Any Zumba Instructors out there...???

SDMHudson

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if there are any Zumba instructors out there in the myfitnesspal world? I'm REALLY considering trying to become an instructor but I have some concerns.

I'm not in the best shape, but I can complete a Zumba class doing most of the class at a moderate intensity. I figure if I lose about 10-15 lbs then I would be in great shape to be an instructor.

If you are insturctor can you please share your story about how you came to be an instructor? And if it's not to personal, are you instructing and about how much you make. I would consider teaching a class in the future to make a little spare change, but I just think it's awesome that you can get paid for doing something so fun that is good for you.

Thanks for your inputs!
Selena

Moonbeamlissie

Bump! I also have wondered such things! I love Zumba!!

AnaNotBanana

Bump!! I love the classes so much I've wondered the same thing!

sadiesimp

Hey!

Pay for Zumba instructors (or people who teach other fitness formats) kind of varies depending on where you live, the venue, etc. Like for example, in North Carolina, if you work at a non-profit gym like the YMCA you'd probably make between $10-20/class. At bigger gyms like Gold's you'd probably make a little more, around $20-$30. Gyms in other parts of the country are probably a little different depending on the location.

Now some people who have built up their clients are able to go out on their own and rent a space to hold classes and are able to sell punch cards, class sessions, charge per person...that sort of thing. It is possible to make BIG money doing this type of class, but it is also a lot more work (advertising, renting space, buying sound systems, insurance, and a lot of other stuff) and a lot more risky.

I've taught Zumba for a year and a half, and other types of classes for 4 years, and I can honestly say, I don't do it for the money. The extra little bit of money is nice, the benefits (like free gym memberships) are awesome, helping others reach their goals is amazing, and being able to get paid to workout and do something you love is probably the greatest thing ever!

KelliH729

Hi Selena!!! I am certified to teach Zumba...I got it in May of this year. First as far as being in shape...do not worry!! At my training session, there were all different shapes and sizes there!! The biggest thing is it is a LONG day...haha. It is from I think 9-6...lol...I cannot even remember now . But about 6 hours or so is actual dancing. There is some classroom instruction as well but the majority is dancing. The first hour or so is a masters class which is INTENSE!!! Then you start getting into the steps. Bring your lunch with you, you will not have much time to go out and eat.
Now, I am currently teaching (1st class was last night) at my church. I am simply doing a "small group" so I am not charging at all for the class. I am doing this simply to get experience. So I am no help on the payment side of the house, our Zumba instructor for the class I regularly attend I believe is paid about $12/hr...not a lot for an hour long class. She may get a portion for how many students attend but not sure. Other classes I have attended, there is a $5 charge, I am guessing the instructor gets about 50% of that.
I decided to get certified because I really love Zumba. I started in January and have never had so much fun exercising before! I just think that everyone should be able to fall in love with it too!

judytate

Here in the UK - most instructors hire a community hall and run their own classes, the one I go to is £4.50 per lesson and there are about 22 women in the class. The hall costs £35 for the session. She does about 6 per week. She also teaches classes for the local gym - about 10 per week at £25.00 per class. Of course she has to do all her routine planning and music recording in her own time.
Judy

Galathea

I've become an instructor 4 months ago. =^_^=
I don't really know how it is in the States, since I live in Germany. So I can only tell you about it here, but I guess it's pretty much the same everywhere.
I started Zumba a year ago in my living room ... in terrible shape. LOL Got better with time, had some great results with it. And one day a woman from our community center asked me if I'd like to start teaching a class. It was actually not an official thing. But it got pretty big in a short time. So I decided to go for my instructor certificate.
Here in Germany you have to take an instructor class, that goes for a weekend (around 350$), after that you will get your certificate. You can do more workshops do get your certificate for Zumba Gold or other versions.
The workshop is tough, 9 hours straight for two days. You will feel every bone after it. But it's worth it, because you don't only learn the steps from a professional, you also learn how to TEACH them, which is a big difference. And you'll get a lot of material that will help you.
Currently I'm giving 3 classes a week. I don't do it for a living, it's simply fun to me. I'll start a fourth class Augut, 10th and I was already asked to do a fifth (but that's not sure, since I don't know if I'll have the time for it with my regular business running next to it).
I have usually 30-40 people in my classes, which is a lot. Most classes are smaller here (guess I have talent to torture people and they come freely to me ROFL).
How much money you'll make depends on who pays you. But it's a nice extra income.
I'm not in perfect shape and I'm still far away from my goal weight. But I guess that's a plus, because people here get motivated this way. They see me, see the results I have had with it and think "if she did it, I can do too". I know that some get discouraged, if they see a perfect in shape gym bunny in front of them. I'm not, so they are okay with me.
What you have to take into consideration is that you need more than just the shape to finish an hour of doing Zumba yourself. You will talk, while doing it, you will have to explain steps. You will need a certain knowledge about anatomy to tell people to pay attention to certain muscles and body parts, so they don't injure themselves. And you have to know what you are doing. But it is a lot of fun. And, seriously, if I can become an instructor, then probably everybody can. =^_^=

iluvsparkles

I'm with Sadie..the extra money from teaching is nice, but I really became an instructor so that I would feel obligated to my ladies to be at every single class. So far i haven't missed a single one! I LOVE being a Zumba instructor because it is so awesome to spread the addiction to everyone!

colsharon

I am obtaining my instructors license on this Saturday! I am super excited. I work a full time job that I love, so I hope to only teach a few days a week. I have an interview at the Y on Monday!! I love Zumba and taking my instructors class only helps me push myself to the next level in my Zumba workout.

msshiraz

Yes I teach ZUMBA!!!! Thx for posting this! I become a ZIN in March (Zumba Instructor), after losing about 30 lbs since November, (had lost 20 before that at the gym- took a lot longer though to see results). In April I got licensed to teach Zumba Gold, and last Friday I took Aqua Zumba.
I started as a student last year, I could do 2 a week, then 3, then 4 that was pushing it. So I figured I would get licensed to teach, since I loved it so much! No idea the journey it would lead me on- not only to I continue to lose weight, I have inspired my participants in my classes as well- that feels better than any amount of $$ I could make. No I don't do it for the $$, I figured it would pay for my fitness.
Oh and now I teach 10+ classes a week and growing! Zumba is so addicting, both physically and emotionally- I strongly recommend anyone try it and have fun at your training Saturday- its a long day but in the end you will be so excited! You can find me on the Zumba website if you want to contact me for support!

connell1981

Great post.... I too am a licensed Zumba instructor. I personally lost 80 pounds in a two year period of time. I decided to become an became an instructor over a year ago so my local YMCA would not cancel the classes I enjoy participating in so much!. I decided to start my own Zumba studio in December of last year because I wanted to reach out to other people other than through the YMCA. My stuido currently holds classes 5 days a week with the assistance of four other instructors. For me, I teach for the joy of helping others... it is a labor of love and not for the money. LOL ~ as a small business owner I can honestly say I am not making a dime at this time, again, a true labor of love!

I encourage anyone to pursue their passion. Zumba is my passion... I feel that it helped in the process of regaining my life back when loosing weight. I can say the passion will continue to live even if my business would fail for whatever the reasons.

As I tell my students... "It's not exercise, just dance!"

Hope this helps. Message me if you need any additional information about how to go about getting your licensed. LOL ~ feel free to visit my studio and come dance with us if you are ever in the Albemarle, NC area!

Gstellar22

I love Zumba!

ilovemesumme

I absolutely love this post!! I am getting ready to go for my Zumba certification! Reading this post had me teary eyed! Not for the money (although making money will be a bonus) but for the Zumba love!! Thank you so much!

ilovemesumme

SDMHudson checking back to see if you became a Zumba instructor. Very interested to know how your journey went. Thanks!

Futbol14

Although I am not the one who actually asked the question I do appreciated all the imput given. I just got certified as a Zumba instructor myself in July 2013 and I am in the process of looking for a place that will accept me as an instructor. I am not your regular 90-60-90 instructor either and I was concern about my weight and be a barrier to become a Zumba instructor, but I was told by a very wised person that God made us all unique and beautiful and on his eyes we are all valuable and loved, but in order to be accepted by others, we have to start by accepting us the way we are and give our 100% as soon we get that opportunity, the rest should become easier.
As an instructor we would be able to loose more and more because we would be forced to do our best in order to teach others, we become an example of "Yes we Can and Yes I did IT"

avababy05

I love seeing that guys love it too!

Margarette

I just got certified also! I would not worry about your physique just make sure you rock that class! Not all my instructors were skinny and some were still on their weightloss journey. So just bring it and you will be fine! Heck I envy some of my bigger instructors booties! They can shake it in ways that no one else can! Use your physique to your advantage!

dancer1178

I became a licensed Zumba Instructor a little over a year ago. I am a dance teacher (jazz, tap, ballet etc.), so it fit into what I already have a passion for. In all honesty I did it because my employer needed someone and I had always enjoyed taking Zumba. I was licensed during a large fitness convention in Hyannis, MA. Over 200 people got licensed!! Men, women, young, old, small, large with all different fitness levels.

As a few other posters have pointed out, there is an opportunity to build a clientele and make good money. I currently get paid an hourly wage. I also took on another class in another city not far from me. While teaching there we did a 60/40 spilt. I made 60% of what was brought in and got paid by the class. She is an old friend so she insured that I made $25 regardless of how many people showed up for class. With anything else you do in life, there are risks but if you have a passion for it, GO FOR IT!! Even if the weight isn't off now, the more you take class or teach it will. Don't be afraid to go after what you want. I have seen all shapes and sizes in Zumba. That's the beauty of it! No matter age, race, gender, or size, Zumba is for everyone! Being from the dance world I totally understand the struggle with feeling too large ( I have always had to work to be fit, and am now larger than I have ever been! But working on it!), but just go kick some Zumba butt!

Glad2BFit

Hey from Seattle! I'm a licensed instructor and love it. Been teaching for about 3 years, lost 70+lbs teaching and taking classes as well as weight training. I teach Zumba, Zumba Gold as well as Bollywood Fitness and I absolutely love the kind of impact I can make on someone's day and also how teaching holds me accountable for completing my own goals. Currently I teach at least 5 classes if not more a week.

I've still got 40+ lbs of me to lose so I'm working on it, adding strength training, yoga and stepping out of my comfort zone, "dance." I like the extra cash, but I def don't do it for the money. It's how it makes me feel.

Z !