As strength training surges in popularity, Zumba + Lift combines resistance training with Zumba’s classic music-driven energy
Strength training may be necessary, and it’s certainly popular. Fitness consumers of all ages are lifting weights instead of logging treadmill miles, and GLP-1s have made it non-negotiable.
Making it fun, however, has rarely been part of the equation. But that’s about to change.
Dance-fitness giant Zumba has launched Zumba + Lift, a music-driven strength format that combines resistance training with the brand’s signature energy for a full-body workout alternating cardio and resistance segments using 5–15+ pound weights to build strength and improve stability.
According to Zumba co-founder and CEO Alberto Perlman, the move was driven by both data and direct feedback from the brand’s global community, as strength training has become a must-have in people’s weekly routines.
“People want to feel strong and capable, and they’re seeking formats that support joint health, mobility and long-term results,” Perlman tells Athletech News. “At the same time, our 15 million weekly participants were telling us something important: they wanted to lift, but they didn’t want to give up the joy and freedom they get from Zumba.”
Rather than launching a standard lifting concept, Zumba chose to integrate resistance training into its existing vibe, preserving the rhythm-led structure.
“It’s still unmistakably Zumba; we’ve just added the element of resistance so participants can get stronger in a space that already feels like home,” Perlman says.
The launch comes as high-value low-price (HVLP) gym operators continue to expand their strength offerings amid rising competition and shifting member expectations.
“HVLP chains offer plenty of strength formats, but very few integrate resistance training with the kind of musicality, motivation and emotional connection that Zumba brings,” Perlman says. “Zumba + Lift isn’t just a class where people lift weights, it’s strength training wrapped in rhythm, fun and community.”
On the science side, he adds that the format is created with deliberate alternation between cardio and resistance segments to maximize results safely and effectively.
“It’s structured, evidence-based training, but it feels like a party,” Perlman says. “And importantly for HVLP operators, Zumba already has massive global penetration and an incredibly loyal base. Zumba + Lift becomes an easy add-on: high-value, low-friction and taught by instructors who are already embedded in gym communities worldwide.”
From an operator perspective, Zumba expects the new format to complement existing Zumba schedules, with benefits including acquisition, retention and visit frequency.
“Members who are being told they have to do weights but don’t want to give up their beloved Zumba, can now do both, together,” Perlman points out, adding that strength training also has cross-generational appeal.
“We expect to see more men and younger members integrating into the ecosystem because Zumba + Lift speaks to universal goals: strength, capability, confidence,” he says. “In short, it reinforces the value of gyms that already run Zumba, giving them another reason to be the ‘home base’ for members’ weekly fitness.”
Alongside the program launch, Zumba has introduced an in-house concierge service to support gym partners to streamline instructor licensing, onboarding, programming guidance and master class support, giving partners a direct line to Zumba HQ.
“It also helps them launch new formats with turnkey materials and drive participation more easily,” Perlman explains. “We were inspired by our gym partners, who were looking for a simpler, centralized solution, especially in high-volume environments. Operators can expect a true partnership that makes launches smoother, operations easier and class performance stronger. And best of all, it is always free for clubs.”
Zumba’s Zumba + Lift On-Demand Instructor Licensing Program includes a six to eight-hour course. For a limited time, instructors can receive a discount on the Zumba + Lift program and receive free access to the NCSF Strength Training Foundations Certificate Course.
