About Zumba Instructors

Zumba is a popular exercise program that combines dance and exercise steps. These classes are instructor-led and can be found at many fitness centers and other facilities. Zumba instructors must go through training in order to lead classes. The process is very straightforward, and it leads to a Zumba instructor certificate that opens up many work opportunities.

History

Zumba is a fitness program that combines dance movies into an exercise routine. It was started by Beto Perez, a professonal dancer and fitness trainer from Colombia. An aerobics teacher, he forgot to bring his regular music to class one day. He quickly improvised with some Latin music tapes retrieved from his car. His students loved it, and he coined the name "Rymbacize." After coming to the United States and linking up with Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion two entrepraneurs, he changed the name to Zumba and began selling DVDs and training instructors in 2002. According to the Dancen Yoga website, there are now more than 20,000 Zumba instructors in 35 countries.

Function

Zumba instructors often work at health clubs and fitness centers, but they may offer classes at community centers, recreation facilities. corporations, or any other place where groups of people might gather to exercise. The group classes that have a party-like atmosphere rather than a serious, intense focus. Zumba instructors lead the students through dance step combinations in a variety of styles, such as reggae, salsa, calypso, swing or merengue. While Latin rhythms are the most common, nearly any upbeat musical style may be used. This is combined with traditional exercise movies, such as squats and knee lifts. Students are encouraged to laugh, be silly, and have a good time while running through their workout.

Training

Zumba instructors are trained through Zumba workshops. In addition to covering exercise, dance steps, and how to run a class, these workshops teach participants about the history of Zumba how to market themselves and their services. Everyone who completes a workshop receives an instructor certificate. According to the Zumba Academy, the certificate is good for one year, after which the instructor must take continuing education classes.

Although they are qualified to teach Zumba classes once they have completed the appropriate workshops, some health clubs or fitness centers might require additional training for instructors. These often include a Group Fitness certification through a national group such as Aerobics and Fitness Association of American (AFAA) or American Council on Exercise (ACE) and training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using automated external defibrillators (AEDs). CPR and AED training is often offered by local Red Cross chapters.

Types

A Zumba instructor who has taken the basic workshop is qualified to teach regular Zumba classes. This workshop provides all the information necessary for an instuctor to design and lead these classes.

Some Zumba instructors also take the Zumba Gold workshop. This enables them to teach classes in the Zumba Gold program, a program geared to older adults exercisers who are currently out of condition. Workshops are offered on-site in major cities across the United States.

Individuals must be at least 18-years-old to take either of the classes on their own. Those who are 16 or 17 may attend the basic workshop if they have a parental permission letter and if they sign a liability waiver along with their parents.

Support

The Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) offers support to Zumba instructors in the form of marketing materials, newsletters, advertising support and continuing education. Members receive six DVDs and 12 CDs throughout the year to use in their classes. They also have access to online forums for additional support from fellow instructors, both locally and nationally.

Resources

• Official Zumba website
• Information on Zumba instructor training