There are many reasons why you want to become a Zumba instructor. You might be looking to make a career change, and the flexibility of being an instructor is attractive. Or maybe you just love the music and dance moves that come along with Zumba, and want to share them with others. Whatever your motivation, becoming a certified Zumba instructor is not as difficult as it may seem. Here’s how to do it:
- Take a Zumba class: The first step in becoming an instructor is to take a class yourself! You’ll get a feel for what goes on behind the scenes—from the atmosphere of the studio to some of the choreography involved—and see if this is something you really want to pursue. If you don’t live near an existing Zumba class or studio, check out online classes and DVDs that can teach you how to lead classes yourself.
- Enroll in a training program: Once you’ve decided that you want to become an instructor, find out if there is a training program near where you live or work. Many companies offer free training programs for new instructors who want to learn more about how they operate their business and help others get started as well.
How To Become A Zumba Instructor
To be a good Zumba instructor, master the techniques of Zumba workouts and learn how to modify your instruction to compensate for students’ varying abilities. Have a high-energy and encouraging teaching style, making classes fun yet challenging. Be aware of any issues your students may have during class. Most importantly, have fun; your students take their cues from you, so have a positive and cheerful demeanor throughout your workout session.
Zumba is a fitness program that combines elements of salsa, merengue, samba, reggaeton, and hip-hop with other aerobic exercises. If you love dancing to Latin beats, have an upbeat attitude, and want to help other people get in shape, then you’re a great candidate for Zumba instruction! Read this article to learn how.
Part
1
Getting LicensedDownload Article
Image titled Become a Licensed Zumba Instructor Step 1
1
Visit the Zumba Academy training website. Because Zumba is a trademarked exercise program, you will have to be licensed through the Zumba Academy.
Image titled Become a Licensed Zumba Instructor Step 2
2
Enroll in the proper training programs. The first step in attaining your Zumba fitness instructor license is to enroll in one of the following courses:[1]
Zumba Basic Steps Level 1: This course will teach you the foundation for teaching Zumba. You will learn the four basic dance elements: merengue, salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton, and how to apply the various dance moves you learn to the songs you choose for your class.
Jump Start Gold: This course will teach you how to teach Zumba to an older audience, and how to target the physical and psychological needs of your students.
Image titled Become a Licensed Zumba Instructor Step 3
3
Complete the Zumba Instructor Training Course. These courses are a combination of lectures and practical training to give you the skills you will need to teach Zumba. Once you have completed the training course, you will be granted a one-year license to teach Zumba. This license will have to be renewed over time if you want to continue teaching.[2]
Image titled Become a Licensed Zumba Instructor Step 4
4
Keep your Zumba Instructor License current. Licenses to teach Zumba last for one year, and should be promptly renewed upon expiration if you want to continue teaching.[3]
Part
2
Other ConsiderationsDownload Article
Image titled Become a Licensed Zumba Instructor Step 5
1
Practice Zumba. Before you can teach Zumba, you will have to first master the style and choreography of the fitness program. If you haven’t already, enroll in a Zumba class and attend at least 3-5 days per week.
Be sure that you can keep up with Zumba classes of all different levels before you consider teaching a class. You must be in excellent physical condition to teach this or any other exercise class.
Take Zumba classes at different studios and with different instructors. This will help you pick up on the various techniques, and choose what kind of teacher you want to be. Pay attention to which classes seem to attract the biggest group of students, and notice unique elements (whether it is the dance moves, music choice, or overall energy) that that particular instructor brings to the table.
Image titled Become a Licensed Zumba Instructor Step 6
2
Consider where you want to teach Zumba. Remember that requirements for teaching Zumba may vary between different studios and/or gyms. Some studios will accept a Zumba licensing on its own, but others may require you to have a group fitness instructor license as well.[4]
Contact the person who is in charge of group fitness instruction at the gym or studio that you plan on teaching at. Set up a meeting with this person, and find out what certifications you need (if any) other than the Zumba license.
Image titled Become a Licensed Zumba Instructor Step 7
3
Consider getting CPR certified. While this requirement may vary between gyms, it is a good idea to be CPR certified if you are teaching a fitness class in the case of an emergency.[5]
Register for a CPR training course through the American Red Cross in your area. Be sure to properly renew your certification as needed.
