Zumba® is known for having a dedicated and enthusiastic fan base. It has also been shown to provide not only a uniquely engaging workout-that-doesn’t-feel-like-a-workout, but also effective cardio conditioning.
So whether you’re a dance class enthusiast or a certified fitness professional, becoming a Zumba instructor can be a fun and rewarding way to expand your class offerings or earn some extra cash while simultaneously staying active yourself.
Not sure where to start? Explore available Zumba Instructor Training options, where to register for courses, learning format options, costs to expect, and get tips for setting yourself up for success — you’ll find it all below!
How to Become a Zumba Instructor in 7 Steps
As far as group fitness teacher certs go, Zumba is one of the quickest programs currently available. And if you’re already a certified fitness professional it may also fulfill your continuing education needs!
1. Get Certified
In order to teach Zumba classes you need to get an official Zumba instructor certification. You must be 18 years of age or older to attend any Zumba Instructor Training.
There are no other prerequisites, though a fitness or dance background is a plus.
2. Practice and Prepare
Get comfortable with your choreography, so when leading classes you can focus more on your participants and less on your steps.
Attend other classes to help you learn different teaching styles and cultivate new ideas. You can even ask friends or family members to act as mock students to help you run through routines before teaching them to the public.
An inspiring and positive attitude helps tremendously when teaching, as it is your job to motivate your class and get people excited to move. The ability to connect with students, be creative, organized, and communicative are all important Zumba instructor skills.
3. Get Insured
Before you start actively teaching, get Zumba instructor insurance. You want to make sure you’re covered in the event someone gets hurt or something gets damaged in one of your classes. A single claim could cost you tens of thousands and derail your Zumba instructor career in the process!
4. Locate Venues
You can teach almost anywhere that allows group fitness classes. Reach out to local gyms, studios, or community centers that might have interest in offering Zumba classes.
You can rent a space, partner with other instructors to share a space, or work with local municipalities for special events. You can also elect to teach virtual classes via zumba.com or other closed, Zumba-approved platforms like Zoom or SKPE.
Most classes won’t require much in the way of equipment. Depending on the facility where you’re teaching, you may need a microphone and/or speaker. Certain specialized classes can also require extra equipment such as chairs or light weights. Make sure your venue can accommodate this type of gear if needed.
5. Promote Your Classes
Let your various networks know about your classes! Tell your friends, and hype up your social media followers with eye-catching posts, videos, or stories detailing your new classes.
If working with an established gym, offer to provide a short description of your class and background that they could include in their marketing materials.
Looking for more ways to get clients? Read up on some of the best marketing ideas for personal trainers and other fitness professionals.
6. Teach Your First Class
Memorize your routine. Make sure your sound system works and your space is prepped. And remember: your clients are there to have fun in addition to working out!
7. Stay Current
Continuing education is essential for any fitness or dance instructor. Plan to participate in Zumba workshops or training sessions to stay up to date on new trends, routines, and techniques.
Continuing education is also required to keep your license valid. (More about that below.)
What to Know About Zumba Instructor Certification
If you are already a certified personal trainer or group fitness instructor, you may be eligible to receive continuing education credits for getting your Zumba license!
Both ACE (American Council on Exercise) and NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) offer credits for Zumba training.
Zumba Certification Levels
There are three instructor training courses available to those not already certified in Zumba. Each one takes approximately 1–2 days to complete, based on your location and class format.
- Zumba Basic Level 1: This entry level course introduces the basics of teaching Zumba. You learn the four primary dance rhythms and how to combine them into a routine. The course provides necessary resources and materials.
- Zumba Jump Start Gold*: A course designed for new instructors interested in teaching active older adults and addresses the needs specific to this population. It also includes the same foundational information as Zumba Basic.
- Jump Start Kids + Kids Jr.*: A combination of Zumba Basic and Zumba Kids + Kids Jr. training in one. You will receive two Zumba instructor licenses at the end of this course. Zumba Kids + Kids Jr. is designed to help teach kids ages 4–11 healthy, active habits and have fun at the same time.
*Please note that In order to receive your instructor license after either Jump Start training you are required to join ZIN (Zumba Instructor Network).
Your Zumba license is good for six months, after which you will be required to renew it by taking additional courses or becoming a ZIN member. ZIN members are considered current and are not required to go through additional renewal processes to maintain their license validity.
With ZIN membership you also get access to additional monthly music and choreo, marketing tools, business tools, and community support.
Zumba Certification Course Fees
Full-price Zumba certification fees are listed at $399, with ZIN membership fees of $43.94 per month. You can expect the total cost to become a Zumba instructor to be between $250 and $450 pending promotional and ZIN membership deals.
If you choose to take the Jump Start courses, a ZIN membership is required to receive your license. Check the Zumba registration site for current discounts and ZIN promos.
Finding Zumba Instructor Training Near You
Certified Zumba instructor training courses are offered in multiple formats: in person, livestream, and on demand.
Both the in-person and livestream courses are usually one day, with some international exceptions.
The on-demand course includes 10 hours of content spanning over 16 modules that you complete at your own pace.
Zumba.com’s Find A Training page allows you to easily search for programs based on location, class format, or language.
Zumba Instructor Salary Averages
Zumba instructors can expect to earn between $17 and $30 per hour, with the national average being $23.78 per hour.
But as with many group fitness programs, how much Zumba instructors make varies. It depends on:
- Location
- Experience
- Arrangements with individual gyms
- How many classes you teach each week
- How many people come to each class
These rates are comparable to other general group fitness instructor rates.
3 Tips to Set Up Your New Zumba Instructor Business for Success
Find Your Niche
Zumba offers a variety of specialized classes instructors can teach, including series designed for older adults and kids. Find a specialty series or type of class that works for you and dedicate time to cultivating a loyal client base.
Clients who enjoy your class will often talk about how much they enjoy it to others. Word of mouth referrals have repeatedly proven to be one of the strongest new client recruitment methods.
Invest in Marketing
Getting started in a new field or building up a new client base can feel daunting, but marketing is essential. How will people know about your classes if you don’t tell them?
Check out these fitness marketing ideas for inspiration.
Get Liability Insurance
Every instructor is considered an independent contractor by Zumba Fitness LLC. Many fitness centers also classify their instructors as independent contractors or require teachers to have their own insurance coverage.
This means that before you start teaching, you want to get your own Zumba instructor insurance in the event that someone gets hurt or damages equipment.
An added benefit of having your own insurance is that one policy can cover you in multiple locations, so you can go from your local fitness center to an online class to a private event with ease!
FAQs About Zumba Certification
What Does the Zumba Instructor Training Involve?
Zumba Instructor courses last 1–2 days, either in person or online. You will learn basic movements and how to combine them.
Expect to move and dance for several hours. Bring water, snacks, a notebook for notes, and good, supportive shoes that are made for lateral and twisting movements.
Can I Teach Zumba Without Being a Member of ZIN?
Yes, if you take the Zumba Basic course. No, if you take either of the Jump Start courses.
How Much Do Zumba Instructors Make Per Class?
A reasonable range to expect to make as a Zumba instructor would be from $5–$25 per student if you charge individually. It varies based on your region, the gym you teach in, your experience, and the number of students in each class.
Your gym or facility may also pay you a flat rate for teaching classes — usually between $20–$25 per class.
Can I Teach Specialized Zumba Classes, Such as Zumba Kids or Aqua Zumba?
Specialized classes require additional or specific training. Also, note that water-based classes like Aqua Zumba or kids classes might not be covered under your insurance policy. It’s a good idea to check your policy details to review which specialty classes would not be covered.
