AFAA(TM) Partners With Zumba(R) to Provide Enhanced Training and Support for STRONG by Zumba(TM) Instructors Worldwide

CHANDLER, AZ--(Marketwired - Jul 26, 2016) - The Athletics and Fitness Association of America^™ (AFAA^™) is partnering with Zumba^® to enhance the training and safety of Zumba instructors around the world.

For those who register to become certified in the new STRONG by Zumba^™progression system, AFAA is now providing its Group Ex instructor certification at a special, time-limited rate of $99, with a portion of the fees going to support breast cancer research in partnership with Zumba and Susan G. Komen^®.

"We love the party-like atmosphere Zumba classes create. Zumba instructors seem to have boundless energy. When you combine that enthusiasm with AFAA's educational foundation -- you have an incredible group exercise instructor," said Andrew Wyant, president of AFAA. "With AFAA Group Ex instructor certification, Zumba professionals will acquire the fundamental scientific principles that make group exercise like STRONG by Zumba work so well."

Licensed Zumba instructors who register to become certified in teaching Zumba's newest group exercise program, STRONG by Zumba, will be eligible to enroll in the AFAA Group Ex instructor certification program for only $99. This fee includes the certification exam at no additional cost -- a $200 savings.

"To ensure the most effective and safe fitness practices, we encourage our instructors to take advantage of opportunities to expand their knowledge and education as they're building their careers in the fitness industry," said Darren Jacobson, senior vice president of Instructor Programming at Zumba. "This partnership is another example of the Zumba commitment to support our instructors with continuing education opportunities."

In addition to the special rate, 10 percent of the proceeds from each AFAA Group Ex instructor course purchased will be donated to the Zumba Global Research Grant for Breast Cancer Prevention, a medical research grant that is working toward a preventative solution for breast cancer around the world.

STRONG by Zumba is a new music-led, high intensity interval training program focused on synced music motivation to drive a total body workout that results in a group fitness experience to improve muscular definition and endurance. Information about Zumba training is available by visiting strongbyzumba.com.

For information about Group Ex Instructor Certification, visit afaa.com.

About AFAA™
Since 1983, AFAA has issued over 350,000 certifications in 73 countries, providing generations with the practical skills, science and hands-on experience necessary for effective group leaders and trainers to motivate and inspire others to move toward healthier and happier lives.

A global leader in fitness certification, AFAA upholds Basic Exercise Standards and
Guidelines for safe fitness practice. To learn more about AFAA, visit afaa.com or call
1.800.446.AFAA. For news and industry insights, follow us on Facebook or Twitter at
@AFAA_fit.

About Zumba Fitness, LLC
Founded in 2001, Zumba^® is the largest branded fitness company in the world -- reporting more than 15 million weekly participants, in 200,000 locations, across 186 countries. Known as "exercise in disguise," Zumba blends contagious world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, for an effective, total-body workout that feels more like a party than exercise.

In addition to its original Zumba program, the company offers 10 Zumba specialty classes -- from aquatic-based to those specifically designed for active older adults and children. In 2016, Zumba launched its first non-dance, HIIT-based workout called STRONG by Zumba™, based on Synced Music Motivation. The Zumba lifestyle is rounded out by the company's many consumer product offerings, including DVDs, video games and original music, activewear and footwear, nutrition drink line "Zumba Shake Shake Shake™" and interactive Fitness-Concert™ events. For more information about Zumba's programs and products, or to find a live class, visit zumba.com. Visit the ZLife blog and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.