What is Zumba and What Do I Wear to It?

One of my favorite group exercise classes to teach is ZUMBA! As an instructor, I love using Zumba to help the community get active and moving! They’re so busy having fun and following the moves they forget they’re actually exercising!

What is Zumba exactly?

It is an amazing full-body, cardio workout dance party! People of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and ages gather together, crank up the music and dance their hearts out for a dance fitness party! Zumba is an aerobic fitness program created by Miami-based dancer and choreographer Beto Perez and two entrepreneurs, Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion.

Zumba Fitness uses Latin-inspired music and choreographed steps to form a fitness “party” atmosphere. While many of the types of dance and music featured in the program are Latin American inspired, classes can also contain everything from jazz to African beats to country to hip-hop and pop. Since its inception in the mid-’90s by creator Alberto “Beto” Perez, the Zumba program has reached 10 million people in more than 90,000 locations across more than 110 countries, according to its website.

Who Should Take Zumba?

Zumba is truly for anyone who loves to move or dance. And “dance” is a very liberal term here, as no dance experience or skills are necessary. People of all ages, shapes, and sizes are welcome and encouraged to attend classes. We’ve seen Zumba classes with everyone from a 70-year-old man to an obese woman starting her weight-loss journey, to a high school cheerleader. There are even wheelchair Zumba classes available in certain locations! If you can shake your booty or like fun music, then this class is for you.

What to Wear to Zumba Class It’s important to wear clothing that is moveable, breathable, and will wick sweat away. Because of how popular the classes are, the room can heat up fast – so consider dressing in layers that you can remove. Also, sport a pair of supportive fitness shoes that allow you to pivot your feet easily.

What to Bring to Zumba Class Bring a towel and a water bottle because you’ll need them! Unlike some fitness classes, you’ll have ample time to use these items.

What Else Do I Need to Know for Class?

For your first class – we suggest that you introduce yourself to the instructor. Let her know that you are a beginner, or if you have any specific issues she may need to know about (knee problems, etc), ask what you can expect in the class, and where you should stand so that you can see the instructor. Then – enjoy the experience! Don’t take yourself too seriously. Don’t worry if you are unable to get all of the steps the first time around: no one does. The steps will become easier after a few classes.

Zumba is one of the highest-energy workouts, and it’s the most fun, too. Most of the time it doesn’t feel like you’re working out at all—you just get caught up in the fun of the music and the moves. Before you know it, a whole heart-pumping hour has passed! If you like a good sweat, then you’ll love Zumba!