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Training
2024-11-27

how to become a zumba instructor

Thinking of becoming a Zumba instructor? It’s a great career move for passionate fitness instructors who love motivating their clients through energetic workouts. The biggest problem you’ll have is knowing where to start.

In this guide, we’ll reveal everything you need to know about becoming a Zumba instructor, including the specific skills and qualifications you should have, the steps to getting certified, and the amount you can earn.

Let’s get straight to it so you can develop a successful career in the fitness industry.

What does a Zumba fitness instructor do?

What does a Zumba fitness instructor do

Zumba instructors combine passion, energy and creativity to inspire clients to achieve their fitness goals – in a fun-filled environment. You’ll use Zumba®-approved moves and routines to design engaging classes that focus on a blend of choreography and music.

Most Zumba classes combine low-impact exercise sequences with high-energy bursts to balance workouts while also helping clients lose weight and reach their fitness goals.

Why becoming a Zumba dance fitness instructor could be the best career choice you ever make

There are many opportunities in the fitness industry, and enthusiasts can enjoy professional development and financial security. Working in the fitness industry doesn’t require a degree, so it’s a highly popular choice for career changes.

As we covered above, Zumba is a popular form of dance fitness, and plenty of people love attending classes.

Becoming a Zumba instructor will allow you to enjoy a rewarding career. But is it right for you?

Do you want every single workday to be full of fun?

Zumba is a high-energy workout that requires a lot of motivation. For some instructors, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a fun-filled day – especially compared to other forms of exercise.

If you love working in an interactive environment and are the kind of person who always has loads of energy, Zumba could be ideal for you.

Would you like to be in demand?

There is a growing demand for Zumba instructors as more people look for fun and effective ways to get in shape.

You can teach classes at gyms, studios, or community centres with a Zumba certification. It’s a great way to earn money while helping others improve their health and well-being.

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of your students?

As a Zumba instructor, you will have the opportunity to positively impact your students’ lives. You’ll help them to improve their physical health, but you will also help them to reduce stress, increase energy levels, and boost self-confidence.

Teaching Zumba classes can be an enriching experience, as it’s one of the rare forms of exercise that doesn’t even feel like hard work.

What’s the average Zumba instructor salary?

The amount you can earn as a Zumba instructor depends on where you work and your experience. According to Glassdoor, the average hourly rate is between £48 and £52, but it’s important to remember that your earnings depend on whether you’re working full-time.

what's the average zumba instructor salary

For example, many fitness centres offer a range of classes, so you could get a Level 2 Gym Instructor certification but receive extra compensation for providing Zumba classes.

Your salary/earning potential also depends on experience. If you’re beginning your fitness career, you’ll earn less than an experienced Zumba instructor with years of professional teaching.

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What skills does a Zumba instructor need?

If you want to teach Zumba, it’s important to consider whether you have the required skills – or are willing to learn them. Here are the skills and characteristics all successful Zumba instructors have.

Rhythm

It might seem an obvious requirement, but Zumba instructors need a sense of rhythm. Luckily, you can learn how to stay in time with music and understand the technical elements of Zumba, but people with dance skills will find it easier.

Zumba classes require teaching skills

A Zumba instructor also needs to be able to teach others, as Zumba can be quite technical for beginners. You should be able to break down the steps of a routine so that students can understand and follow along.

Energy and motivation

Leading a Zumba class is an aerobic activity, which means that it requires a lot of energy. A Zumba instructor needs to maintain their energy level throughout the class to keep the students engaged.

You should also lead by example and motivate your students. After all, nobody wants to dance when their instructor sulks and looks like they don’t want to be there.

A friendly personality

Since Zumba classes are typically in groups, it helps Zumba instructors to be outgoing and friendly. You’ll have to dance in front of your group and ensure everyone feels welcome during each session.

The steps to become a Zumba instructor

the steps to become a zumba instructor

If you’ve decided that Zumba is the right career move for you, it’s time to think about how you’ll turn your passion into a rewarding career. Following these steps means you can get the necessary training and begin teaching Zumba classes.

1: Attend Zumba classes

If you’re unsure whether Zumba is the right career move for your needs, there’s no point in investing in training, so attend classes and see if you enjoy them. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to see how the instructor leads the class and inspires students.

Many people become hooked after their first Zumba class, but participating and instructing are two very different things.

2: Obtain a Zumba instructor certification

It’s important to remember that you’ll have to train to become a Zumba instructor with the official company. The official Zumba website has a range of courses available, both online and via Zoom, but training does require some investment.

You can choose between two main qualifications:

Zumba Basics 1

The Zumba entry-level qualification is ideal for people who want to learn about teaching dance moves and developing the skills required for different styles of Latin American dancing.

It’s a great starting point for anyone, and upon completion, you’ll receive a one-year license to run Zumba classes.

Jump Start Gold

The Jump Start Gold qualification is highly popular because it includes Zumba Basics 1 and allows people to teach older adults, too.

You’ll receive the one-year license and extra materials to offer a more bespoke service to individuals with mobility issues.

3: Get insurance

All fitness industry professionals should have insurance in place to protect them against claims. Many gyms and health centres will want you to have insurance anyway, but if you’re planning to become a self-employed instructor, an insurance policy can offer vital support.

For example, if a client injures themself during a class, your insurance company will cover any injuries. Not only does this give you peace of mind, but it also means your client base will be more at ease.

The most popular forms of coverage for Zumba instructors include:

  • Sports Equipment Coverage

  • Public Liability & Professional Indemnity Insurance

4: Find employment opportunities

Once you obtain an official Zumba certification, it’s time to put your skills into action. Offering a free class at a local gym or residential home can help attract potential clients and ease you into the experience.

Instead of jumping into a class full of paying customers, you can perfect your skills and get ready to take your fitness career to new heights.

If you already work in a gym or health club, your employer might ask you to teach Zumba classes. As you can see from the screenshot below, there are plenty of jobs available.

find employment opportunities

Begin your Zumba career journey with an ETM course

begin your zumba career journey with an etm course

While you’ll need an official Zumba-trademarked certification to become an instructor, taking a CIMSPA-certified exercise to music course will give you the knowledge and skills to integrate Zumba-themed moves into your sessions.

The Fitness Circle offers a dynamic and fully online Exercise to Music course for learners from all backgrounds.

When you learn how to instruct groups, you can diversify your career by teaching general exercise classes and Zumba.

An ETM qualification is also accredited, so you can secure more clients and get stable work, while there’s no guarantee that people in your area will enjoy Zumba.

Also, many fitness centres and gyms require an exercise-to-music qualification, even if a Zumba instructor is fully certified.

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What you’ll get with our exercise to music qualification

When you choose the Fitness Circle, you get to study entirely at your own pace and learn how to hold group classes teaching pre-choreographed programmes or design effective workouts to music.

Entry requirements:

Absolutely none! Just a passion for fitness, a willingness to learn and the ability to study online at your convenience.

Modules

You’ll gain an excellent understanding of exercise to music in this course, with the following modules helping you along the way:

  • Module 1 – The principles of anatomy, physiology and fitness

  • Module 2 – Health and safety in a fitness environment – along with group training

  • Module 3 – Planning and implementing group training Zumba sessions

  • Module 4 – Understanding professionalism in group environments

  • Module 5 – Supporting clients to make healthy changes and alter destructive behaviours

What you’ll get

Once you complete our music-to-exercise course, you’ll receive a CIMSPA certificate, which proves your knowledge and is highly regarded within the fitness industry.

You’ll also be able to find a job running both in-person and online classes. Combining the qualification with a licensed Zumba instructor course will give you more opportunities in terms of your career prospects.

Why study with The Fitness Circle?

The Fitness Circle is one of the UK’s highest-regarded training centres, specialising in creating knowledgeable and proactive fitness instructors. If you want to teach Zumba, we’re confident you’ll love our learning experience.

Here’s what you get when you choose to study with us.

Study when and where you want

Our courses are designed to help you study at your own pace, so there’s no pressure. Some students complete it within a couple of months, while others prefer to take their time.

Flexible study options ensure you get the most out of the learning experience while being able to prepare for an exciting instructor career.

Access to our professional instructor network

From the moment you begin studying with The Fitness Circle, you’ll have access to the best support from specialist personal trainers.

Whether you need support with one of the modules or have questions about the training course, our tutors are just one question away, ensuring you get the best possible support.

Flexible payments

We know how difficult it is to change careers, so we make sure each student can enjoy flexible payments. You can pay in full or spread the cost over a period of time, ensuring you’re able to study immediately.

Start your journey today

If you’re interested in becoming an exercise to music instructor, please view our course or contact us with any questions. Many opportunities are available, and taking the first step to becoming a professional Zumba instructor couldn’t be easier with The Fitness Circle.

We look forward to supporting you on your learning journey.

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FAQs

What is Zumba, and why is it so popular?

Zumba is a dance fitness program created by Alberto “Beto” Perez, a Colombian choreographer. Taking inspiration from Latin American dance, he made Zumba.

The exercise routine uses fast-paced music with a range of movements that burn calories – in an enjoyable way.

Many people attend Zumba group fitness classes, but virtual classes and one-to-one trainers are also popular ways to enjoy the vibrant way to shed excess weight.

There are many reasons for Zumba’s popularity, including:

  • It’s Fun and Effective: Let’s face it; heading to the gym isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, but Zumba offers an alternative to traditional exercises. It doesn’t even feel like working out because people have so much fun while getting their recommended cardio in – and losing calories.

  • There Are No Pre-requisites: While Zumba is a form of dance, participants don’t need any previous Latin dancing experience, and it’s suitable for people of all fitness levels.

  • It’s Accessible: Most gyms and fitness centres offer Zumba classes because they know they’ll always fill up quickly. People also book in advance, so anyone attending the classes can use them to make new friends and release stress from daily life.

  • Support Your Clients: Anyone can do Zumba, so there’s no need for skills and training. Instructors teach the classes, so people with zero dance experience might find it helps them learn some coordination.

Can I teach Zumba classes without a certification?

No, you can’t. Zumba is trademarked, and only people with a recognised qualification can teach it. For this reason, many people choose alternate career paths, including Level 2 Group Training or the ETM certification.

However, you can integrate certain moves into your workouts, which offer the same results and energy as Zumba.

Which career progression opportunities are available for qualified Zumba instructors?

Upon completing Zumba training, UK instructors can explore various career development options. You’ll also be a member of the Zumba Instructor Network, which offers access to specialist courses, including Aqua Zumba and the opportunity to learn new rhythms.

Many specialists also integrate nutrition principles into their classes for optimal results.

If you’re passionate about supporting clients to reach their fitness goals, becoming a Level 3 Personal Trainer is a great way to diversify your career options.

How much will it cost to become a Zumba instructor?

As of 2024, initial Zumba instructor training costs £365.31, but the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) offers seasonal discounts. Instructors must also regularly renew their license, which costs around £35.93 monthly, but you can save money by paying for six months or a year in advance.

Our ETM instructor course costs £550, but you can split the costs into convenient payments. You’ll also be able to teach a range of fitness principles upon qualification, enhancing your employability.

Take the first step towards your brand new career.

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