How to Become a Zumba® Instructor in
West Virginia

How to Become a Zumba® Instructor in West Virginia

Do you want a job that allows you to work closely with people, be active and have fun? Being a Zumba® instructor might be exactly what you're looking for! Zumba® is a dance-based fitness program that blends elements of salsa, hip-hop, samba, reggaeton and merengue with aerobic exercises to help people get in shape while having fun. As a Zumba® instructor, you'll get to help clients get closer to their health goals each day.

When West Virginia residents aren't enjoying beautiful mountains and going on long hikes, Zumba® is a terrific workout alternative. You'll find plenty of Zumba® clients in West Virginia who prefer to get their sweat on indoors. To learn how you can earn your Zumba® license and start teaching clients in no time, keep reading!

Where to Take Zumba® Instructor Courses

Living in the West Virginia area gives you several options for taking Zumba® instructor courses in person. With a quick search online, you'll be able to find a Zumba® instructor training near you that works best for your schedule. Alternatively, you can participate in virtual Zumba® training if that's more convenient. Both in person and virtual trainings will allow you to prepare for teaching Zumba® classes. If you're curious about taking classes before you enroll in training, you may want to explore virtual classes.

Whether you take a Zumba® instructor training online or in person, make sure you join the Zumba® instructor network after you receive your Zumba® instructor license, to stay up-to-date on all the latest Zumba® trends and teaching tools.

Zumba® Instructor Requirements

If you want to participate in a Zumba® instructor training, all you have to do is be 18 years or older. As long as you meet this age requirement, you can go ahead and sign up for your Zumba® instructor training. Begin by registering for the Zumba® Basic 1 training. This course teaches you the fundamentals of being a Zumba® instructor and sets you up well for your Zumba® teaching career.

During your basic training, you'll partake in both helpful lectures to learn what it takes to lead Zumba® classes and test out your Zumba® teaching skills. Once you complete your Zumba® instructor training, you'll know all the essentials for working with clients and leading Zumba® classes. You'll also receive your Zumba® license and be ready to start teaching classes of your own.

West Virginia State Requirements for Dance Fitness Instructors

When you apply to become a dance fitness instructor in West Virginia, you'll likely need a license for the technique you want to teach. Most West Virginia dance studios only require a license from a widely recognized fitness organization from their applicants. Your Zumba® license will show potential employers you have the skills and qualifications to lead Zumba® classes.

Sometimes, a dance studio, fitness center or gym will have extra requirements for their group fitness instructors. When you're applying to teach Zumba®, ask the head of group fitness what additional qualifications — if any — their facility has for their Zumba® instructors.

Some fitness centers may also require their group fitness instructors to be CPR certified. Regardless of state standards, it's always beneficial to know basic CPR before starting to lead exercise classes. You can get your CPR license by signing up for courses through the American Red Cross in your area.

Where to Work as a Zumba® Instructor in West Virginia

Once you get your Zumba® license in West Virginia, you can lead Zumba® classes just about anywhere. Zumba® instructors are independent contractors, meaning you get to shape your schedule, choose your terms and set your rates with the fitness center you work for on your own.

As a new Zumba® instructor, you may want to start searching for jobs with the larger fitness chains in West Virginia like Gold's Gym, Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness. These corporate gyms can help kickstart your career teaching Zumba® by giving you a consistent clientele and brand name recognition. You can also look into teaching Zumba® at schools, corporate offices, local parks and more. There are plenty of ways to teach your classes outside of a gym setting.