Zumba Calories Burned Calculator

Medically reviewed by Gabrielle Kane, RDN, CSP, LD Gabrielle Kane Gabrielle KaneRDN, CSP, LD facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by , BSc (Life Sciences), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach Himanshi Mahajan BSc (Life Sciences), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Edited by , BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Fact-checked by , BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach Moksha Gandhi BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on

Zumba is a popular aerobic workout that combines Latin-inspired dance moves with cardio. This makes it perfect for those looking for enjoyable ways to stay active and burn calories. A 1-hour Zumba session may help you burn around 300 to 900 calories, depending on the intensity of the session, the duration of the workout, and your weight. It is extremely effective for burning fat and weight loss. The Zumba Calorie Burned Calculator can help you track your results. Scroll down to check out the calculator and understand how Zumba may help you achieve your weight loss goals.

System

Intensity

How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator helps you estimate the number of calories you burn per minute during a Zumba session. It will determine your metabolic rate as per your weight and then show you the results. Since people who have more body weight use more energy, a person who weighs less will burn lesser calories while doing the workout for the same duration as the heavier person and at the same intensity.

To use the calculator,

  • Enter your weight in kilograms
  • Enter your workout duration in minutes. The number of minutes you enter cannot be less than 1 and can go beyond 60 (1 hour).
  • Select the workout intensity and click on “calculate”.

Now that you have calculated the total calories burned, use this data effectively to plan your Zumba workouts. Learn more about it below.

How To Use The Zumba Calories Burned Calculator Effectively?

You can use the data generated effectively by adjusting your workout plans based on the results. For example, if you notice that your calorie burn is lower than expected, you might consider increasing the intensity or duration of your Zumba sessions. It is also a good idea to record your results after each session and observe patterns in your weight and fitness level. As these factors evolve, adjust the inputs in the calculator to reflect your current state. This will ensure you always work with accurate data.

An average Zumba session may last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The next section will help you understand how many calories you can burn during a typical Zumba workout session.

How Many Calories Can You Burn During A 40-Minute Zumba Session?

A study involving 19 women found that a 39-minute Zumba session could help burn 9.5 kcal per minute, which means an average of 369 kcal per session (1). However, the exact calories burned depend mostly on weight, heart rate, height, and age, and may vary from person to person (2). The chart below provides a rough estimate of calories you might burn depending on your Zumba session duration and weight.

Chart (Time vs burn calories)

Time(minutes)Calories (depending on weight)
150 lbs200 lbs250 lbs300 lbs350 lbs400 lbs
30210280350425500560
45320430535645750860
6043057571586010001145

Calories Burned During A 1-Hour “STRONG by Zumba” Session

A 1-hour session of “STRONG by Zumba” (which is now called “STRONG Nation”) can help you burn up to 400–800 calories (3). However, remember that it is not like the traditional Zumba and is not a dance-based workout routine. It is actually a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout. “STRONG by Zumba” involves muscle conditioning, plyometric training, and cardio, and all movements are choreographed on the beat of the music.

Can Zumba Help You Lose Weight?

Yes, Zumba can help you burn calories and lose weight. However, you have to combine it with a balanced diet and strength training to ensure better results. Zumba will be effective only when you create a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories than you are burning every day.

Does Zumba Burn More Calories Than Running?

No. According to the American Council on Exercise, running burns 11.4 calories per minute (for a person weighing 120 lbs.), whereas Zumba burns 9.5 calories per minute (1), (4).

Even though running is more effective than Zumba for burning calories and losing weight, a dance fitness routine is best for those who may find it difficult to stick to a monotonous exercise routine. Moreover, running may strain joints, whereas, Zumba is easy on the joints and ligaments. As a result, it might be a good option for those with joint issues or those who have recovered from surgery.

Does Zumba Gold Burns Calories?

Yes. Zumba Gold workout helps burn calories and is customized for older adults who want to lose weight and stay fit and active. It involves low-impact, easier movements that do not strain the joints and ensure an overall workout. Zumba Gold focuses on improving fitness, balance, coordination, and muscle conditioning, and impacts the cardiovascular system (2). Though it burns fewer calories than traditional Zumba, it improves the range of motion and strengthens bones. Zumba Gold also puts a heightened focus on Zumba as a social group exercise. The next section discusses a few tips you can follow to do Zumba for weight loss.

Zumba For Weight Loss: Tips To Follow

You can reap the maximum benefits from Zumba if you pair it with a nutritious and balanced diet. Therefore, it is crucial to work with a nutritionist. Here are a few diet tips you may follow to get the most out of your Zumba routine:

  • Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables every day. Include whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats in your daily meal plans.
  • Consume carbs in moderation. Avoid empty carbohydrates like white flour and bread, pasta, and cookies.
  • Include lean proteins such as eggs, chicken, and fish in your diet. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you can consume soy protein (like tofu).
  • Follow your hunger signals. Eat only when you feel hungry and choose healthy snacks, like fruits, nuts, cheese, etc. Eat several times a day to keep your energy up. Just make sure you’re choosing healthy snacks.

It is always better to follow your body’s signals and needs. Instead of focusing on fast weight loss, try to lose weight gradually. Ideally, you should try to lose around 1-2 pounds weight per week. So, pay attention to your body signals and set your diet and exercise routine accordingly. Now, let’s look at the other health benefits of Zumba. Scroll down.

Other Health Benefits Of Zumba

  • Helps strengthen your core muscles
  • Improves flexibility and promotes better hip movements.
  • Boosts heart health, since it’s an aerobic exercise.
  • Improves coordination
  • Reduces stress and improves mood.
  • Increasing energy.

In addition, practicing Zumba improves aerobic capacity and muscle strength (5). It’s a fun way to burn calories, lose weight, and stay healthy. However, ensure you do not overexert yourself. Work out under the supervision of a trained instructor and consult a nutritionist to ensure you are maintaining a proper diet and getting enough nutrients to replenish your body and get the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zumba better than the gym?

Both Zumba and gym can help burn calories and have their own benefits. You can go for one depending on your preferences and weight loss goals. Zumba is suitable for those who enjoy dancing, prefer cardio, and want to tone their body while burning calories. The gym is good for toning, strength training, and strengthening muscles and bones.

What is a good BMR value?

An average person may have a BMR value between 1000-2000 kcal. This means, your body needs these many calories to function properly while on rest.

Is Zumba better than walking?

It depends on your fitness level. Zumba is always a better option than walking, and depending on the intensity, it may help burn calories. However, walking (on a treadmill) is low-impact and better for those with joint issues.

Will Zumba reduce belly fat?

Yes. A high-intensity Zumba session that offers a mix of cardio and plyometric training may help reduce belly fat and body circumference (3).

How often should I do Zumba for weight loss?

You may opt for two to three 40-60-minute Zumba sessions per week for weight loss. It is also a good idea to combine it with a healthy diet.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

    1. Zumba®: Is the “Fitness-Party” a Good Workout?
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3737860/
    2. Zumba Gold®: Are The Physiological Responses Sufficient to Improve Fitness in Middle-Age to Older Adults?
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4541136/
    3. The effects of zumba and strong by zumba on body fat and circumference in women aged 20–40
      https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359396265_The_effects_of_zumba_and_strong_by_zumba_on_body_fat_and_circumference_in_women_aged_20-40
    4. Fit Facts Calorie Burners: Activities That Turn Up The Heat
      https://acewebcontent.azureedge.net/assets/education-resources/lifestyle/fitfacts/pdfs/fitfacts/itemid_2666.pdf
    5. Health Benefits of Zumba Fitness Training: A Systematic Review
      https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27317918/

Embed Code


To embed this on to your site just copy and paste the below code

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
disqus_comment

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.

Gabrielle Kane
Gabrielle KaneMS, RDN, CSP, LD
Gabby is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with 11 years of experience. She is also the founder of Peak Performance Nutrition LLC in Houston, Texas. She coaches both adults and children to their peak health using the power of sustainable lifestyle change.

Read full bio of Gabrielle Kane
Himanshi Mahajan
Himanshi MahajanHealth & Wellness Writer
Himanshi Mahajan is a Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach. She has a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from Guru Nanak Dev University and two years of experience in writing SEO-based and research-backed content across health and lifestyle genres.

Read full bio of Himanshi Mahajan
Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Moksha Gandhi
Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer
Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

Read full bio of Moksha Gandhi