How to Become a Zumba Instructor

Zumba is an aerobic fitness program that’s derived from Latin American dance moves that’s typically set to lively, zesty Latin American music, hip-hop, or the latest pop hits scanning the radio waves. 

When it comes to teaching Zumba, there’s a lot of factors to consider and questions to answer. All depending on your gym or area, registration, licensing, and certification to complete.

We’ve laid out some of the most sought-after Zumba information for you, from certification information to elements you might not have considered all for the purpose of answering the primary question: Can I become a Zumba instructor, and if so, should I?

Licensing & Certification

The entire Zumba certification process typically takes anywhere from a full day to an entire weekend and doesn’t require any pre-requisites so as long as you’re over 18, you’re good to go. Right now, you’re able to get your certification online through a 10-hour program you can take at your own pace.

As a certified Zumba instructor, your license is valid for 6 months.  After that, you’ll need to refresh your certification.

However, sometimes just a Zumba certification will not suffice. If you’re planning to work at, or already work at a fitness facility, you might be required to have a general group exercise certification.

Check in with your fitness center to ensure that your Zumba certification is enough and if it’s not, work on achieving the necessary certifications.

insurance coverage for zumba instructors

Most studios require instructors to carry liability insurance for coverage if a student were to get injured. A study by NCBI showed that 1 in 4 Zumba class participants have injured themselves in a class, with even higher rates from those taking multiple classes a week. 

Insure Fitness Group offers all-inclusive liability insurance for Zumba Instructors for as low as $15.49/month, so that if an accident were to happen, your career will be protected.

Cost of zumba certification

The cost of Zumba certification training runs between $225 and $350. It’s necessary to join the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) which is a monthly membership program for support, updated information, continuing education and instructor certificate renewal. 

Instructors rave about how helpful membership is, and how cheap: $35 at the time of this article.

how does zumba fit into where you work

When you teach it a gym, you’re likely to get paid a flat rate no matter how many students show up, however, if you teach at other places, you’re probably going to be paid per head. While Zumba certification goes over some marketing tools, it’s likely you’re going to be on your own for attracting new clients and making it a lucrative business.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, WILL IT MAKE YOU HAPPY AND CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR HEALTH?

As a personal trainer or fitness instructor, your happiness and health matters, too.Not just because it’s going to reflect on your personal routine and regimen, but because you deserve to work hard, reap the benefits, and enjoy your job.

One of the last factors to consider about becoming Zumba certified is to determine if it will add or subtract from your own personal happiness and your health routine and regimen. This matters much more than money, scheduling, and certification.