Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Lifevif Team and JC Franco
So, you are a regular guy thinking about taking Zumba classes, but something is holding you back. Perhaps your closest friends don’t share your interest in the workout, or you just aren’t sure if it’s manly enough. You might be wondering if Zumba is a class for guys, or if it’s strictly a gal’s kind of workout. You will be pleased to know that there are many men who have been wondering the very same thing – I have spoken with many of them.
There’s good news that I would love to share with you: Zumba isn’t only for men or women; it’s for everyone, and I will tell you why!
14 reasons why guys should take Zumba classes:
- Women love men who Zumba.
- You learn how to move your body on the dance floor.
- You get a massive confidence boost.
- It’s the mother of all workouts (at least for me).
- It’s great for cross-training for better coordination.
- Zumba can boost physical strength.
- Take flexibility to a whole new level.
- Get a mood boost like no other.
- Expand your social network.
- It gets you off the couch and out of those pajamas.
- Burn calories so you can keep having those burgers and beers.
- Beat stress and anxiety right out of your life.
- You get to dance your heart out.
- Zumba destroys inner frustrations.
If you aren’t already chomping at the bit to get your first Zumba class after reading through those reasons, then perhaps you need to take a closer look at each of them. I firmly believe that each of the above reasons is the perfect boost you need to get out of the house and to your first Zumba class. Below, you will find a bit more about the reasons why Zumba classes are great for men, too.
Men Should Take Zumba Classes; here’s why!
Zumba is certainly for men just as much as it is for women – I firmly believe that. Don’t do yourself an injustice by bypassing Zumba classes just because you are a man. But do real men dance? Yes! Real men definitely dance – just take a look at the hottest men in Latin America! Let’s jump right into the reasons why men (yes, you included) should take Zumba classes.
1. Women love men who Zumba.
You probably didn’t know this, but Zumba was created by a man. Alberto Pérez, a choreographer and dancer, brought Zumba to the USA in 1990 from Colombia. He designed Zumba to teach men and women to move their bodies for entertainment as well as for fitness. And it comes as no surprise that women love men who can Zumba. Mostly because they know how to move, and anyone doing Zumba regularly is bound to be in above-average shape.
2. You learn how to move your body on the dance floor.
Most men feel awkward or shy on the dance floor – that’s normal. For most, this is just because of a lack of exposure to dancing and general shyness. It’s not always a sign of having no dancing skills. When you take Zumba classes, you will be taught how to move your body to the music, and you will become good at it. The more you dance in a group, the less it will impact on you, in terms of nervousness and shyness. The next time you head out to a night club, a party, or a wedding, you will hit the dance floor with confidence.
3. You get a massive confidence boost.
Zumba classes are filled with a supportive atmosphere. Everyone is focused on having fun together and cheering each other on. With ongoing supportive encouragement, it’s hard not to feel a confidence and self-esteem boost. Of course, with your newfound fitness too, confidence will come naturally.
4. It’s the mother of all workouts (at least for me).
The main reason many of us even enter the gym is for the workout benefits. In my opinion, there are probably very few aerobics classes that can come close to a Zumba class in terms of energy. When you take Zumba classes, you will get a full-body, intensive workout every time. You probably wouldn’t burn as many calories going for a run, cycling, or working out at the gym.
5. It’s great for cross-training for better coordination.
You have probably heard of athletes and sportspeople taking up an obscure sport or practice to help them improve or hone their skills in the sport of their choice. For instance, soccer players might do a bit of ballet barre work, or wrestlers might take up yoga. Zumba (or dancing, in general) is great for developing balance and coordination, and so is a great cross-training method.
6. Zumba boosts physical strength.
Zumba is an intense full-body and core workout. If you do Zumba regularly, you can expect to improve both flexibility and muscle symmetry, which increase full-body physical strength. The more you Zumba, the stronger you will become.
7. Take flexibility to a whole new level.
Have you been struggling to touch your toes or sit cross-legged on the floor recently? Flexibility is a problem for many men and can be rectified with regular stretching and exercising. Zumba provides the type of full-body workout that strengthens and lengthens the muscles, thus improving overall flexibility.
8. Get a mood boost like no other.
Any high-energy cardiovascular exercise will produce dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Both of these chemicals are feel-good hormones, which, as you have probably guessed, provide a massive mood boost. If you feel like you are having a down day or feeling a bit depressed, the solution to your problem could be Zumba.
9. Expand your social network.
Have you been trying to meet people with a similar mindset to yours? It’s hard out there, but it’s not that hard when you are put in a room of women and men, and given the freedom to dance to your heart’s content.
10. It gets you off the couch and out of those pajamas.
If you find that you are spending far too many evenings and weekends sitting on the couch in your sweatpants watching Netflix, then it’s time to do something about it. Couch-dwelling is a recipe for depression, stomach flab, and loneliness. If you need a reason to get off the couch, book that first Zumba and just get out there.
11. Burn calories so you can keep having some of those burgers and beers.
Isn’t it everyone’s dream (guys and gals) to be able to eat burgers, drink beer, and look amazing? Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. I know it’s not how it works.
Every burger, beer, and even healthy snack comes with calories attached, and it can feel like you are fighting a losing battle trying to keep them off. Calories are the enemy, and if you want your occasional treats, you are going to have to put in some time at the gym. But why endure a boring gym session when you can Zumba? Having fun while shedding calories is a serious bargain, isn’t it?
12. Beat stress and anxiety right out of your life.
We all live stressful lives in this day and age. If you suffer from anxiety and stress, there’s only one way to get rid of it; boosting your happy hormones and obliterating cortisol (which is your stress hormone). Exercise is the best way to achieve a state of relaxed, calm happiness.
13. You get to dance your heart out.
Do you have boring or exciting workouts? I am not sure I have met many people who can truly say they have exciting workouts, besides people who Zumba, that is. Have you ever been at the gym, watching the mundane workouts happen around you while listening to the faint clink of weights and equipment, only to hear your favorite song come on and have to fight the urge to jump up and dance? Why spend your time doing workouts that are boring and limiting? With Zumba, you can let go, go wild, and dance like nobody’s watching.
14. Zumba destroys inner frustrations.
A long day’s frustrations stand no chance against a fierce dance workout. And with all the support, laughter, and happiness from others in your class, it will be hard to stay frustrated for long. If you have the type of job that gets your hackles up, book your Zumba classes for straight after work, so that you can shed those inner frustrations before you go home.
Come On Guys! Be Brave & Take a Zumba Class
If you have been toying with the idea of taking Zumba for some time now, the above reasons should spur you on into action. There is no reason to be afraid or anxious. You could even check with local Zumba studios if there are men in the classes, just so you don’t feel alone. Chances are that once you meet the group and get into the fun, you won’t give your fears and hesitance a second thought.
This article was co-authored by our team of in-house and freelance writers, and reviewed by our editors, who share their experiences and knowledge about the "Seven F's of Life".
JC Franco
JC Franco is a New York-based editor for Lifevif. He mainly focuses on content about faith, spirituality, personal growth, finance, and sports. He graduated from Mercyhurst University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, majoring in Marketing. He is a certified tennis instructor who teaches in the New York City Metropolitan area. In terms of finance, he has passed the Level I exam of the CFA program.