9 common misconceptions about Zumba

You know it’s a workout. You know it involves Latin dance music. You know it’s a lot of fun. But how well do you really know Zumba?

A lot of people have some really weird ideas about the group fitness class. Here are nine common misconceptions about Zumba.

You have to be a good dancer

Being a good dancer never hurts, but Zumba classes are more about coordinating effective body movements. You can be a little off beat or have two left feet and still get a solid workout.

Each Zumba class has an instructor who demonstrates the proper form and sequence for each exercise. The music is there to keep the pace and make your class more fun.

And Zumba helps develop coordination, muscle strength and balance. So, in the end, you might accidentally become a good dancer.

You have to wear sexy outfits

For some reason, Zumba promotions always seem to feature young, “hip,” urban fitness models in tights, usually showing some skin.

One trip to a Zumba class will crush that image for you. Most Zumba participants skew a little older and a lot more modest. They’re just normal people looking for a fun way to burn a few calories and work up a sweat.

It’s all in Spanish

Zumba was invented by Colombian dancer and choreographer Beto Perez. Although Perez speaks Spanish and a lot of Zumba classes feature Latin music, classes in America mostly are taught in English.

However, you might pick up some handy dance terms in a Zumba group fitness class. Don’t be surprised if you start telling your friends about merengue, salsa, cumbia and raggaeton.

Zumba isn’t a serious workout

Zumba seems fun, but can you really get in shape doing it?

Absolutely. A 30-minute Zumba class at moderate intensity burns about 270 calories — that’s more calories than you’d burn in a half hour of jogging.

Zumba also loosens joints, improves circulation, boosts cardiovascular endurance, improves mood, builds coordination and strengthens balance. It’s a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like a workout. Participants say classes fly by.

It’s only for young people

If you’re young enough to enjoy music and friends, you’re young enough to Zumba. Thousands of older adults exercise in Zumba classes, and movements can be modified to accommodate your body type and abilities.

For those who prefer a Zumba experience geared specifically toward active older adults and beginners, there’s Zumba Gold. It combines the same Latin rhythms with less-intense footwork and more personalized instruction. Zumba Gold and Zumba classes attract members in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond.

The music is weird

The music you hear in a Zumba class may not all be familiar, but it’s specifically selected to be exciting and easy to follow.

It’s certainly easier to follow than some Zumba music videos — what the heck is going on up there?

Also, Zumba classes often use popular songs and remixes of your favorites. You’re likely to hear something you enjoy or discover a new tune. Some participants even buy Zumba albums to play outside class.

It’s only for girls

Listen: If you don’t like women, you probably won’t like Zumba.

Women are the majority in Zumba classes, and that isn’t likely to change soon. But you’ll find guys working up a sweat alongside them. That’s because Zumba’s movements provide equally effective exercise for men and women.

Plus, Zumba was invented by a man. It increases coordination, strength and muscle tone. Sounds pretty manly to me.

You can only find Zumba in big cities

Ever heard of Lima, Ohio? Marysville, Calif.? Apache Junction, Ariz.?

All of those cities (and towns much smaller) have Zumba classes. In all, 15 million people are taking Zumba classes at 200,000 locations in 180 countries. Chances are there’s a class near you.

Not sure how to find a Zumba class? Zumba.com offers an online class locator that even shows class schedules.

It’s expensive

Zumba classes generally range from $5 to $20 per class, depending on your location and the instructor. But many gyms and community centers include Zumba in your membership, so you don’t pay anything extra to take classes.

If you’re 65 or older, there’s a one-in-five chance you qualify for the SilverSneakers Fitness program, which includes no-cost Zumba classes at some locations.