Zumba is an exciting way to get your cardio workout in, but while learning some fun and entertaining dance moves from an instructor. Instructors are needed all around the country to teach fitness-focused consumers how to dance away their extra fat.
What is Zumba?
Getting in shape is a major focus of society today, with millions of people around the world being considered obese or overweight. However, the normal workout routine may not be for you. Lifting weights and running on the treadmill for hours can get boring, or even discouraging. However, that’s why Zumba has taken off, and why new instructors are needed all the time.
Zumba is a dance-based workout routine, which combined multiple types of dance moves to help you work every part of your body. The classes are designed to be in a group setting, which just increases the level of fun that consumers get to have. Even if you’re already fit, you can have fun while you teach other people how to take advantage of the body they have, and put it to good use.
If you’ve ever attended a class, you understand how fun the routine is. Every instructor is different, and you might notice that there’s a need in your community to offer something fresh to individuals. If you think that you have what it takes to become an instructor, the process is as easy as taking your first class.
How to Become a Zumba Instructor
Zumba is quickly becoming popular in a variety of different areas, which means the demand is continually growing in every city. You don’t need any prior training to qualify as an instructor, but it is a good idea to attend a class, so that you understand what you are getting into.
The first step you need to take is to attend one of the trainings in the Basic or Jump Start Gold program. The company’s website shows different locations and dates for training sessions, if you want to attend. You can gain access to the local training classes by signing on to the website. There are many programs available to train for, since there’s not just one type of Zumba class. Along with the programs listed below, you can also become a trainer for:
- Basic 2
- Zumba Kids and Zumba Kids 2
- Aqua Zumba
To get an idea of what some of the programs offer, check out three of the classes offered below.
Basic Training
The Basic Training for Zumba equips you with the core knowledge you will need to teach a class. You will learn about the four basic rhythms that Zumba incorporates, which are merengue, salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton. You will also learn the necessary skills to put them together in whatever song you want, and you will learn how to put it all together for a class. With this package, you get:
- A Cardio Party and Live Class DVD
- A 20-minute Express Workout DVD
- A DVD to review the four basic rhythms
- A Cardio Party Music CD
- The Zumba® Basic 1 Instructor Digital Manual
- A Zumba Basic 1 Certificate of Completion
- One-year license to teach basic Zumba classes
Jump Start Gold Training
The Jump Start Gold program is geared towards older consumers, so you will learn how to address their needs specifically, rather than learning about multiple age groups. It also helps you to cater to people who might just be embarking on their fitness journey. This program gives you much of the same materials as the Basic training program. The only real difference is that you get the Zumba Gold® Instructor Manual, rather than the Zumba® Basic 1 Instructor Digital Manual.
STRONG by Zumba Training
While the other programs above are cardio-based, STRONG by Zumba is about combining that training with weights as well. You still learn to sync up your moves with the music, but you get a greater intensity by using weights as well. The program includes:
- An E-learning course, which includes foundational information that is necessary to your training with the foundational science behind the program.
- A training recap video, which is accessible online
- A digital copy of STRONG by Zumba™ My First Class™
- An electronic manual
- A Certificate of Completion
- Marketing materials
- Ongoing access to different music and routines
After the Training
Once you’ve completed all of the instructor training, that’s where the real fun begins. You can apply for open positions in your area to teach Zuma, or you can start your own class. With your training, you receive a specialty certificate, but you may need additional courses to be eligible to work in the particular gym you select.
The certificate you receive is good for one year, and you will need to be kept up-to-date on the different routines and changes to the program. There are many ways to renew your certification, if you choose to continue in your career as an instructor.
Contacting The Zumba Headquarters
If you decide that you want to pursue a career as a Zumba instructor, or you need more information, you should contact the customer service department at 954-925-3755. The headquarters is available on weekdays from 8:00am to 8:00pm, but no time zone is given. You can also fill in the online form with your inquiry.
Conclusion
Becoming a Zumba instructor is a big decision, but it can also be one of the most rewarding and fun career paths offered. Not only do you get to dance every day of the week and create your own schedule, but you get to help individuals succeed in their weight loss goals. If you want to be part of this sassy group of men and women, you should contact the Zumba headquarters as soon as possible.
