Zumba is a fitness program that combines elements of salsa, merengue, samba, reggaeton, and hip-hop with other aerobic exercises. If you love to dance to latin beats, have a passionate attitude, and want to help other people get into shape, then you are a great Zumba instructor candidate! Read this article to learn how.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Getting a License
Step 1. Visit the Zumba Academy training website
Because Zumba is a trademarked exercise program, you must obtain a license through Zumba Academy.
Step 2. Enroll in a proper exercise program
The first step to getting a Zumba fitness instructor license is to enroll in one of the following courses:
- Zumba Basic Steps Level 1: This course will teach you the basics for teaching Zumba. You'll learn the four basic elements of dance: merengue, salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton, and how to apply the various dance moves you learn to the songs you choose for your class.
- Jump Start Gold: This course will teach you how to teach Zumba to an older audience, and how to target the physical and psychological needs of your students.
Step 3. Complete the Zumba Instructor Training Course
This course is a combination of theory and practical exercises to give you the skills you will need to teach Zumba. After you complete this training course, you will get a one-year license to teach Zumba. This license must be renewed from time to time if you wish to continue teaching.
Step 4. Keep your Zumba Instructor License valid
A license to teach Zumba is valid for one year, and must be renewed immediately upon maturity if you wish to continue teaching.
Part 2 of 2: Other Considerations
Step 1. Practice Zumba
Before you can teach Zumba, you must first master the style and choreography of this fitness program. If you haven't already, sign up for a Zumba class and attend at least 3-5 days per week.
- Make sure that you can take Zumba classes of all the different levels before you consider teaching a Zumba class. You must be in excellent physical condition to teach Zumba or any other exercise class.
- Take Zumba classes in different studios and with different instructors. This will help you pick up a variety of techniques, and choose what type of teacher you want to apply. Pay attention to which classes seem to interest the most students, and pay attention to the unique elements (whether in terms of dance moves, musical choices, or overall energy) that a particular instructor applies to that class.
Step 2. Consider where you want to teach Zumba
Keep in mind that the requirements for teaching Zumba may vary between different studios and/or gyms. Some studios will accept a Zumba license only, but others may require you to have a group fitness instructor license as well.
Contact the person in charge of teaching group fitness at the gym or studio you plan to teach Zumba. Set up a meeting with this person, and ask what certificates you need (if any) in addition to a Zumba license
Step 3. Consider getting a CPR (first aid to save people's life) certificate
While these requirements vary by gym, getting a CPR certificate is a good idea if you're teaching a fitness class in case you run into an emergency.
Enroll in a CPR training course through PMI in your area. Make sure you renew your certificate properly as needed
Tips
- Consider getting a license to teach one or more of the traditional Zumba variations: Aqua Zumba, which takes place in the pool, toning-focused Zumba, and Zumbatomic, a kid's version of Zumba. Explore the wide range of courses available at Zumba Academy to determine your interests.
- Membership in the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) is optional. Joining the club will give you access to choreography, music, marketing materials, discounts on Zumba training and the opportunity to connect with other Zumba instructors.
- If you earned a certificate through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), taking a Zumba class can earn you continuing education credit.
