Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Lifevif Team and JC Franco
Zumba has long since proven itself to be more than just the latest craze. Many people have been crazy about Zumba for years now, making it more a lifestyle fitness choice (and class) than a fad or passing craze. In fact, Zumba is one of the most popular workout systems in the world. If you have heard of Zumba, but don’t know too much about it, now is your chance to learn!
Learning all of the following facts about Zumba really made me see the fitness system in an entirely new light. If you want to dig into the facts about Zumba, read on below.
22 fun and interesting facts about Zumba:
1. Zumba is a fairly new exercise. It only came out in the 1990s.
Most people look at Zumba and believe that it’s been around for a long time, when in reality, it’s only been around since the 1990s. It’s fast become the popular exercise routine of choice for many, as a result.
2. Zumba classes are for men, women, and children of all ages.
Most men shy away from Zumba classes because they think it is for women. Most kids don’t even know that there are Zumba classes available to them. Well, the truth is that Zumba classes are available to all genders and age groups. For kids, there are age-appropriate classes to attend, but adult classes are generally mixed and may be divided only by means of fitness levels. For instance, beginners won’t attend advanced Zumba classes until they are ready.
3. There are no physical fitness requirements to start Zumba.
If you watch a Zumba class in action, you might think that you need some level of dancing and fitness skills to join. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The ability of the students in the class and their fitness levels are not a requirement, but actually a result of doing Zumba.
4. The Zumba Instructors Network (ZIN) was created in 2006 to train instructors.
Due to the interest in Zumba over the years, the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) was launched in 2006. ZIN was formed to teach new Zumba instructors on how to conduct classes.
5. Zumba wreaks havoc on calories and fat reserves.
There’s nothing more terrifying for calories and fat reserves than a high-energy aerobic workout. Aerobics has nothing on Zumba! Zumba can help you burn between 300 and 900 calories in just 45 – 60 minutes, depending on how much effort you put into it. If you attend your Zumba classes and put a lot of effort into it, imagine the results you can achieve.
6. Your body will reward you with dopamine when you do Zumba.
The body loves dopamine, but it won’t just give it to you. You have to earn it. Dopamine is the official reward when you go out and exercise hard. If you want a healthy flush of happy hormones, Zumba your heart out.
7. Zumba can be addictive.
This has a lot to do with the abovementioned happy hormones that the body produces when you have a good workout. The more you work out, the more dopamine you will enjoy. For this very reason, Zumba can become addictive.
8. Zumba is a cultural experience.
Zumba is Latin inspired and because of that, many of the dance moves you will be taught are of Latin origin. You can expect to carry out moves from salsa, rumba, and merengue dance styles.
9. A Zumba workout is considered interval training.
You might be wondering how Zumba can be considered interval training…well, that’s an easy one to understand. Zumba classes, typically 45 – 60 minutes long, include a selection of fast-paced and slow songs. The fast-paced songs get your heart rate up and help you to bust fat and calories, while the slow songs help you to develop muscle tone and strength.
10. Zumba was created by a man.
Alberto “Beto” Perez is responsible for creating Zumba. He considers his creation an accident as it resulted from just that. When he arrived to teach an aerobics class without his music tapes, he went to his car to collect his personal Latin music. He then used the music to present a class that was a dance-style of aerobics. And thus, Zumba was born.
11. Over 15 million across the globe actively participate in Zumba.
More than 15 million people actively attend Zumba classes or practice Zumba at home.
12. Cross-trainers or dance shoes are required for Zumba classes.
When you first attend Zumba classes, you might think that wearing running shoes is okay. It’s not. Wearing the wrong shoes can result in knee injuries or strains. To ensure the least amount of injury and strain risk, wear cross-trainers, or dance shoes when doing Zumba.
13. Zumba classes for kids are often called “Zumba Kids”.
Kids have different energy levels and physical capabilities to adults. Because of this, Zumba has been recreated to suit the specific needs of children. Zumba Kids classes are readily available in most major cities across the US and the rest of the world.
14. Zumba offers both physical and psychological health benefits.
Yup, that’s right. Zumba is good for body and mind. On the physical front, Zumba can help you burn a considerable amount of calories. It’s also amazing for toning up and shaping muscles. On the psychological front, Zumba helps to bust depression and provides a healthy distraction from thoughts and scenarios that spur on stress and anxiety.
15. There are several variations (or classes focuses) of Zumba to choose from.
Before booking your first Zumba class, take a look at the specialty or focus of the class. Some classes are for fat burning; others are for toning and shaping up – the list goes on.
16. Nearly every Zumba class includes a move called The Beto Shuffle.
The Beto Shuffle is a famous Zumba move that is named and practiced in homage to the creator of Zumba. The shuffle includes single-single, double-double movement sequences, and most Zumba classes include this very move.
17. The word “Zumba” was inspired by the word “Zumbar”.
Some people wonder what the word “Zumba” means. The truth is that Zumba comes from the Spanish word “Zumbar”, which means to buzz. It’s a fun word that seems to suit the exercise.
18. Zumba music and dance styles have progressed over the years.
While Zumba classes were initially inspired by Latin music and dance styles, nowadays artists are actually creating different music mixes for Zumba purposes.
19. Zumba classes are one of the most positive workout experiences you will ever have.
When you attend a Zumba class, it will be unlike any fitness class you have ever attended. In fact, you will be encouraged, cheered on, and praised for your hard work. The Zumba environment is typically very upbeat and positive. If you are feeling down and need a little encouragement and motivation, simply attend a Zumba class!
20. Zumba is a full-body workout.
When you go to the gym, it’s hard to focus on working out every single muscle in one session. Most serious gym bunnies split muscle groups up between the days of the week. When you attend Zumba classes, there is no need to do this. Zumba works out every single muscle group.
21. One cure to stress and anxiety is Zumba.
When you go out to a nightclub, all it takes is one look at the dance floor to see that people are dancing away their frustrations, anger, stress, and anxiety. Dancing has always been a fun and upbeat way to bust stress. Zumba is known to be an excellent outlet. Attend a Zumba class a few times a week and watch your stress and anxiety melt away.
22. There is an entire clothing line dedicated to Zumba.
That’s right. Zumba has grown so much that it has become an actual brand. If you want to check out the official range of Zumba clothing, visit the official Zumba website here.
Get Your Zumba On!
Now that you know so much more about Zumba, you are bound to want to get started. Are you ready to dance your way to a healthier, happier, sleeker version of you? Book your first Zumba class (or next Zumba class) today.
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.