Dance Fitness

Zumba

Zumba is a dance-fitness workout that strings simple Latin and international dance moves into cardio routines.

120–160 BPM Solo / group ≈537 kcal/hr
Origin
Colombia; company founded in Miami
Era
1990s – present
Time signature
4/4
Tempo
120–160 BPM
Difficulty
Studios listing it
117

What is zumba?

Zumba is a dance-fitness workout that strings simple Latin and international dance moves into cardio routines. Classes follow the music — merengue, salsa, reggaeton, cumbia — and are taught by licensed instructors in gyms and community centers.

History

Colombian fitness instructor Alberto "Beto" Pérez created the format in the 1990s; Zumba Fitness was founded in Miami in 2001 and licenses instructors worldwide.

Basic technique

  1. Merengue march, salsa step, cumbia step, reggaeton bounce
  2. Following cues without stopping
  3. Low-impact options for every move

Music & tempo

Latin and international pop at roughly 120–160 BPM.

4080120160200240280320 BPM

Songs for zumba

SongArtistBPMKeyYear
The UnknownFoxes120F major2014
MezcalitoLila Downs120F# minor2011
La BambaLila Downs120C major2003
Una sangreLila Downs120G major2003
Come to MeJC Chasez120A# minor2004
EnamóramePapi Sánchez120G# major2003
Mawa SillahZumba Fitness120D major2012
Save the DaySelena Gomez120F major2013
Funky Latin BoogalúPatricia Melecio120A# major2000
I Love ItKylie120F major2020

BPM as measured by audio analysis; some tracks read at half or double the danced tempo.

All 745 zumba songs by BPM →

What to wear

Supportive sneakers with low tread for pivoting; breathable clothes.

How to get started

Try a class at a gym or community center — no dance experience needed.

We list 117 studios that teach zumba, or browse all dance studios by state.

Recent research

More zumba research →

Frequently asked questions

How many calories does Zumba burn?

The Compendium rates general aerobic dance at about 7.3 METs — roughly 500–550 calories an hour for a 155-lb (70 kg) person. Use our calculator for your weight.

What BPM is Zumba?

Zumba is usually danced to music between 120 and 160 beats per minute. Browse 745 songs that fit on our Zumba music page.

How many calories does zumba burn?

About 537 calories per hour for a 155-lb (70 kg) person, based on a MET value of 7.3 from the Compendium of Physical Activities. See calories burned zumba for every body weight.

Latin Social Dance

Salsa

New York City — Cuban son and mambo, Puerto Rican musicians

Latin Social Dance

Merengue

Dominican Republic

Latin Social Dance

Cumbia

Caribbean coast of Colombia

Dance Fitness

Pole Dance

Circus, Chinese pole and mallakhamb traditions; modern pole fitness

Last reviewed October 2026 · Editorial policy