Best Online Zumba Classes

Zumba, the company that owns the rights to Zumba workout classes, has its own platform for instructors to post live and on-demand classes at Zumba.com. There are so many options to choose from that it may seem overwhelming at first. However, this is a great way to try different teachers and gives you the ability to choose someone you may know locally—or an instructor popular on the other side of the world. 

Instructors create their own content and can set their own class prices (which can range anywhere from a few dollars to $20 per class), so there is little continuity among classes. You do not have to subscribe but can simply pay for each class as you take it, offering you flexibility regarding the number of classes you take each week. There are some live classes available, and prices for these generally range from $1 to $15. 

We like that many classes are live-streamed, so you can register for the class and participate as it's happening—which helps to keep you committed and engaged. You can also view the on-demand library and revisit your favorite classes or instructors whenever you like. You can access classes for 24 hours after purchase, which means you will have to pay again each time you take the class. Reviews online are mostly positive. Overall, online classes on the official Zumba website are an excellent way to try classes from the comfort of home with little upfront commitment.

24 Hour Fitness launched Zumba on its virtual platform in an effort to help its members stay active during the pandemic. Whether you want to get in a workout at home or at the studio, 24 Hour Fitness provides classes on its app and in its facilities located in California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.

The gym offers two different types of Zumba classes, traditional Zumba and Zumba Toning, which focuses on working your arms, core, and lower body to the rhythm of the beat. All classes are designed to get your heart rate up and make your workout a good time.

To join 24 Hour Fitness, first, make sure there is a gym located in your area. From there, you can check out the different plans to find one that fits your budget and fitness goals. 

24 Hour Fitness memberships vary in price by state:

• Silver: This membership gives you access to cardio and weight equipment at one club location. You don’t get access to the basketball court, pool, classes, and other amenities. 
• Gold: This plan allows you to work out at multiple locations as well as gives you access to gym equipment, classes, pools, and courts. You also have access to virtual studio classes.
• Platinum: With the Platinum membership, you have access to all 24 Hour Fitness locations, all classes and amenities, and virtual classes.

A certified Zumba instructor since 2011, MJ offers a motivating and supportive Zumba experience that's perfect for people trying dance cardio for the first time. She breaks down complicated moves, encourages individuality, and invites students to take water breaks whenever needed. 

Students of MJ’s Zumba classes say she has great energy, music, and easy-to-follow routines. Plus, she shares her playlists so that fans can recreate the party at home.

On-Demand Zumba with MJ classes are 60 minutes long and expire after 24 hours. There are usually about two live classes a week starting at 12:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. EDT. They are priced at $5 each; register through Zumba.com. After you register, you’ll receive a link via email.

With Ailey Extension, you get to experience New York City’s Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in your own home. The instructors have several years of dance and choreography experience, which makes the classes extra fun and challenging.

To sign up, you can use the MindBody online portal to select your class time and make payments. Keep in mind that the class times are listed in Eastern Time. Within an hour of the start of the class, you’ll receive an email with the Zoom link. Make sure to download the Zoom app on your device prior to your first class.

Ailey Extension has three different pricing options: a single class card for $15, a five-class card for $70, and a 10-class card for $120.

In addition to Zumba, Ailey Extension offers online ballet, Broadway jazz, and hip hop classes. It also has yoga, Pilates, restorative stretching, and other workouts.

Zumba Gold classes are perfect for seniors because the routines feature modified movements that are easy on the joints. The choreography is at a slower pace compared to medium- and high-intensity classes; however, Zumba Gold focuses on the same elements as all the other Zumba classes: cardio, flexibility, and balance. 

There are anywhere from six to 20 virtual Zumba Gold classes available on Zumba.com each day, featuring different instructors and class times. Depending on your energy level and schedule, you can choose classes that are 30 minutes long or over an hour long. 

Before enrolling in a class, you need to create an account. Simply use your email address or Google/Facebook login and you’re good to go. Then browse the library of classes and sign up for as many classes as you want. And you’re not limited to Zumba Gold: You can sign up for any online Zumba class on the site. Note that class prices vary from instructor to instructor.

Strong Nation by Zumba builds strength through high intensity interval training (HIIT) choreographed to music Zumba fans love. You can expect to burn a lot of calories and work up a sweat with the mix of cardio and bodyweight moves. 

Classes are offered live and on-demand, and you can filter them by language, length, instructor name, and more. You can easily plan your workouts each week by reserving your spot with your favorite instructors and paying via PayPal up to seven days in advance. And since Strong Nation is part of the Zumba brand, the instructors have been vetted through an official Zumba certification. The class prices vary depending on your instructor.

Zumba does not offer tech support, nor does it offer refunds. Any logistics needs and requirements are between you and the instructor.

Looking for a more intense version of Zumba? Consider Zumba Toning. This class incorporates light weights into your dance cardio routine to help sculpt and tone your whole body. It’s a nice step up from original Zumba classes but not as intense as Strong Nation. 

Zumba.com offers online Zumba Toning classes all day, every day. Thanks to its large variety of instructors, you can find ones you love and learn new routines each time. Before your first class, you’ll want to invest in Zumba Fitness Toning Sticks (maraca-like weights available in 1 or 2.5 pounds) or a light pair of dumbbells. 

To register, simply create an account and then sign up for the classes you want to take. From there, you can make payments and access the live classes via Zoom.

Zumba France with Alix is our favorite free online Zumba option because of its fun choreography and easy-to-access YouTube videos. Although each class lasts about two to five minutes, it allows you to customize your workout to be as short or as long as you like.

In most videos, Alix takes the stage along with background dancers, so it feels more like a dance party than a workout. The verbal instructions are in French, but following along with Alix and her crew is easy regardless of the language they’re speaking.

Zumba France with Alix has been on YouTube since 2009 and has about 360,000 subscribers.