beto Pérez, who trademarked the work-out program for his company, Zumba Fitness L.L.C. Through Zumba Fitness, people have the opportunity to learn Zumba in over 180 countries worldwide.
In classic Zumba courses, dance routines alternate between high and low-energy movements. These intervals boost cardiovascular health and full-body fitness as well as motor skills like balance and agility. Additional specialty classes also focus on strength training and water aerobics.
Why You Should Learn Zumba
Zumba has been described as a dance party posing as a workout, but believe it or not, all that fun makes Zumba an extremely effective way to get fit. Its high-energy workout style and enjoyable choreography keep things interesting so that you’re more motivated to exercise.
Almost everyone knows how hard it can be to stick to an exercise routine after starting, and poor motivation is one of the biggest factors why. With Zumba however, most people find that it’s an easy habit to sustain over a long time. Even people who struggle with metabolic disorders can see major benefits from Zumba classes, meaning that if you’re worried that your lifestyle is too sedentary to break out of or you’re too unmotivated to get moving—Zumba’s got you covered.
In addition to motivational benefits, Zumba has been shown to improve mental health more broadly. For example, women who participate in Zumba classes feel more positively about their strength, personal and bodily autonomy, and life purpose.
Conveniently, with over 200,000 class locations, Zumba courses are easy to find. Depending on what’s most appealing, you can also choose from a variety of class styles, including Aqua Zumba and Zumba Kids. Zumba courses are often included in gym memberships but are also budget-friendly for those who can’t afford one. On average, most classes range between $5 and $25.
5 Ways to Learn Zumba
While learning Zumba might feel daunting, you’ll quickly forget your fears, blown away by how much fun you’re having. This is especially true of classes that are taught by a licensed trainer who’s a pro at motivating people. Get started with one of these tried-and-true ways to learn Zumba.
- Participate in an onsite course in your area. In addition to training with a highly-motivating instructor, you’ll get to meet others who share your goal of getting fit. Typically, in-person Zumba classes are held in a purpose-built exercise facility, making them a convenient option if you don’t have much space to work out at home.
- Join a live online class where you’ll be motivated by an experienced instructor in real-time. With little more than an internet connection and decently sized space to work out in (you’ll want at least 40 by 50 feet of obstacle-free space), you can enjoy Zumba classes from all over the world.
- Buy a gym membership. Many gyms provide access to a wide selection of Zumba courses, and may also provide classes that kids can participate in to keep them busy while you’re in class.
- Go it alone with an on-demand course that features video demonstration without a live instructor. As one option, you can select from hundreds of free video Zumba classes on the official Zumba Youtube channel. With plenty of styles and instructors to choose from, courses are easy to rotate in and out if you decide you’re not as hyped about your current course as you’d like.
- Pick up a cheap DVD course that you can follow along with at home. For as little as $10, you can repeat that motivating workout as many times as you want in the comfort of your own home. It’s an easy workaround for busy people on a budget who may find the Youtube rabbit hole too distracting.
- Train to become a Zumba instructor. This is a great option if you’re someone who learns best by teaching others. Receiving an official certification from Zumba Fitness L.L.C. can also be a huge confidence booster, especially if you came to Zumba for mental health benefits.
In-Person Zumba Classes
In communities across the globe, onsite Zumba courses are taught by inspiring instructors who pump positive energy into every dance move. In-person classes are taught at high-quality training facilities that offer you the convenience of most equipment needed for the class, along with plenty of friends to make along the way.
Come ready to party in your best workout clothes and gym shoes for some of the most exhilarating workouts in town. Exciting new in-person Zumba courses are regularly added to CourseHorse, where you can easily book a spot in class without any added fees. In addition, you can also join a variety of other dance fitness classes, from hip-hop and funk to classical ballet.
For instance, dance enthusiasts in New York City can learn Beginner Belly Dance at SHEBA Belly Dance School in Midtown. Like Zumba, belly dancing relies on cultural dance routines to give you a fun workout and help you strengthen your self-confidence. As you learn basic belly dance moves in an environment full of fun, you’ll develop better posture and become more in touch with your body.
For a belly dance course that’s even more workout-focused, Tandava Arts in South Midtown, Manhattan offers a SharQui – The Bellydance Workout course for both beginners and experienced dancers. With beginner-friendly yet growth-stimulating dance routines, you can start sculpting muscle and refinding your posture, all while having the time of your life. In addition, you’ll have the advantage of learning from two instructors who can give you personalized feedback and encouragement.
Dancers based in California can try Beginning Hip-Hop classes at Athletic Garage Dance and BodyWork Studio in downtown Pasadena. Since free-styling is a quintessential component of hip-hop, learning this dance style is one of the best ways to explore self-expression. If free styling intimidates you, the cinema choreographer, Aukai Cain, will be there with all the tips and tricks you need to succeed.
Worried you’re too old to dance? Not a chance, because Los Angeles City College’s Hip-Hop Dancing for Seniors course will teach you the moves no matter how old you are. Amber Alonso’s specially designed class is appropriate for dancers of all levels and offers a reassuring environment for learning. In this class, you’ll relish bouncing and breaking to beats from the 80s through the 2000s.
In Bailey's Crossroads, Washington D.C, you can join Forever Dancing Ballroom for a Salsa I - Beginner and Up class. With Fabio Bonini’s guidance, you’ll gain a strong foundation in Salsa basics so that you can participate in social dancing events whenever you’re craving a fun night out. In addition to learning salsa footwork and rhythm, you’ll find yourself smiling your way through a workout.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how ballet aerials, you can get started in one of Flight Room Seattle’s Ballet Play Flight courses. Along with improvements in balance and spinal alignment, aerials provide intense full-body strengthening, making ballet play flight a great option if you’re looking for a body-sculpting workout. Taught in Seattle’s Central District, these courses fuse elements of ballet and aerial dance.
In Atlanta, Georgia, you can learn Cuban Salsa Fundamentals through SALSAtlanta. They’ll give you everything you need to know about Cuban footwork and rhythm so that you can have a blast dancing salsa with a partner at plenty of events in the future. In addition, you’ll learn the names of different steps so that you can easily talk about salsa when you’re done exercising.
Ready to have so much fun you don’t even realize you’re burning calories? Try the Sensual Belly Dance class at Fit Candy Studio in Conyers, Georgia, where you’ll learn belly dance moves that tone your abs, arms, and butt. Thanks to the supportive workout environment created by the instructor, Boss Chic, you’ll leave class feeling both strong and sexy.
At the same school, you can also strengthen your muscles through Pole Choreography class. Open to both beginners and competent dancers, the class will teach you a sensual yet sweat-inducing routine that will give you a huge sense of inner strength. In addition, once you’ve learned the routine, you can easily repeat it again and again for muscle-strengthening home workouts.
Dance Dynamics offers a Yoga Sculpt course for dancers in the Batavia Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. While not strictly featuring dance moves, the course is designed to help dancers reach self-actualization by developing creativity in their personal style. Through yoga poses, you’ll also have the opportunity to strengthen your body for more difficult dance moves.
Virtual Zumba Classes
If in-person Zumba courses aren’t available in your area or you’re too busy to make the commute to class, live online classes are a fabulous alternative. With just an internet connection and a screen, you’ll get the same motivation from a high-energy instructor in real-time, all while saving time and money on commuting.
Even if there are a few in-person Zumba courses available where you live, choosing from among online classes can give you access to a wider selection of classes. This is because CourseHorse allows you to search for online Zumba classes hosted out of a variety of locations.
Along with a computer and reliable internet, you’ll also need access to an appropriate workout space that allows enough room for you to dance without bumping into furniture, little ones, or pets. In addition, you may need to pick up a few additional pieces of equipment, as well as close-toed gym shoes and workout clothes. As a convenience, most online courses come with a detailed list of anything you’ll need beforehand, with some even offering suggestions on where to buy items.
For an invigorating workout that will leave you feeling confident and happy, tune into Fit4Dance’s Virtual Lit Fit Zumba class. As you enjoy busting out moves from a variety of Latin dance styles, you won’t even realize you’re working out. As you learn, instructor, Laci Chisholm, will use her 25 years of dancing experience and positive attitude to give you a great workout and help maximize your self-esteem.
CourseHorse is also home to a diverse selection of other virtual dance fitness courses, such as Dance of Venus’s popular Online Beginner Belly Dance class. As with Zumba, Belly dance draws upon cultural dance techniques to boost self-image and sculpt the body. With a smile on your face, you’ll learn how to dance gracefully, tone lean muscle, and grow inner confidence. In the meantime, you’ll forget you were ever dancing for exercise.
If you enjoy listening to classical music, have you considered adding it to your workout? 92nd Street Y’s online Beginner Ballet class is a great place to start learning dance techniques that work with your favorite classical music tunes. Dancer and choreographer, Susan Rosenbaum, will be there to give you feedback as you increase your overall posture, flexibility, and strength. Before long, you’ll be holding yourself with more poise and will come across as more confident.
To focus on increasing your flexibility and range of motion, settle into the elegant music of Anna Griffin Dance’s Ballet Barre Online class. With routines from both Ballet and Zena Rommett Floor Barre Technique, you’ll increase your coordination and rhythm, and even learn how to stretch your muscles without injury. Anna Griffin aims to create a class where both beginners and experienced dancers can thrive. Additionally, she takes into account each student’s unique needs so you can grow in whatever stage you’re at.
Feeling out of sync with your body? 92nd Street Y’s online Modern Dance (Open Level) class is designed to strengthen bodily awareness through dance, making it a great setting to reconnect. In a safe workout space, Gloria McLean will help you increase self-awareness through movements that explore space, breath, and weight. In addition, as you dance to modern music, you’ll see improvements in range of motion, flexibility, and whole-body strength.
Private Group Zumba Classes
Zumba courses are a dependable way to add party energy to an event while also increasing team spirit. If you’re interested in booking a private group Zumba class as an activity at an event for your organization, check out the exciting options available on CourseHorse.
If your group needs a class that’s suitable for a wider range of mobility needs, CourseHorse also has stretching classes where exercises can be modified for people with different needs. For an opportunity to alleviate stress as a team, try the Virtual Group Stretching and Alignment class. With stretching techniques used by dancers, you’ll not only be able to soothe aching muscles and increase mobility but learn how to prevent injury in the process.
With CourseHorse, scheduling private group classes is easy and free of booking fees. You can even adjust your group size at the last minute if more guests RSVP unexpectedly. Just use your best estimation to book, and you’ll have the option to change it later without re-booking. After you schedule a course, you’ll also receive a confirmation within the next 24 hours, saving you any stress about whether your payment went through.
As a bonus, the classes you find on CourseHorse are accommodating to different tech needs. While most courses use Zoom to host classes, instructors are generally ready to adapt to platforms like Google Meets, WebEx, and Microsoft Teams.
Having trouble finding the right course for your group? Upon request, CourseHorse can often help facilitate the creation of new courses that match your needs. To learn more about custom Zumba courses, reach out to CourseHorse online.
What Will I Need to Learn Zumba?
When you start your first Zumba class, you’ll want to come prepared with the right gear. Many of these items are available through online retailers that specialize in exercise clothing, dancewear, and Zumba equipment, but you may already have a number of them on hand.
Gather as many of the items you’ll need beforehand so that you’re not caught off guard without the equipment to fully participate in a dance routine. If you take a course, supplies are often provided for you.
Work-out Clothing
Whether you attend an in-person course, join an online class, or follow along with a Youtube video, you’ll want to wear clothing suitable for exercising. Many Zumba enthusiasts swear by leggings and other traditional workout clothing, but you can also wear a T-shirt or loose-fitting pants. As long as you feel comfortable moving, dancing, and sweating in it, you’re good to go.
It’s also worth thinking about how confident the clothing makes you feel in your skin. Some Zumba dancers feel more confident when they can show off their favorite body parts, whether it’s their legs or midriff. In addition, you can deliberately hide features you feel less confident in by wearing longer leggings, or even keeping your shoulders cleavage covered with a high neckline.
To give you some ideas for where to start, consider the range of options below:
Tops
- Tank-tops
- T-shirts
- Crop-tops
- Exercise bras
- Hoodies and sweatshirts
Bottoms
- Full-length leggings
- Capri leggings
- Compression leggings
- Biker shorts (for a sculpted fit)
- Running shorts or basketball shorts (for a loose fit)
- Sweatpants and joggers
- Track and cargo pants
- Skorts
Other
- Bodysuits
- Sweatbands
- Compression socks
Check out the huge variety of infinitely colorful Zumbawear options available from Zumba’s original creator.
Dance Shoes
Like clothing, you’ll typically need to bring your own shoes to Zumba class, regardless of the class format. While most people have a pair of sneakers lying around, not all sneakers are right for Zumba. For instance, traditional tennis shoes don’t provide adequate grip on the floor of dance halls, making it all the more easy to slip and injure yourself.
You’ll have the best experience if you pick up a pair of sneakers specially designed for dance, as these will provide the right ratio of grip to slippage for Zumba. In addition to the shoes available through Zumbawear, you can find additional options at other dance shoe brands.
Zumba Equipment
Luckily, Zumba doesn’t require much when it comes to equipment, but there are a few bells and whistles you’ll want to pick up if it’s not provided by your course. Each multi-purpose tool has a different use, and some may not be needed for certain course types.
- Zumba toning sticks are essential for building muscle while dancing. Unlike traditional dumbells that most people are familiar with, toning sticks are filled with sand that sloshes back and forth as you move, creating additional gravity for your muscles to adjust to. In addition, this sloshing sand adds to the musical energy that is so fundamental to Zumba.
- Zumba chain tassels add a decorative flair to the music-making of Zumba. Rattling as you move them, chain tassels will help you stay in time with the music as you dance.
- Zumba belts allow you to participate in class games when you’re attending a live online Zumba course. Fitness belts act as wearable game controllers, tracking your movements for the game. As an alternative to official Zumba belts, you can also accomplish the same thing with Kinect.
Work-out Space
If you’re participating in an online or self-paced course, you’ll want to make sure you have the right space for Zumba before getting started. You may have to make a few small adjustments, such as moving a piece of furniture so that you don’t bump into it while dancing.
Consider the following features as you evaluate whether your space is right for Zumba:
- Adequate floor space is essential, not only to allow you to fully dance out a routine but for ensuring that you don’t hurt yourself in the process. For every dancer, The American College of Sports Medicine recommends between 40 to 50 square feet of free space minimum. You’ll also want to consider whether small children or pets might be in danger of accidentally being trampled on.
- A cool temperature with adequate humidity is important for making sure that you don’t pass out from heat stroke while exercising. Aim for a space that’s between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity between 40 and 60 percent.
If you live in a small apartment or house that’s just not equipped to handle this home-exercise style, look into community amenities. Many apartment complexes provide tenants with access to a small exercise facility, for instance. Additionally, you can opt to dance at a local park.
Is it Difficult to Learn Zumba?
If you’re worried about your ability to bust Salsa moves or don’t have a background in dance, the good news is that Zumba was designed to be accessible to everyone. That means that even beginners can follow along with the choreography. You might make mistakes as you learn the moves and adapt to the speed, but that’s okay. Just have fun, practice, and before you know it, you’ll be feeling more confident in your body.
Zumba veterans recommend that if you’re nervous about your first class, talk to your instructor before the class starts. If you come early, most instructors are happy to give you a quick run-down.
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