God has impressed upon my heart to write about this fairly new workout that has captured the attention of more than 20,000 instructors in 35 countries (according to Wikipedia), which has thousands of men, women, and including children signing up everywhere for the classes. And now it’s in the church. I did a little homework on it (and you can too). Anyone who knows me is aware that my husband is a strength and conditioning coach. So I know my fair share about genuine exercise and health, and what it takes to be and look healthy. But Zumba raises a question.
Okay, I know that I’m going to get a mixed bag on this topic, but here goes. First of all, what is Zumba? Many Christians are beginning to gravitate to it, yet they don’t really know what it is or why they’re doing it, but they sign up for it anyway. The Bible says that we perish for the lack of knowledge. So let me give you some background information (and you can Google it for yourself as well).
Zumba originated from Alberto “Beto” Perez in Colombia during the 1990’s when as a dance choreographer, he forgot his tape of aerobic music for a class that he was about to teach, and ran out to his car to get a Latin music tape and began a salsa-like workout routine…and from it, “Zumba” was created. The word means “fast moving” and it’s also fused with the word “rumba” which means “party.” So that’s why when you do it, you feel like you’re at a party. It’s described as a sexy workout that is considered “an exercise in disguise” whereas a person doing it can typically burn up to 500-1,000 calories an hour. Wow! Seems like a pretty okay deal right? You get to dance freely and lose the weight. How fun! Right? Hmm…
Now…most people, including some Christians would probably say, “Okay, so what’s wrong with that?” Well, do you still go to the club? Do you dance like that in church? Do you think God would be pleased by you shaking your butt in a crowd of women and men (possibly behind you who could be struggling with lust or homosexuality), doing hip thrusts, and popping it up to secular music (which I know some churches use Christian music to do it as well)? I also believe that some people may say, “Well, I do it at home alone or I can just turn the music down.” BUT what are you watching? Think about it…let me help you…other women and men shaking it up. The Bible says in Psalm 101:3, “I will not put anything wicked in front of my eyes. I hate what unfaithful people do. I want no part of it” (God’s Word Translation). We have to learn to live from the inside out, because God sees everything…in church, at home, even in the gym, etc. He sits high and looks down low. There are no ceilings with God.
Listen, I’m not here to judge the sinner, but church folk…come on ladies. We have to watch the enemy in this and watch out for what we bring into the church and into our Christian lives. Remember, judgment is going to start in the house of God. My job is not to condemn you, but to bring awareness and awaken you in this last hour before Jesus returns. I want you and me to be ready when we stand before a holy and righteous judge someday. For all I know, you could be being convicted on it right now or have had questions about it yourself, or know someone who’s doing it. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God…The Lord will punish men for such sins…For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.”
Personally, I wouldn’t choose Zumba. I would stay far away from all appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22). It is indeed a sexy workout, and if you want to defend it by saying, “You can take the sexy moves out of it.” Then I would say, “It wouldn’t be called Zumba, it would just be called aerobics.” I know the truth hurts, but trust God’s word, it will make you free. Put away the former things of this life…you’re a new creature in Him. If you don’t dance like that anymore, than choose not to go back to it…even for a workout. Watch the enemy my sister! He’s subtle. One last note: If you dance in church, most likely if you keep doing Zumba, you’ll have to watch that you don’t bring those sexy moves into the church house. So instead of fighting with your body and the enemy, I lovingly suggest that you to just let it go…because there are other ways to get fit and stay healthy. Ask the Lord what’s the best workout program for you…Jesus said, “Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Luke 11:9)
Selah (pause and consider). Remember Jesus is coming back soon! Those who endure unto the end shall be saved. Let's get ready from the Inside Out.
*And don't forget to check out my latest blog posts every Monday at 7:30am on www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org! Weekly updates on Facebook. Thanks and may God continue to enlighten you on the truth.
~Courtnaye
For videos…viewer discretion is advised.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC6K3TSK_RY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS_g0-QWeek
Disclaimer: I am so glad you read my blog today on Zumba. If you choose to leave a comment, I think that's great! But I also want to mention that this blog is for Christians who are looking for truth and answers as it relates to Zumba and Christianity. As Christians, the Bible tells us that we are called to be holy, because God is holy. That is the whole purpose for this post. With that being said, I will not post negative comments, because it will not edify anyone reading it. If you feel in your heart that Zumba is okay for you, that is between you and God. This is a suggestive read. Everyone has a free will. I just recommend that you don't ignore your convictions for the sake of an exercise program. Remember, God has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Thanks again for reading. :-)[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
I feel you. I prchased Zumba and it was very addictive. I did it 4 hours one day! It has a very seductive spirit on it. You are so right when you say we gotta watch those things. The Devil is subtle. He will try to destroy us anyway possible. After 2 weeks I sent it back and thank God I got a refund. (mercy). With me dancing for the Lord I realize there are no on/off switches for dance. What you put in will come out! Thanks for sharing, My prayers are with those who the Lord is convicting right now. Please let it go. God has a better way for you to work out and have fun and STAY saved, lol.
Wow! Amazing Rach. I know you want to honor God in all that you do. Great decision! I know God was well pleased w/your decision. Many are just uninformed. But hopefully, this helps shed some light on it and the enemy’s plan to deceive us as Christians through fitness. Thanks for post!
My oldest son lost his wife as a result of her going too deep into the Salsa Dance world. To say you can dance like that and not get to involved in the seduction is just simply ignorance. Stay away from it or you may be next. As a worship leader myself, I’ve seen the seductive dance creep into our worship services. It’s just another attempt of the enemy to render us ineffective. Well said……keep up the good work!
Thanks P Aaron for your comment. Unfortunately, it’s another way for the enemy to come in and try to deceive Christians. So sorry about your oldest son losing his wife to this new fad. Let’s keep it lifted in prayer that many eyes will be opened. There are so many other alternatives. We don’t have to compromise in a workout.
I remember doing Zumba once or twice at Lifetime fitness(health club) and I was embarrassed somehow; I am Latin but the moves were really sexual.
Today I wanted to do a workout(Zumba) at home and watch it on youtube, the Holy Spirit told me:”It’s a trap” so I went online and found your site. Thanks I know God wants us to be kept Holy, so I will walk outside instead or follow a different workout.
Wow! God is truly exposing the enemy with this workout. It was encouraging to actually read a comment from someone who is Latin, and who also sees the sexual seduction in this workout. Thanks Maria for sharing your thoughts here. I’m even more grateful that God led you to my blog post to be enlightened about it. God bless you sis and I pray that you are seeing the results that you want with your new workout plan. Remember the key is consistency and having a healthy diet and exercise program that does not compromise your faith. 😉
Bless you sister and thank you for your willingness to speak out. There is more going on here than meets the eye… and without a doubt, what meets the eye is not G-d honouring in any way, shape or form.
I have been researching this phenomenon and have discovered that many, many churches have embraced this ‘aerobic exercise’ without a second thought. I found comment after comment from ‘christians’ saying how much they love Zumba and invite others to join them. They don’t seem to be able to see anything wrong with shaking their behinds and thrusting their pelvises in these very sexually provocative ways.
This begs the question: Why not? I fear that the Church has compromised so much (a little here and a little there) over the past several decades that today many are incapable of seeing evil even when it is right in front of them and even go as far as calling evil good… Woe to them who call good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20)
What is also interesting is that I have also found comments from non-christians who find the whole Zumba phenomenon evil…. one blogger even went as far as calling it a cult and the instructors ‘priests’. The evil one is hard at work prowling around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour… (1 Peter 5:8)
I completely agree with you, Christian and Zumba in the same sentence is an oxymoron.
Stay strong sister… Greater is He who is in you, then he who is in the world…
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter throught it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
PS, I posted your blog on my Facebook… I hope you don’t mind…
Praise God and thank you so much for reposting on your page. As a result, I’ve been receiving more readership & comments as it relates to your doing so. I thank God for you and your comment. Actually, When I read it, I have to say that it really touched my heart. It was on time. And you’re right, it is an oxymoron and unfortunately, more churches have been embracing it and encouraging it. So sis, we have to keep watching and praying, because the enemy is very busy in this last hour. I appreciate your encouragement and please continue to spread the good news! God bless you!
Thank God for this post,
I need prayers as my wife is wanting to do zumba, P Aaron’s comment spoke to me very loud and clear and I can see something similar happening if she doesn’t stop. Pleasepray for me and my wife.
Joshua
Hi Joshua,
Thanks for your comment. I have been praying for you and your wife as you asked. Just continue to pray and watch God move. He has already been moving in the lives of others to let go of this new trend. I’d love to hear your testimony one day of deliverance. I encourage you to keep believing in what God can do! He is amazing and often times blows our minds when we seek Him.
I’m glad you wrote about this. I stopped going to a dance workout class at my gym because I thought I felt God impressing me “You’re on the devil’s enchanted grounds. Can you get out? YES.”
And now ZUMBA is weighing on my conscious. I don’t think I should keep going to the classes. It is weird how quickly it caught on and I don’t know what the music is saying same thing with Josh Groban music I have no clue what he’s saying in Italian. While I love all languages, I think it’s important to know what you’re feeding your mind and if you don’t know what they’re saying well they could be saying anything whether it’s pure or sinister and you’d never know…I’m having trouble with my love for dancing the fat away and my core beliefs as a Christian. I just don’t think I should go to Zumba anymore…Do you have any more information on Zumba in terms of it’s history and from a theologian’s perspective?
Thank you for all the info! My sisters were getting into it and one of them had a funny feeling about the whole thing. She encouraged her older sis to quit but needed some back up. This was all it took. Very informative and and balanced. Thanks again and keep up the good works.
Praise the Lord! God is faithful. He knows exactly what we need when we need it. Knowledge is power…especially when it’s applied. And thanks for the encouragement! God bless you and your sisters.
I am a former Christian, now an escort, and an avid Zumba-er! I love Zumba, I started 3 weeks ago and have lost an inch off my hips and thighs. Looking good is important for my job as well. I’m part Hispanic so I usually Zumba better than most in my class! If it weren’t for Zumba, I’d still be a size 12 and never work out. Having said that, I don’t think Christians should do it. Back when I was a Christian I would have never done it. If you have strong views on sexual morality, Zumba can cause some real chaos because you’re doing moves that (within your belief system) should only happen with hubby. This inner conflict will cause discomfort and even arguments with your spouse if he’s opposed to men seeing your butt jiggle around! I’ve always been the type to do whatever I do 100% so if you’ve decided to be a Christian do it all the way and Zumba is not part of that.
Thanks so much for your post. I really appreciate you giving your perspective on this from your angle. This should be a definite eye opener for devoted Christians. I also pray that you’ll one day reconsider Christianity…it’s the bomb girlie! Once again, thanks for your time in sharing the reality of Zumba for my viewing audience. Wake up guys!
I heard of Zumba and researched for classes in my town. I found classes being offered at my daughters school (Christian school) two days a week. The first class I questioned the movements but I told myself I’m here for the excercises, to get fit, and to drop off the excess weight. While in a Sunday School class I mentioned that I was going to Zumba classes a few questions arose and made me rethink…should I be participating in Zumba? So, I started today to do some research but I wanted true answers not what I want to hear that would make me feel good and justify my reason for going. I even thought ok if I don’t go to the classes I’ll just buy the videos and do it at the privacy of my home. So, yes I have found my answers to my questions. Thank you. I believe the Lord led me to your blog. May many who are searching for truth on “christians and zumba” find your blog. Now I have to pray because I will need to present this to the school. Please pray for me. God bless.
Thank you so much for posting this. I am a Christian and felt convicted to quit going to Zumba. The class leader had awarded me with a Zumba belt for being her oldest student. It actually looks like a “belly dancer” skirt. This uneasy feeling started when a new lady to Zumba asked me if I was a belly dancer when I was younger. I felt troubled, for I am a devout Christian and even lead a Bible Study. Our pastor preached a sermon and one point was not to be a “stumbling block” to some one else. Put the music and some of the body moves together and I felt I could be a stumbling block to someone by going to Zumba. I no longer go and know I made the right choice. God bless you for posting this article. Jan
A few months ago I was doing zumba on the wii and as I was dancing I knew something was cool with this then one day while jogging the holy spirit basically revealed the sexual perversion behind it and really shed some truths and spiritual issues that will manifest. Not only is it perverted but some of the music and techniques were/are used as a form of worship in heathen cultures…. I pray that this blog shed light to every one that walks I’m darkness….. thanks for sharing
Courtnaye,
Wow, thank you for this Zumba post. I started joined Zumba last year and just got addicted to it. I actually paid to become an instructed (7/28/12), but will cancel today.
The dance is very seductive, and the music words are filthy; but fun if you want to be part of this world. So I would just dance and try to ignore the words, but I found out that my mind would be remembering and repeating the /words/songs over and over again; and though I did not want to sing the songs, they have now gotten registed in my spirit, and I am now meditating on these filthy words; so I know this is the devils trap. Very slowly he has cripped inside of me.
I noticed that I could hardly hear from God anymore, and God had been impressing on me to stop the zumba, but had been ignoring it. I would always tell God – “I have always been overweight, and now I have found an exercise program, that has helped me lose the weight, and I really enjoy it”
Recently, I have been struggling in my spirit, and the last time I went for zumba, I knew, that I was dancing for the enemy, without a shadow of doubt, so last night, repented I told God, Lord I am quiting. Yes, I want to praise you with everything I got, Lord. Thats why you created me, Lord. I am all yours!
Thank you again, Please pray for me to find an exericise program that I will enjoy.
Pauline
Thank you for your comments on zumba. I wholeheartedly agree.
Thank you so much for typing this. I went to two Zumba classes and after the 2nd one I was so convicted and feel the same way. I wanted to have some scriptures to turn to if i was approached and I’m thankful you posted some. This was an answered prayer finding this.
Thank you for being bold for Christ!
Im glad i found this blog post. I normally attend zumba on monday’s and saturdays but this past class felt convicted. Mostly the music is in Latin, but i know if it was in English.. there is no way i could let myself listen to it. You can still feel the sexual undertones of the music. Also – i like what you said about dancing that way in the past, and giving it up and becoming a new creation in christ. I feel like finding this was a confirmation from the Lord that he is speaking to me to clean up all areas of my life, even my workout. Thank you for your obedience in posting this. god bless.
Thank you very much for this depth of teaching. It is very timely and I believe the Holy spirit must have laid it in your heart for people like us. I had also contemplated seriously about joining Zumba, made several calls but somehow I never got the release.Finally, i decided i was going to buy it as one of my children’s wii games. I previewed it and then Holy Spirit helped me make up my mind as I saw some of it and knew it was not for a child of God.
The problem I have now which led me to this site is that we have this just dance 3 as part of the games for the kids’ wii.Right, it is very good for exercising but I still experience a kind of pull back because most of the songs are sung by worldly people. I find myself dancing and responding to dances i never danced to even when i was in High school. The greatest danger i even foresee is that we are beginning to learn the songs , particularly my children,and it is the me that has thought them never to listen to worldly music talk more of dancing. Im quite confused. So my question is, is it ok?.Looks like ive answerd my question but i still want another person’s contribution. Im not afraid to withdraw it and be humble to tell my kids that mummy was wrong but ild like to have enough and deeper reasons for them. Please im not good at this blog thing , could you also send me a personal reply on my email that ill enter below.
Thank you.
Do you or anyone that would read this thread know whether there is any of such wii dance pack for christians? or does anyone have any connection to d nintendo pple whether they could do one for us?
Thanks for sharing. I attended my first Zumba class yesterday and later in the day got attacked in my mind so strongly by the spirit of Lust. I was surprised since that had not happened in a long while. I asked the Lord what was the loophole and as I lay on the ground in prayer to the lord, I felt the Holy Spirit asking me to investigate the origin of Zumba. My search led me to your site. Thanks for taking time to write about this. it is a life saver for Christians sincerely looking for a good workout
Thanks for writing about this. Continue to be bold for Christ.
I tryed zumba one time and refused to do it any more because of how uncomfortable I felt doing it. I mean at point one of the moves had you humping the air!
I am so glad to have found this post as I am up finalizing the Wellness Leader Training for what I believe wholeheartedly is where I’m supposed to be. I attended training to teach Zumba a year ago and I am convinced God used it as the vehicle to get me to the part of the vineyard I was supposed to be in. I was a student-athlete in college and since gradution, I had NO interest in ANY physical activity. This is why I knew my sudden interest in teaching Zumba was a “God-thing” and part of a journey He was taking me on. Prior to becoming a fitness instructor, I spent 15 years encouraging women to live lives of authenticity and harmony with others; championing them in their efforts to connect with healthy self-esteem and the practical teachings of Christ. From my first Zumba class, I’ve always incorporated Christian songs as part of the 30% (non-Latin) songs we’re allowed to incorporate…yet, God kept speaking to me about “more”. “Offer more of me…show them what you see that allows my Glory to shine through you”, the Holy Spirit said. I’ve had people tell me that I don’t “gyrate” enough in my zumba class. Hmmmm… Of course, I made no changes. Well, long story short, I began offering a Christian dance and aerobic class in place of Zumba and it has been tremendous. I’ve aligned with local churches in my area and am preparing to license instructors (both current and aspiring) to teach it in my area and wherever there is interest across the country. I am truly TRULY providing the Cliff’s notes of my journey to “here”, but feel free to visit the website. It’s time for a new standard and I am grateful to have been chosen for this assignment. I’ve included a link to this ministry of fitness. I give God all the glory and He has already blessed it beyond anything I could ever have imagined. But then again…that’s how he operates – especially when He sends you! The testimony of my adult life is that I’ve seen miracles, signs and wonders on the other side of my obedience. I solicit your prayers and support. i’m definitely bookmarking this page for continued uplift. We are set apart for God’s glory. My, my, my! Okay, I’m getting emotional – – – God bless you all.
Precious,
What is your website?
Hi Pam. You’re actually on it. Have a blessed day!
Hi Courtnaye,
Thank you for this. You were no doubt inspired by God. I am indeed speechless by everything I have read. I guess this is part of my conviction.
I was invited to a Zumba class by several of my fellow Christian ‘women’ friends who also attend. In fact, the instructor is a Christian woman and a dear friend. In the beginning the simple workouts were fine but then things started getting a little ‘wine-y’ and uncomfortable for me. I also did not understand the words of some of the songs. Today I am happy to say I am a dedicated Christian and I love my God. But for most of my life, I was blind. I went to clubs and I partied good. So I know all to well what moves are and aren’t appropriate. Since then (my first and only class) I have been feeling guilty about the whole thing. It has been hunting me, to research on what Zumba really is before I continue. This evening I googled it and read on wiki about it being founded by Alberto ‘Beto” etc.etc. But that wasn’t enough, so I typed “is Zumba OK for Christians” and ended up on this site. I know that The Holy Spirit brought me here and I have decided that I won’t return to the Zumba classes. The devil is indeed manipulative and its apparent that he is using anything he can to get believers to do ‘seemingly’ innocent things, when they are completely wrong. Now I am in an uncomfortable place where, I would want to share this with my fellow Christians because I love them all and believe that their hearts are in the right place, especially the instructor, but I am also concerned that it may stir up anger etc. Please pray for me, and how I should go about this. Also, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
God is Able!
Hi Courtnaye, I’ve never been to zumba before but my friends have pressured me once or twice about it when they’ve seen I’ve put on a few pounds:) Yet everytime i think about it i always thought, it’s know difference with dance practices that we do in young people (not that we have sexy moves but we use fast music for items such as Sandy Patti’s Hosanna) But I guess it was the spirit of the Lord working in my heart to stop me from temptation.
I’ve put in a discussion about a worldly song called AZONTO to some young people. My studies show that the word itself is an African word and it’s meaning is “a form of prostitution”. Some of the young people were surprised about this and have immediately deleted the song from their ipods and told their friends about it. Praise the Lord. And from that conversation, zumba came in and i thank God for your view which has given me more insight.
I will be sharing your views with these young people and i know it will fully bless them. I just feel sorry for the zumba instructors in Samoa, they will go bankrupt …lol ..
But hey, no matter what, jogging, walking etc was the first source of exercise. We can live without zumba.
God bless
I am a water fitness instructor for the Y and have been employed for over 8 years. Decided to try zumba and took the class for several months. I could feel the evil from the beginning, but kept putting those feelings off. I was loosing weight, but could tell something was not right in my spirit. I prayed and was able to understand some of the words. They where actually words that where praising satan and all things evil. One day a pastor who teaches a fitness class at our Y stood at the back of our class and just watched. My face turned 3 shades of red and it was then the Holy Spirit convicted my heart. I thank God I no longer attend these classes, but many of my friends are in there. Please pray that we can stop this sneaky attack on our Christians and that the light of God will shine on all this evil.
your sister in Christ, Sharon Hiott
Courtnaye, I wanted to tell you that you that God used you today! 🙂 I got onto the computer to look into hosting a Zumba class at our church…googled what I thought was generic phrasing – and guess who’s blog post was the first entry to be returned?? I’m SO thankful that I was able to read what you had written… I think I’m disappointed in myself that something so sinister could parade around for so long as an innocent high-impact workout session. THANK YOU for sharing your heart and for unmasking it for what it really is. I have many friends who participate in this program (and some who don’t any longer after reading your post!) and it really spoke volumes to me. Keep doing what you’re doing – its much appreciated!! You’ve been yet another ‘God thing’ that’s been put in my/our way as we determine the path of our new women’s ministry. Thank you for your honesty, and for your willingness to post what’s RIGHT, not what’s popular.
Apart from Zumba containing all the moves of a watered down porn movie, stop and think what it is doing to men. This new fitness monstrosity is turning real men into ‘girly men’. What ever happened to men being real men doing a man’s workout? Zumba? Fergettaboutit! I’ll drop and grind out some pushups.
Amen and amen again!!!! And again! I have heard about Zumba and it troubled my spirit from day one! And I went to YouTube to watch the videos and it was the club all over again! I got delivered from clubbing over a decade ago and stopped listening to demonic music about 5-7 years ago. There are so many ways to lose weight, but I find that people are attracted to Zumba for not just the weight loss, but they are seduced by the idea of being seductive and learning how to dance. JESUS warned us in Matthews 12:43-45, “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.
Then he said, I will return into my house from where I came out; and when he is come, he finds it empty, swept, and garnished.
Then he goes, and takes with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.”
Just imagine…someone has been delivered and they wound up opening up their ear and eye gates to this music and the dances, when GOD told us to guard our hearts. Now, they wound up struggling with 7 more demons more wicked than the original ones. Indeed! Powerful article! I pray that many people heed the warning.
Wow sister this is gd information, as a born again christian, i was wondering whats this Zumba its all about, i just learned thats its in a number of Kenyan fitness joints and thank God i hadnt joined one!
Weight management problems have reached epidemic levels and satan will sneak in thru such an “effective” dance for weight loss to lure many and lose many. So as somebody said, ask God the fitness program which is gd and pleasing to Jehovah God. Blessing.
Thanks for your post. I am going to school to be a personal trainer and health fitness specialist and I have been terrified that someone will ask me to teach a zumba class because I absolutely won’t do it. I have thought of making up Christian zumba and even have an invitation to teach it in a dance studio run by a christian woman. But now I don’t think I should mess with it. I don’t want to be in the pit with the rest of the world so why play around on the edge of it? I have made up a really good workout with a lot of lateral moves and some other hard moves. (nothing seductive) I will use this in place of “chiristian zumba”.
Wow! I am thankful to hear that so many people thinking about these things and not just swallowing everything hook, line and sinker. We need so much discernment in these last days. I was encouraged to read these comments! God bless.
is it okay to do christian zumba ministry? i had my licensed of the world but God called me out but ive notice how christians love zumba but dont go or go cus theres no choice or they just loved it i wanted to open a christian zumba so all christian can do something they love by chosing the girht music and pleasing and praising God. in the world theres always something new to sin about but christians always have something new as well i need feedbacks blessings.
First I would like to thank God for wisdom & knowledge and for you,taking time out to begin this blog. I was wondering what was all the fuss about Zumba & where it originated. I know many ppl that purchased the DVD or partake in the classes & have seen results. I’ve watched it on YouTube & how everyone was giving it great ratings. I was thinking of buying it as well for my wii but my spirit was restless, so I started asking God to reveal to me what’s occult in this “fitness program” but honestly it’s loud & clear. It plays worldly music & the dance moves are exotic. The Bible says: be holy because He is holy. So in everything we do we must ask ourselves as Christians does this edifies our spirit? Is it pleasing to God? WWJD… Walking & portion control will be my alternative 🙂 God bless
Praise the Lord for your comment Annie. Great questions too…like WWJD and is it pleasing to God? That’s pretty good questions to ask. He is faithful to answer. Thanks again for taking the time to leave a comment. God bless you sis!
Praise God for speaking through you, Courtnaye. I’m a Christian and Zumba instructor who has been struggling with it for the past 6 months. This article and previous posts solidify my decision to quit teaching Zumba, even though I have 2 more offers to teach at area studios. I’ve been pleading w/my pastor to take it out of our church (another person teaches there, as I feel it’s wrong in a church). Just today the Lord answered my prayer, and they are finally getting rid of it!
Reading the stories of a failed marriage and one on the rocks lead me to tears, as I could see that happening so easily. The times that I was most into Zumba was also the time when I was putting my husband and family on the back burner for any chance at showing off my Zumba moves. Now I’m looking into getting certified for Devoted Fitness, which is dance aerobics to Christian music. That may be an alternative for Christian women, but it’s not offered in every state (yet). Thanks again for the information and challenge to us Christians!
Awesome! Thanks for your comment on this. I am so excited to hear that you’ve found a true alternative to Zumba like “Devoted Fitness”. I’ve always found that when we’re willing to sacrifice or give up what we want to do, God usually opens up another door where we still can enjoy what we love in true peace. Thanks again for this lovely and enlightening post. God bless you in your new endeavor and for taking a stand for holiness! We need more of that today.
This is EXACTLY what I needed to read to confirm my initial inclination. Keep up the good work for Jesus …
you are so right i asked the Lord what type of work out to do a he led me to exactly what he wanted we as believers have to be vigilant and seek God in all things he will direct us
Preach it, sister! This and Nude Yoga has swept my circle of formerly pure Christian sisters into a frenzy of heathenry. Nowhere in the Bible does it specify to “shake what your mama gave you” and me and my house will serve the Lord! Amen!
Hello Courtnaye and ladies,
I am thankful I read this blog. I’m a Christian and I have attended Zumba classes for 6 months or so. At first I was uncomfortable and did not do many of the moves. I told myself I would focus on the workout aspect of it. I love to dance and thought if I could combine dance and workout, wow. But as time went on, I did not feel uncomfortable anymore and as I heard of so many other Christian ladies doing it, I thought why not (including other pastor’s wives like myself)?!
Recently God has put a desire in me to seek out something better, something that glorifies Him and is beneficial to my body (His temple). I say we as Christians need to take back the DANCE. It belongs to the Lord!! It is an avenue to worship Him and yes we can get fit in the meantime. I am not going back to Zumba. Perhaps many of us need to do the same and begin a new movement of Devoted Fitness or another ministry. Thank you again for posting this!! God bless you
I just went online and purchased Zumba because I want to loose weight…I am overweight by a lot and it has been increasing…I am going to cancel it and send the package back..I wish I found this first before I purchased it a few min ago. Thank you for your words of wisdom…there is a famous church here in San Diego with thousands of members and they offer a salsa dancing class too…I am not sure about Zumba but they do offer salsa…I dont think such things have a place in our lives let alone the House of the Lord…I am grateful I came across this article.
Thank you so much for posting about this. I used to be an avid Zumba-er (more like zombie!) who had fallen for the whole charade hook, line and sinker. I was Zumba-ing 3-4x’s a week until I had a car accident and couldn’t go to the classes for a while. I recently joined a gym and have been questioning going to classes like Zumba/Sh’Bam and other fitness classes which incorporate sexually provocative movements. I find that the Holy Spirit has been prompting me to examine many areas of my life and Zumba does not sit well anymore. The dance moves, the filthy lyrics and the attention-drawing clothes (ribbons on the butt!) do not glorify God. It’s sad that gyms and even churches are falling victim to this fitness fad. I wish Body & Soul aerobics was offered in my area. 🙁
Praise the lord, sister Courtnaye! So encouraged and blessed in my soul that someone is finally speaking out against this iniquity that is so sneakily infiltrating the lives of so many believers and leading them to fulfill the ‘lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh.’
I cannot believe how many good christian people are being led astray through this. They think that since jesus ‘saved them by grace’ then it just doesn’t matter what they do! Well, how can they take part in this ‘zumba’ stuff and even pretend to be fulfilling the scripitural injunction to “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord!!??” (heb.12:14) I mean, jesus himself said “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God….”, but how can they even hope to be pure in heart when there’s all that lewd hip-thrusting and gyrating going on???
So glad that there are at least a few brave voices in this generation speaking out against the vile corruption that is creeping into the church. May HE find us pure and spotless when He comes for us His bride – and I just can’t see Jesus doing the “Zumba,’ WWJD is always a pertinint question for those of us who are truly trying our hardest to strive for holiness and separation form this sinful world.
Thank you for your humble yet brave stance taken against the forces of the Evil One in guise of ‘harmless exercises’ – may HE richly reward you!!
Well said Boris! And praise God! He is really requiring holiness in these last days. Thanks for commenting.
YES Zumba IS addictive. The more I did it, the more I wanted to do it. It is “intoxicating” for lack of a better word…and the desire to lose weight, opens the door for participation in this. I would not go to a nightclub anymore…but I would and did, do this sensual dancing for two years….despite the fact that men would stop working out to watch the Zumba classes. I can’t believe I justified and suppresseed (resisted) the voice of the Lord in this for so long….This article is a confirmation on what the Lord has been speaking to me for TWO YEARS. I would also say to myself…”well I love to dance” and would dance all the time…in that fast/sensual style. I probably need not only to renounce and repent, but some deliverance.
Why do we embrace these things – we who say we are followers of a HOLY God? It can be clearly seen by those who spend intimate time with God every day, and are spiritually discerning, that Zumba is not innocent fun or just another workout, which seems to be the view of many, but rather is another example of how the enemy is subtly working to deceive professed followers of Christ.
Pray that God will give you a spirit of discernment in spiritual things.
Prayer warriors The Lord is calling us to do battle on our knees for HIS CHURCH.
Really need direction wat exercise to follow ? Was conficted about the zumba after trying it at the gym wasnt comfortable with the moves as well as yoga .Advise welcome
thanks so much – will stop looking for a class near me NOW!
Bless the Lord for that insight! I have to admit, I tried it once and it didn’t seem too bad, however, after trying it again, I felt very uneasy in my spirit. I’m so glad the Lord allowed me to come across this article. Keep up the great work. People need this insight.
Thanks for reading and your comment! And will do! God bless you sis!
Courtnaye!!! Thank you! This article is so well written with the beauty of gently yet sharp truth. I’ve done some Zumba as it was so convenient and got me motivated, but I did feel a gentle quite spirit nudging me. I haven’t gone in a while. Thanks for stepping out there and sharing this. May God richly bless you as you bless others.
I agree zumba isn’t in line with the Bible but neither is yoga because the word yoga means to yoke. Yoga deals with Hinduism at its core. Also, yoga has different levels and the last is god realization. Don’t be deceived. God bless you.
Wow!! Thank you sister in the Lord for your blog. I was lead to your website after praying and asking the Lord about zumba. I did zumba faithfully in the gym for a year. I was always embarrassed but the more i did it the easier it became.The classes became very addictive. Now ive been out of the gym for 1 year after being convicted on the music that they worked out to. I recently purchased at home zumba DVD I did it once it felt so worldly and seductive. Even though it was done it the privacy of my own home. I knew the Lord was watching me and not approving my actions. We are supposed to be separate from this world not of it..
I have been looking at the box the DVD’s came in and now even the logo creeps me out. It looks satanic to me now that G-d has opened my eyes. It is our duty to seek out those things that our heavenly Father does not approve of. He will reveal all that does not edify Him ie.. zumba.
Thankyou again Courtnaye for your boldness. I feel like I found my answer at your website. No more Zumba ever for me!!! He is bringing all the darkness into the light.
Thank you God That I reed Your letter. I was looking for this I’m a Christian and I went to a Training to become a Zumba instructor just a few days ago. so I was looking for the web site to see if there was for Christian I saw before christian zumba advertising but it did’n convents me. But then I thought I can change the music like they say. In the “Zumba Christian” video but something in my spirit was making feel uncomfortable, so every time that I when to the Zumba classes I did not feel good with some movements, and that’ts true every time I went I feel like haa I never went to party before because I grew up Christian this is not just a work out, this is like a party very attractive for a second but, feeling the same thing and asking me what I’m doing here I have a feeling that I don’t belong to this. But I was trying to lose waight and looking for a place with not loud and bad music. This thing is very seductive. And it was funny they were asking me where I was from Because I could not move really the way that they were moving, for me was hard because I never went to party with music. And they say what type of music do u hear I say christian I feel really bad because they were like looking at me I felt really bad, one person look at like u don’t belong to this, and I just say I just come for exercice and what do you dance I was like I don’t dance. Are u from this planet? I did say a word .They were doing coment about me. I was looking for other places but they have like light in some places that I thought wow this do not look good for me as a christian. I went to another place they were doing diferent but still the question of the movements so I was trying to find something easy to work and that funny the instructor tell me go and get your licence and you can help me.I was looking the videos the class was very expensive for one day more then $200.00 and was looking for the music that they have I pay extra for a thing that they have. I was so impress with the type of music that they have. I have to learn the choreography and the music then I though I can let this music to run in my min that no good. I love to sing christian music.I was a full put in my faith in risk so I will have to destroy everything and look for something else. I really apreciate the time that u give to the lord to type that letter for us God Bless you!! The lord speak alway to us but many times we want to make excuses for everything we have to be careful in what side are we fitting with.
Amen sister!!
Amen! 🙂
God bless you for sharing this! I like group exercise so I went to 2 Zumba classes. First of all, I didn’t know what they were saying on the songs, so that didn’t sit well with me. I realize after reading the comments on this blog, the class I went to was probably not that bad in terms of the actual movements that we did. But I just know that when the world jumps on something (even if it’s exercise) there is something going on that’s not right. We should know this by now! Aside from all that, I had a check in my spirit about it – and that’s the only “no” I really needed to hear. Yoga (based in Hinduism) has a similar seductiveness behind it as well – complete with chants and all!
Thanks for your comment Michelle. And you’re right! We have to be careful not to conform to the customs of this world. The Bible says so in Romans 12:2. Let’s stay sober and alert in these last days. Thanks again sis! God is faithful!
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful &
it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.
Awesome! God is faithful! Keep growing in Christ! Don’t forget to tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts and share it with a friend. God bless you!
Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this site.
Thanks Sylvester. I appreciate the recommendation and comment! I pray that your friends are blessed by my posts. Tune in for new posts every Monday at 7:30am. God bless you! And keep growing in the Christ!
Hey thanks alot. Today i have been reading about tantra and saw the implications that were too spiritual. Then reading a few posts by people breaking down tantra from yoga practices.
To find zumba being demonic; i was like no way?
What you said i’m in full agreement even from what God has set me from.. I have been considering some kind of dancing to brush myself up.. But praise the Lord. Jesus Christ is worthy to be praised for what i have learned today.. Definitely going to search up more on this subject .
May God bless yourself, your family, your church and your city having them upon you and overtaking you..
Awesome Hassan! So grateful to God that it helped you! God is amazing! And thank you for your prayers. May God bless you too!
Thanks so much Courtnaye! This was the answer I was searching for. I am also a Christian girl who is trying to find a fun hobby. My husband said I should research about it before I start doing it to find out the history behind Zumba. I’m glad I listened to him. My salvation is much more important to me than some silly dance . Thank you for shedding this light. 🙂 God bless.
Good hubby Jen! Praise the Lord for that covering. Yes, I agree. We have to stay on guard. And no prob. God bless you too sis!
Thank you. I was searching for an answer on Zumba class. When something get so popular around the world – we have to watchout.. it can be something in disguise. I’m a Christian and proud to be one and no way I’m going to upset God with the dance.
Amen!
Thank you for speaking the truth in love my sister. I was given a second chance by the Lord to hear and obey the Holy Spirit and cast aside secular music and Zumba Fitness. Just because I don’t speak Spanish is no excuse to keep doing it! I was struggling with my flesh today and asking God would it be right to go back to Zumba. I was hearing the music and imagining myself teaching or doing routines. I know it’s not what God wants because when I do think of it, I don’t get that same feeling that I used to when I thought about doing Zumba. Your post is just confirmation of what the Lord has been working out of me for almost a month now. I cancelled my ZIN membership a few weeks ago. We can’t continue to ‘church up’ the things of this world to feel good about doing the things of the world. Even things that don’t seem like a big deal can take us far from God and become an idol in our hearts. I did not realize how far I had gotten from God. I thought I was all good. We are in the last days and these are very dark days. I pray that we can let our lights shine and have the strength to stand and finish the race! I praise God for setting me free. Thank you again and I will be exploring your blog more this week. God bless!
Well spoken sis! Praise Him! God has a way of confirming things for us in His own way and time. We are called to be salt and light…everywhere we go and whatever we do. Christianity is a lifestyle. So let’s do this! Amen! Thanks for reading my post, and feel absolutely free to share it with friends. God bless you!
Yes – you are right. I have done Zumba a couple of times as I’m trying to lose weight and it was a lot of fun. However, it does seem to introduce a spirit of lust – not just lust of the flesh, but other lusts of possessions, etc. I was wondering if the name had a connection to a form of demonic worship – but that’s not the issue here. It’s a seductive spirit. One can say – well, I won’t let it get the best of me – I can “control” this spirit. That’s the same as someone saying, “well, marijuana, isn’t bad – it won’t control me – but then it leads to “harder drugs.” And an open door is just that – leaving one open for other spirits, temptations, etc. Thanks.
Well said, Karen. Thanks much sis!
I am not sure if this has already been revealed, but when I was led to research Zumba I came up with this as well: In addition to the seductive movements and use of secular music during a work out, zumba connects itself with belly dancing and martial arts. Just like Yoga, those two are very spiritual acts in their prospective cultures. Zumba incorporates hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, lunges, martial arts, and some Bollywood, squats and belly dance moves. Belly dancing in its place of origin was a ritual designed to pay homage to the goddess of fertility (I think the origin was in an Arab country). This ritual would involve moving the body in certain gestures to bring about fertility and appeasements for the dancer [to that goddess]. Zumba, Yoga, and martial arts blend spirit and body with eastern religious philosphies/beliefs. Someone might argue that they don’t pay homage to gods when they do it, but understand it was designed to do that whether you are intending to do that or not.
Many thanks for this article. I was mostly sure that I wanted to quit Zumba classes but it’s the benefit of the intense cardio workout that kept me coming back. However, lately I just couldn’t get the songs out of my head and so I was really troubled by that and I had decided to start replacing my Zumba classes with other classes. I kept thinking of “come out from among them and be ye separate.” Your article has further opened my eyes and I will not be going back to Zumba.
Amen! And what a great Scripture Jo Ann! So on time for this post. I’m so grateful to God that you’ve been enlightened on this! Praise the Lord! Thanks for sharing sis.
i am a christian and i just got zumba certified in april 2013. so in my dances, i take out the sexy moves, and i make sure i have clean songs. but lately i have been questioning it. am i doing something wrong? i am so glad i read your blog. i am going to pray about it. thank you.
Hi Joy, I think you’re doing the right thing by seeking God about it vs. just continuing on without seeking Him. If you’re beginning to question it, seeking Him is the best way to go. And when He answers…follow. Love you sis!
thank you so much for your website. I was struggling with signing up for Zumba again but felt it was wrong.you are such an answer to prayer.I will share this with my twin sister. God is good and God bless you abundantly.
Praise the Lord! The Lord knows what we need when we need it. Thanks for sharing it and God bless you too!
I was just thinking of starting a ladies health and fittness club and someone said to me why not check and train for Zumba i have never actually been or seen it but I had a precaution within me so today i decided to check up the origin and actually the first thing that caught my i was what u posted so thanku its nice to know there are other christianns to are sensitive to check out these things. I shall still do some research but i believe what u said is just a cinfirmation of what i think God is layong in my heart, Bless u
Thank you for this article, I am from a caribbean country and as a bible school student I studied cults and indigenous cultural worship. And the first time I heard of zumba my knowledge on these subjects came back front and center to my mind, this was a few years ago that I heard of zumba.Recently our aerobics group leaders decided that we would include zumba, the red lights promptly went off again. this time i did google it, but found no concrete definition of the word “zumba” then thought to myself I was probably making a mountain out of a mole hill. I kept on going to the classes which is held at our church (not in the main sanctuary), that was agreed on by all of us. At the time I felt if it can not be held in the sanctuary then we should not be participating in it. But I found no rest in my spirit I convinced myself that I need this relaxing from some situations which could become stressful that was my excuse for continuing. Then morning I had only just told my Abba good morning when He reminded me of a conversation I had the night before with some women who had returned from from a retreat that week-end as they told me how regally God treated them, how He spoke to and with them during the quiet times they had with Him. I had been listening to a song by Julie True about let me breathe you in, as I worshiped God. Now the evening before I was noticing that the sessions had quite a bit of deliberate “breathing in” these were usually at the cool down, Holy Spirit spoke to me and said you can breathe in Yeshua then isn’t possible to breathe in the spirit that is the author and initiator of this exercise too. I need no other argument here ends my zumba class. I am now intending to share this page with my fellow exercisers, I pray that they will be receptive, please pray that I will use words from my Fathers heart to theirs. Again multiple thanks to you.
Wow! Amen! Paulette, thanks for sharing this experience with us here on this post. This is such a reminder to all of us that when God speaks, we really need to be sensitive to His direction and obey. Thanks again for your comment and I have prayed for you on this matter. I appreciate your sharing with others as well. May God be with you and keep you sis.
Thank you for your research. I am a dance worshipper and know how moving your body in an unholy way can open the doors for demonic seductive spirits to enter.
I am currently searching for a new church and I thought I found one, but I noticed that they had zumba classes. That’s what brought me to your sight.
I once a few years back received a free zumba lesson and didn’t know what it was. It was at my chiropractors office. I had to leave after 10 minutes. The music and the movements convicted my spirit so intensly that i had to walk out.
I say that if your in a church that practices zumba you should look at the rate of divorce from adultry. Having these classes opens the door for the spirit of seduction and works through the whole church. Where’s the discernment pastors!
Amen! Powerful post!
But what is the alternative? I have been asking, and I haven’t found anything yet. I loved Zumba, but I felt convicted. I’m giving it up for the second time. I believe God can replace it with an alternative that is even better for me. But what is it? I’m sad. For the first time in my adult life, I found a way that I enjoy to sculpt my body, and now I have to give it up. I have been praying and seeking, but I don’t yet see any viable alternative. And each day, I feel like I’m losing the shape I just worked so hard to get. This was the only exercise program that I could do for an hour every other day consistently. I kept it up for months. It feels hopeless anyway. 🙁
Hi Kay, actually exercising and eating right is not a lost cause. It’s a great one and can be accomplished through prayer and self-discipline. I know surrendering something that you’ve loved doing for awhile can be quite challenging. But just because the Holy Spirit has been convicting you about Zumba, it’s not the end-all. There are great exercise programs out there. You just have to continue praying, and believing that God will show you the perfect one for you where you can lose the weight and live a healthy lifestyle. Don’t give up sis. Keep pressing! I’d love to hear back from you to see you how you’ve progressed. Thanks in advance!
I want to thank you for posting this article. I have been going to zumba classes off and on for about 1 and a half years and lost weight, but like so many others have said I never really felt comfortable with the moves. I, too, felt convicted and wondered if I was doing the right form of exercise in God’s eyes. The more I went to classes the better I got at the moves (and becoming overly confident and haughty-not good) and lost weight. A few months ago, I started working and gained weight back and started zumba again last week and getting ready to go to a class today (Sunday). After spending time with God this morning, the Holy Spirit led me to look up zumba dance for Christians and led me to this site. No longer will I go to zumba classes. The music, scanty clothes, moves and spirit with demonic undertones are very subtle and deceiving everyone. I have even had someone tell me that I have a “nice butt,” and had no clue that someone was watching me in that way. I was never a “party girl”, but zumba does promote a party atmosphere in a worldly manner; and as Christians know that is not pleasing to God. Today, I am going to get rid of my zumba “gear” and maybe even my gym membership, because that spirit is in there. Another thing is that the clothes and money spent for extra classes (master classes) can add up and steal from God’s storehouse. Thank you for this forum and the Lord is real and He puts us right back on that straight and narrow pathway. God Bless!
Yes Suzette. God is real and so faithful! I’m sure this was a tough thing to surrender, but I believe God will bless you for “not” ignoring your conviction on this. The Bible tells us not to quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Meaning do not suppress or overcome the Spirit of God. He is our guide in this walk with Christ, and His job is to help us make the right decisions that will please our heavenly Father. Sometimes we miss it, but once we know, the best thing to do is submit. Again, I know it’s not always easy to obey when the Lord prompts us give up something that we hold close to us. But along the way, you’ll see that it was totally worth it. I want to add that I workout 3-4 days a week, and eat pretty healthy during the week. My husband is a fitness/boot camp instructor and trainer of athletes, so I know my fair share about fitness and staying healthy. Suzette, you can lose the weight if you stay consistent in a good workout program (you don’t have to compromise with your workout). The key to losing weight is being consistent and staying the course in your exercise routine, and eating right. I would also encourage you to consider renewing your mind on the fact that it’s a “lifestyle”…not a diet or fad. Eating right and exercise should be a part of your everyday life. As you pray and continue to ask the Lord to help you in this area, the Holy Spirit will guide you to the best program. The next step would be to…follow.
I love you sis. I pray that you reach all of your fitness goals as you make taking care of your temple a lifestyle. Thanks for reading my post. May God be with you and keep you in every way. #deliverance
*Don’t forget to check out a fresh post every Monday at 7:30am on http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org. Thanks!
~ Courtnaye
I am a Christian and I used to teach Zumba. I thought I could clean it up and just as you said it would just be called aerobics! You can’t take all the hip motions out and call it Zumba. Also, the lyrics of a lot if the songs got to me. It really started bothering my conscience and therefore I gave it up. I don’t teach it anymore nor do take the class and I wish I could take back the years that I did teach it. I believe I set a bad example as a Christian. It can’t be that much different then going to a club!!
Amen! It sounds like deliverance to me, sis. You can now use your experience accompanied with Scripture to help others glorify God with their temples. Thanks for your comment. God bless you!
I loved going on Zumba classes but this year few months ago when going there I felt like a disgusting impression … the steps , the teacher everything present there. By your message inspired by God now I know why. Thanks sista
Amen! God is faithful!
Thanks for sharing. I have been wondering what Zumba’s origin is as a few Christian friends and relatives have started doing it and one of them invited me to join them.
The couple of YouTube Zumba Videos I had glimpses of before turning off, showed, as you say, seductive “flailing” of “assets”. I had wondered if there were Zumba classes that were more modest.
Thank you for confirming my doubts about it being appropriate for Christians.
Dear Courtnaye,
The Lord has His ways of speaking to us. I’ve been wanting to attend the Zumba classes held in uni, but for 2 weeks, I’ve been held up. Now as I sit and wait for the rain to stop, I asked God, “Why can’t I make it for Zumba today?”
The Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart that it may be because Zumba is satanic. Googled if it was, and stumbled upon your post here.
Thank you so much, for sharing this post. I wouldn’t have known if not for this wonderful write-up. 🙂
May God continue to grant us wisdom when we ask of it. May we glorify Him in all that we choose to do!
God bless!
Love,
May
Hi there May! I’m glad this post ministered to your heart. May God bless you sis!
I posted a comment back in June. I haven’t been back to Zumba since then and I don’t miss it at all and I used to attend the Zumba classes two to three times every week. Instead I now take Total Body Conditioning, Cardio Kickboxing and Pilates in the place of Zumba. I no longer feel convicted when exercising and I’m in better shape than I was when I was doing Zumba classes.
You go girl! Amen! God is good! Great testimony! Keep it up!
~Courtnaye
Thank you Courtnaye for this blog. I have attended a couple of Zumba classes which I was invited to by other Christians. My daughter has also been wanting to attend but has not yet gone. I didn’t know much about Zumba but the name sounded ‘fun’ so I thought it would be a good way to workout. The classes left my spirit restless but I didn’t want to be judgmental. Your blog confirmed the questions that were swirling in my mind. It is nice to be able to ‘talk’ about it and to have affirmation. Thank you for your eloquent words.
Praise God Sooz! The Lord is so faithful to His daughters. When we seek wisdom on issues, He’s faithful to give it to us and confirm things at just the right time. Thanks for posting this sis. God bless you! And I pray you find a fitness program that works best for you with a peace in your spirit and a joy in your heart.
Thanks for sharing! What fun exercises have you found God glorifying?
Wasn’t sure if my first comment was sent correctly. Thanks so much for sharing! Curious what ur favorite forms of aerobic exercise are, fun ones, not just runningon a treadmill, you know what I’m sayin’?:)
Hi Sarah,
I attend boot camp. It gets the job done and there’s Christian music playing as I workout. It’s pretty intense and it’s a group effort. It’s pretty cool and I definitely lose the weight! But most importantly God is glorified as I take care of my temple and there’s #noconviction. Just a genuine and pure workout! You’re in the know! 😉
I was not able to find the website to mention it here, but the type of music used for Zumba was originally used in idol worship. We’re just as guilty as Israel, who turned away from God on Mt Sinai to “play” before the idol they’d made with their own hands, if we forsake God’s commands to be modest, pure and chaste.
My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different website and thought I may as well check things out.
I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to going over your web page yet again.
Thanks so much Willie! It was nobody but God that led you here. To God be the glory!
Hi
Im a Muslim, but everything you write here seems to agree with what my own religion teaches about Zumba. My religion frowns on music in general as people lose themselves in and forget themselves. It also does not approve of dancing because it seduces people of the opposite sex, who will then struggle with lust and sexuality. Finally, it takes a very strong stand against free mixing of the sexes (again, lust). I was not aware of how bad it would be, but when I attended my first Zumba class this weekend, I realized that my convictions would not allow me to continue with it.
Thank you very much for this post.
Thank you so much for this blog. I was looking for the definition of Zumba and there was no real
definition of the word… Your explanation was enough for me….Thanks I will be staying away from it
and I’m looking for a better dance excersise.
Good thing!
hi God bless I was doing a search on zumba to see the meaning of it and i came along your page and it open my eyes more of what this really is about, God has given us new life , we have already died in this flesh so why do things of this world .
Hi Nancy! Amen! So glad the Lord enlightened you this. May God bless you too!
~Courtnaye
Wow!..I am truly amazed and thankful that I stumbled across this blog. I was researching Christian Zumba as I am looking to start a Christian dance class with exercise for the women in my church. I knew about Zumba, but hadn’t had the opportunity to sit in or experience a class. I just knew that they dance, its’s really high voltage and people lose weight. Now! what I won’t do is subject myself or the ladies in our church to anything demonic, sooooo, I am again thankful to God and amazed at his love for me!…Even in our ignorance, He will lead us to what we need to help us get back on track…..Thank You for posting this, such an eye opener!..and needless to say Christian Aerobics it is for us!!
Amen! I’m so glad you stumbled upon this post as well. Isn’t it awesome when God steps in right on time before we go full speed ahead in the wrong direction? That is truly the love of a Father (you said it right sis), because it’s so much harder to let go of something once you’ve poured your heart into it. So l’m so glad that He caught you. And yes! Christian Aerobics is definitely for us! Thanks again for writing in.
I went for the first time yesterday, and I knew it couldn’t have been the right thing for me as a Christian. I made up my mind to not go back, but I was curious what other Christians thought about it. Thank you for your post and taking a stand. I’m sure the Lord has used this blog to help others realize the immoral connotations in Zumba.
Yes He has. Thanks Marcie!
Hi, I was contemplating whether or not to purchase some zumba workouts, your blog post provided great spiritual insights. thanks much and I can see clearly how the “sexy” dancing can open the door to enemy. Thanks much and be encouraged for being bold in the Lord!
Amen! And oh yes on “opening the door for the enemy”. We have to be careful on what we allow ourselves to get into today. Thanks so much for writing in.
In the beginning of your article, you indicated that you would more than likely get a wide range of comments and thoughts on this. So, I want to start off with thanks to God for you having the courage to be obedient to the Lord and speak the truth. There was a time when no church would have even considered such ungodly activity to come near it’s doors. more or less have lessons and sessions conducted within its walls. It’s sad but a sign of the times that you would have to even address an issue such as this.
But like many of my brothers and sisters have indicated, the enemy is so subtle and with the church embracing an ever widening grey area of compromise and a spirit of gross error and very little if any teaching, it’s easy for well meaning Christians to get off track. Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you as His guiding light.
I just learned that a friend will start holding Zumba classes in a church. Please agree in prayer with me that the Lord will open the opportunity for me to share this information with her.
Hi there Pam,
Praise the Lord and thanks so much for your post! Unfortunately, it’s true. We’re definitely in the end times. Many are being subtlety deceived right now in the body of Christ. That’s why the Bible instructs us to stay sober and alert and be ready for the return of Christ at all times. He’s coming for a pure (clean) bride without spot or wrinkle. Once again, thanks for writing and I prayed earlier about being in agreement in prayer for your friend. May God be with you sis as you continue to stand strong for Christ! For those who endure unto the end shall be saved. God bless you!
This was really helpful. I knew about Zumba. I reconciled with God October 26, 2013. It was the best decision. I went to a Zumba Christmas Party because a co-worker who is also christian does Zumba and invited me. The whole I wa debating wether yo go or not. I thought it would be like an aerobic class but with more jumps. Once I got there I hears all this wordly music and I stopped the moment I saw them popping it and once I noticed myself doing the rhythms of the world of how I used to dance, I stopped immediately. I felt like I failed God. It felt awful. I left about an 1 and a half later because I was trying to wait for my friend and for the thing to finish but I just couldn’t be there anymore. This has really helped me and I know it was God leading me to read this. I will Never do Zumba again. God Bless you. 🙂
Wow Carla! This is a pretty powerful testimony. Yes, thank God for the quickening in your spirit about it. Zumba can be quite tempting and alluring, but you didn’t allow it to overtake you as it has done with so many others. The enemy will use anything he can to get us off track with God today. But thank God for the Holy Spirit and for your yielding to his promptings. The Bible tells us to quench not the spirit (hinder or ignore him) – 1 Thessalonians 5:19. Thanks for sharing. I’m grateful to God that it helped you and God bless you too sis! #deliverance 🙂
Hey courtnaye if you don’t mind me asking but what denomination are you
Hey sis. It’s non-denominational.
Prayers for you Courtnaye and those brave souls who shared their testimony! The body of Christ is stronger for it. The Devil erased my last post, but he won’t keep the Word of God down! Found your blog when researching the class some wanted to teach at the church. Uncertain which direction they will go, but your post confirmed my concerns and I have shared ALL your words. To God be the GLORY.
Susan
Thank you so much or this blog it had opened my eyes tremendously. My mother in law had told me about it but I was a little defensive so she told me to pray about it an I did and I stumbled into this blog and I must say it was God sent!!
Thank you for answering my question so truthfully by using Gods word for evidence, God bles U for obeying His call to declare the truth to us all
Thank you, sis…. i just started working out and had questions about yoga and zumba… today it is clear to me with your article…. thank you JESUS…. GOD BLESS…
Hi I’m a Youth leader I strongly agree with you. My fathers in law are pastors n they told me about some marriages getting broke cause of going to Zumba and neglecting their family (husband) especially. Let not be deceive let remember that the devil dresses like an angel.
I thank God for your write up on this subject zumba. When I first saw my friend posted on fb about zumba workout. I was quite excited that I can loss weight thru dancing but at the same time God is telling me to find out the root of it. I begin to google and found the articles that you wrote. Thank you and may God bless you as you continue to walk with Him to glorified His Name
Thank you for the information that cleared up my questions regarding Christianity and zumba. I loved it before I became a christian but has not gotten the release to do it anymore and so I was on the web searching for an alternative when I saw your post. I sought and I found….glory to God
Good morning, Courtnaye. I’m so glad to see your post on this subject. I know of a church where the wife was teaching zumba and it broke up her marriage and the marriage of one of her close friends. This thing is demonic. When you look it up, it also tells you that it incorporates hip-hop and martial arts. The Lord poked my spirit the first time I heard the word zumba and I knew from then it was not holy. After that, I did some research and found an article by Caryl Matrysciana that backed up my concerns. Your article brings out another point that I had not considered, the seduction side of it. It will negatively affect your life, your relationships, and more importantly your walk with Christ. This pastor’s wife became someone different and all the world was about her. Seduction is a form of arrogance, in case people don’t know that. No one could get through to her even after it finally destroyed her marriage (not sure if the church is still active). May the Lord bless you for your desire for righteousness and Truth!
Hi Ms Courtney, this has really been an enlightening topic for me. could you please advice what are the safer options for a Christian to do at the Gym.
your regards would be highly appreciated.
Hi Hilka,
There’s so many better alternatives. There’s aerobics, free weights, boot camps, a host of video tapes, etc. There’s so much to choose from. The key nugget for this post is just to make sure that whatever workout program that you choose, make sure that your conscience is clear and that whatever you’re doing does not compromise your faith. God is looking for holiness, especially in this last hour before Jesus comes back again.
Also, in the natural sense, the thing to losing weight is a healthy diet and exercise program that you do on a consistent basis. It has a lot to do with renewing your mind and getting to it done. 🙂 I hope this helps sis. God bless you in your healthy workout program in every way. Love ya!
Your Sister in Christ,
~Courtnaye
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday.
It will always be useful to read through content
from other writers and use something from their
web sites.
Amen!
I totall . Agree! I loved zumba , i would do it everyday, after i gave my life to Christ. I still kept on It, until i started to have a. Intimate relationship. With God, the Holy spirit. Convited me, he opened my. Eyes to see all the sexual movements, that i was following. See i didnt stop because i was being rreligious, I stopped because the Holy spirit conviction. (1 Corinthians 6:19) (1John2:27) If you are doubting if its right or wrong just stop or dont do it. God Bless You
Thank you I just did my first zumba class in a long time…at first was enjoying it then about 10 min in I started getting convicted like…what am I really doing. .this doesnt feel like a christian woman work out or music…I walked out came to the bathroom and literally just found this ..thank you for the confirmation!
Amen! God is sooooo on time sis! Praise Him! Blessings to you. ~Courtnaye
I was just searching for a zumba tape and found this sight. It has definately made me stop and think. THank you so much for posting this! I don’t want to do anything that offends the Lord, and I obviously have not been listening to the Holy Spirit on this matter. I have felt self conscious about doing this workout, but I missed dancing and ignored that feeling… THank you again so much!!
No problem Starlas! So glad that this post helped you. It’s not by chance that you found it. Praise God! May He continue to bless you as you do what He desires. ~Courtnaye
Hi, thank you for your post. I agree with you. I used to dance like that, and i don’t want to go back to it. And I know that some people in the church just don’t see it. Some thinks it’s a harmless bit of fun, but it can be very sexual at some parts. Thanks!
I think this is a wonderful article. I agree that Zumba is not for the men or woman in the body of Jesus Christ. Zumba and Yoga do not belong in the church. Zumba because of the sexual movements and the sensuality in it and Yoga because we are not to offer our bodies to idols. And Yoga is Hinduism. Our bodies belong to God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
I became a PraiseMoves and Mira! instructor last May because I wanted to help give the body of Christ an alternative to the Christianized secular stuff that some churches allow in their church.
Laurette Willis is the creator of PraiseMoves and Mira! PraiseMoves is the Christian Alterative to Yoga. Mira! has been called the Christian alternative to Zumba. If you want to find out more about PraiseMoves and Mira! you can read about Laurette’s story and why she started them at http://www.praisemoves.com . Read what she has to say and maybe you can let your readers know about them. Blessings
Thanks very much for your insight on this Renee. I really appreciate the info! Blessing to you!
Hey Renee I really would like to know more about the praise moves I think that is a really great idea I’am a certified zumba instructor and have been struggling with some of the moves that we do and I really don’t like it and on top of that my children remember some of the moves that we do Lord help me any way I have come to be come closer to Christ and I know he wouldn’t approve of this but I still want to continue working out just to stay health for myself and my family…..my husband gets upset because I stopped teaching class and that Im wasting money every month when the pull it out of our account I told him im struggling with this and a different alternative, Thank you for the idea
Hi sister,
Thank you for this blog. For sometime now the holy spirit has been telling me to leave this, but i chose to ignore it. It is very difficult for me to leave this behind because I’m currently doing an internship on this type of workout. I am only 19 years old. I always wanted to become a zumba instructor, but now I’m not so sure anymore. I began doing zumba two and a half years ago. In the beginning it was fun, but now I just don’t have that same passion I used to. Everytime I’m coteaching a class I find myself pulling back and becoming ashamed. I can not serve two masters. I know God will help me get out of this internship. Pray for me sisters and brothers.
Hey sis. I will definitely pray for you. As you go through this time, I encourage you not to ignore your convictions. The Holy Spirit will only lead you to do things that glorify and please the Lord. So just keep trusting God and He will lead you to do things in your life that will bless you, the Lord, and others (and you will have peace). I’m grateful to God that this post ministered to you. Thanks so much for taking the time to write in. 🙂
Praise the LORD and to GOD be the Glory for the answers to my question whether zumba is pleasing in the eyes of GOD. When I got my result in Physical exam for high cholesterol, I started to sign up with zumba, after a month, I’m just wondering why I couldn’t attend, there’s some hinders, is it that the LORD is closing the door? because of the songs and the steps? when we had prayer meeting with my sister, I opened up to her, and she said about a lot of dance steps which means it worship satan, and we are in demonic & satanic generation now, so, when I google this, I am so enlightened for you having a wonderful wisdom and who is very sensitive with the works of satan.
Thank you so much for sharing the gift that GOD has installed in your life.
May our dear LORD continue to bless your ministry!
Sister Fei
Praise God Sister Fei that this post enlightened you at just the right time! I am so grateful for the wisdom that God has given me and the gift to write to minister to His daughters and aspiring ones! Thanks for sharing where you are with this. I really appreciate the feedback. Continue to stay free and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s direction as we await the soon return on Jesus Christ.
~Courtnaye
I agree with you; the movements are seductive and not for a Christian lady to do. Why is it fun to shake your hips like this. I does not make sense; God made us beautiful and wonderfully made and if we are confident in that we do not need to follow what the world says is fun or “sexy”!
Agreed Michele! Thanks for writing in!
I am so glad I came across your blog! My mom is obsessed with Zumba (I’m only a pre teen) she is different from most people and doesn’t really understand the secular world. It’s kind on like autism but it’s not. She sings the songs (including shake that monkey by too $hort, don’t look up the lyrics… They’re bad, really bad.) she dances to the music but she doesn’t understand how bad it i. She is totally obsessed with Zumba and forcing her kids into it. She made me and two of my older siblings do it once. My brother was the one standing behind me… I’m a girl. I really don’t know what to do or how to show her how bad it is. I know you posted this article a long time ago, but a reply would be nice.
Hi Christie,
As a young girl (pre-teen), I would say pray for your mother. She may not know or understand the spiritual side of it. In our Christian walk with the Lord, we just want to please our Lord and be pure in every way. Even in a workout. So I would suggest that you pray for your mom and stay true to what you believe always according to God’s ways and His word with all due respect. I hope this helps. 🙂 ~Courtnaye
What work out would you suggest to use instead?
Hi Stephanie,
I suggest a workout program that is pure and wholesome. One where you can be free in every way without ignoring your convictions and that pleases God.
I have just recently been going to zumba classes and have been going with my sister-in-laws, one who has been going for several years now. She invited me and my husband really encouraged me to go. He thought it would be good for me for the exercise. There’s not many in the class, usually around 15 women but when it comes to some of the moves, I blush because it embarrasses me. I want to quit but I don’t want to hurt my sister-in-laws feelings by telling her I just don’t feel comfortable as a Christian to keep going. She’s a Christian also and I don’t want to insinuate that she’s in the wrong just because I feel convicted about it. I just feel kind of stuck and will need to really pray for the holy spirit to lead and guide me.
Hi Jenny,
I know that’s a tough spot to be in. But don’t ignore your convictions. I will be praying for your courage to talk to your sister about where you are and how you feel about it. Let the Lord lead you and give you the right words to say. He’s got you.
Thank you for this tastefully written article; however, also for the Biblical references that you have provided. It seems to be something people gravitate to; however, when I witnessed one of the classes at an outdoor event, which was being led by a Christian and many other Christian ladies attending, I was so uncomfortable and felt I had to turn away. I have been praying about this and asking the Lord, how would you approve of anything so seductive? I am also very careful to seek the Lord on these things; and, I am very careful about judging; but, I do hear from the Lord and decided it was time to take a look online to see what others are saying. Really appreciate your article. May the Lord continue to strengthen you, watch over you and give you the boldness to speak His truth. In Jesus Name, Amen….
Thank you for this website article and comments.
Just recently I had been thinking about zumba and I don’t know why.
I now know that it may not have been God who put the thought in there.
I have walked away from the desire to try zumba and deleted it from my heart.
God is more than enough for me. An affirmation for our spirit to live by.
Working and healing from the inside out.
Gillian xx
Awesome Gillian! When there is a conviction, we have to choose to make the right choices. And it looks like you did that. Praise God! And I love what you said about, “deleting it from your heart.” That was powerful! I like the expression and I like the action as it relates to our Christian journey. Thanks for sharing and writing in. God bless you sis!
Love,
Courtnaye
Thank you for this blog post! I went to Zumba today and I just felt something was “not right.” Part of it was clear–getting down to Pittbull isn’t exactly edifying. But part of me was trying to justify it–well it IS exercise isn’t it? It’s fun right? A Christian invited me to this class so…Basically I realized it was the prompting of the Holy Spirit letting me know about the Spirit behind Zumba. It’s not edifying. There are so many pure ways to get fit. I left feeling depressed and realized that the Holy Spirit was trying to counsel me. Once I fully admitted and spoke aloud the realization, my Spirit began to feel lighter and happier again. As Christians, we need to realize that our fellow believers may be saved but we’re all in a different place regarding sanctification. If we are convicted by the Holy Spirit, we’re responsible for responding. I’m not responsible for what other Christians do–maybe God just hasn’t opened their eyes yet or perhaps they have dulled their sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Anyhow, thank you for your bold and informative post! God bless you!
Hi Lisa! Awesome comment! It’s really all about being sensitive to the Holy Spirit when He convicts us or tries to steer us in the right direction. So good for you for listening to Him. The Lord just used me as an instrument to confirm it for you through this post. God is so faithful and to Him be all glory! God bless you too sis!
Is African dance bad! I want to do it but I don’t know
Hi Maria,
Personally, I stay away from secular music and dancing, simply because it doesn’t glorify God. So if you are feeling any sort of personal conviction with African dance, then refrain from it. I would encourage you to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s direction without ignoring (quenching) Him. I hope and pray that this helps you in some way. 🙂
~Courtnaye
Hi Maria,
I thought i might help as an African sister. most of our traditional dances are used in ancestral worship and now that very heavy familiar spirit stuff, you will tap in the a strong war fare, witchcraft zones etc. Best to keep out.
I have loved doing Zumba! I did it for about 5 years and saw great results! As I have grown in my relationship with the Lord he has opened my eyes to many things. I love to sing and worship through dance and The Holy Spirit has placed on my heart that as I worship through dance and music to him I am also worshipping through dance and singing to the devil through Zumba! The songs are about sex, affairs, other cultures and their cultural dances..for all we know we can be doing dances to false Gods! We are also worshipping sex and whatever their songs are about. When the Holy Spirit placed this on my heart, I stopped and I feel great about it! whatever songs is not praising the Lord is praising something else! Ask yourselves, what are you worshipping!
Wow! What a revelation Yami! Glad the Lord showed you the truth. And we shall know the truth and the truth shall make us free. Amen and well said! Praise Him! Thanks for writing in!
~Courtnaye
Thank you for sharing and Glory to our LORD, I just recently stopped teaching Zumba I have never been a big fan of it since I got certified back in 2010 I was defiantly good at teaching it. I use to be an exotic dancer and was good at that too but it did not fit me either one, over the last two years I started feeling a conviction not realizing thats what it was at first, then I started to pull away from it all together, then the LORD said to stop and look at the site, so I did and I really looked at the clothing and the LORD asked, when does underwear make exercising fun, its about the exercise not being sexy doing it, and I was done after that, it was hard but my Lord trumps any class, even when i tried taking some of the moves out it did not work, there was still a conviction, but thank you for the confirmation, the LORD is good. Thank you for being obedient and posting this article
Amen and thanks for sharing your testimony sis! That’s awesome! God speaks to us & convicts us when necessary…all so that we can stay pure and represent Him well. He’s awesome! I’m so grateful to God that this post helped confirm things for you. Blessings to you! ~Courtnaye
Thank you for your post on Zumba. I use to do Zumba and Yoga but I felt convicted about doing them.Lately I have been drawn to them,rationalizing that I may be radical.Being a Christian in the environment we live in is a challenge. My daughter was made to participate in Zumba at school.And it doesn’t help that my church offers Zumba and Yoga. Pray for me, I know that there is nothing worth,living eternally without God.
Amen! And yes, I will stand with you in prayer my sister. I want to encourage you to stand boldly for Christ in these last days at all costs. God’s got you! Thank you so much for writing in LaRea. God bless!
~Courtnaye
I needed the truth, not opinions. This helped. Thank you for this post.
Praise God! No problem!
Courtnaye, this is an awesome article with some very mature insight. Thank you!
Praise God! Glad it helped you out Dora!
Thanks for this blog. I have been doing zumba for about 4 months and i was skeptical and ignorance filled my mind. My pastor spoke about it today and i said no more. I came home to do a research on it and stumbled upon this and i take it as confirmation from the Lord. Thanks and keep me in your prayers sisters.I need it.
Will do sis! Glad this post helped confirm things for you! God is faithful! ~Courtnaye
Great blog entry! Thank you!
Along with Zumba, the Shake Weight also opens demonic doors in ones life!
God bless!
This was something that has plagued my mind lately and I even stopped doing Zumba for awhile, but started back up again. There is a certain addiction to it, and it is like a drug that is no longer in your system when you don’t participate. Thanks for this revelation, I think the Lord had me happen upon this blog when searching for Christian Zumba. God be praised. I believe that I got a solid answer to my question.
Awesome!!! Praise God for clarity and revelation! Thanks for writing in Andrea. ~Courtnaye
I am thankful for those men and women around the world who hold on to the Bible standards Christ gave to us. Especially in a day when so called, ”Christians”, have no convictions about mingling and doing the same as the world. Keep fighting in the Holy war. May the Lord strengthen you.
Elizabeth
Harlan, KY
Thanks for being bold enough in the Lord to post this. I used to party it up in Zumba and spin classes at the gym, and I made a lot of allowances in order to “get fit.” That led me down a destructive path where I almost lost my marriage. I’m thankful to God for delivering me and cleaning me up.
Oh wow! So glad you were able to save your marriage sis. I thankful to God as well. 😉 God is so faithful. And thanks for the encouragement sis. Gotta be bold for taking a righteous stand in these last days. Thanks for sharing your testimony! ~Courtnaye
Oh my goodness!!! I had no idea!!! No wonder why every
time I was to attend a Zumba class I was blocked!!!
Something always came up and I could not attend.
Now I know why. Holy Spirit was protecting me!!!
I am really careful what I am involved in because I also am in ministry and all kinds of stuff tries to come in!!!
Thank God for His faithfulness and for you also!!!
I THINK THAT GOD WOULD NOT HAVE ANY OF THIS RUMP SHAKING IN HIS HOUSE. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WAS MADE BY THE DEVIL AND IS HERE TO TAKE US AWAY FROM THE HOLY ONE.
GOD BLESS
Hi Courtnaye! I too, like so many others on here, was searching for an alternative and stumbled upon your site! I have been taking a class called Praize Kraze in my area and it is AHHH-MAZING! There is not a single HINT of worldly music/influence and it was actually a GREAT workout! You should check it out! It “did it” for me. Zumba who? Praize Kraze is IT!!!
Hi Courtnaye,
I have been blessed by the teaching and comments on Zumba exercise.One of the dance moves that is included in the Zumba work out is called merengue. Its African and Hispanic in origin and is still practiced in some form or the other in the Caribbean. The moves are highly sensual and invites in a spirit of lust.In the word of the prophet Hosea, ‘my people for lack of knowledge’ (Hosea 6:4).
As Christians, we also should be alert to the devices of the enemy of our souls. I applaud you for alerting the body of Christ to one of the devices of the enemy to trap us into ungodly.Yoga is also another device that the enemy is using to entrap believers so we have to obey the Biblical mandate to ‘come out from among them and be separate’ (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Shalom.
At first I thought this was a joke, but apparently it’s not! As a recovering Christian I just want to say a couple things. First of all I adore Zumba, it’s the best thing that ever happened to me! Before Zumba I was overweight, gluttonous, and unhappy. Now I’m approaching a healthy weight, I do my best to eat healthy, and I love life! Zumba has given me several things that the church is supposed to, in theory, give it’s people.
1. Encouragement: In Zumba everyone wants you to succeed and become your best. When I decided to become an instructor I received more encouragement from everyone than I would have thought possible. Zumba people cheer you on and build you up. All the church ever did was tell me how much I sucked!
2. No judgement: Everyone accepts you as you are in Zumba, male, female, gay, straight, fat, skinny, athletic, or uncoordinated you are welcome in Zumba. The Church only wants people who fit their mold.
3. Support: My Zumba family is amazing they will do anything for each other. I teach Zumba at the nonprofit I work forl ( I’m converting people right and left… even some Christians) and many of the ladies didn’t have any workout clothing. I asked online for donations and who came through? Yep the Zumba peeps! Not one of my Christian friends gave…humm? Recently I went through a really hard time in my life. My Zumba family was there every time I needed them. The Christians said they would pray for me and then… poof they were gone.
You don’t have to worry about lusting men in Zumba… most of the men I know who take Zumba do it with their wives or partners, and they are way to in to dancing to check out the chick in front of them.
As for me I am glad I left your world behind and found the Zumba world. Now instead of spending my Sundays sitting (which is the new smoking by the way) in a pew being judged and miserable, I spend them shaking it with one of my fabulous gay instructor buddies (don’t worry he doesn’t struggle with homosexuality, he loves it), his equally fabulous fellow instructor/ life partner, and a ton of amazing friends. All before heading off to Yoga. Namaste people… I home you will find your time to dance soon, when you do Zumba will welcome you!
I really like and appreciate your forum.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
Thank you …i. Been wrestling with this…thank you for confirmation.
I’m so glad I found this! I’ve been doing Zumba for about 6 years now and an instructor for about 2 now. About 10 months ago (after receiving the Baptism of the Holy Ghost) the Lord put on me to stop playing secular music in my class. So I have been playing 100% Christian music and have taken all the “sexy” moves out and made it about fitness & bringing glory to God. I kept the Zumba name, well because everybody knows that name, but the Lord put it on my heart to stop glorifying Zumba and glorify HIM with a new name for my class. SO, I was googling creative Christian names for a fitness class and came upon this! Thank you! I still need some ideas for a name, lol.
Wow thanks I been going to Zumba for 4 years and I just became a christain less the a year ago and I been praying for 1 month if Zumba was right or wrong and I feel in my heart God gave me the answer that i need to stop thanks so much you saved me God Bless you .
Praise His Holy Name! Wow! God knew that you needed to stumble upon this blog post. Prayer is powerful! So glad this post help you make the right decision. I pray for much success with your fitness goals. God bless you too, sis. Thank you!
I know this is a very old blog…but I was just Googling Christian Zumba videos. I bought a set of Zumba DVDs and was dancing to them. They are in Spanish and I have no idea what they are saying…but honestly, the moves are truly seductive and made me feel like I was still clubbing. I am a Christian and was uncomfortable. Anyways, these ‘Christian Videos’ only used Gospel music, but the gyrating is the same as the clubs. Moving on looking for something else, I stumbled on your blog. Was NOT going to read it, but I COULD NOT stay away from your blog. Even reading some of these posted I am convicted. I will be throwing out my Zumba set, and keep at the elliptical and find worthwhile aerobics that I can do to my praise music without the sensuality, sexuality and pelvic thrusting. Thank you God for Your Holy Spirits convicting my heart, and thank you Courtnaye for this blog. Please allow me to post this on my FB page as a lot of my Christian sisters need to read this. To God be the Glory.
Hi Joy,
I’m so glad this post helped you in making the right decision. There are so many other great programs out there and I pray that you find the best one for you. And go for it (posting this blog on Facebook). It’s sole purpose is to help, so I’m all for it. I’ll be praying for much success in your journey to becoming more healthy and fit. Blessings to you, my sister.
Im a Christian and started doing zumba a couple o weeks ago I lost weight and got very addicted I never really realized I was doing wrong until a friend of mine who is Christian told me that I was opening a door of sin I somewhat got upset but am now realizing It could be wrong also a lot of the zumba instructors are part of the LGBT community… Now with the winter months approaching I ask for prayer from you all to take away the temptation of zumba As I have not yet found another work out alternative I hate gyms and don’t want to gain the weight I lost with zumba may the Lord help me!
Hi Liliana,
I will indeed pray for you sis. God will help you find a great workout that will help you to lose the weight with a peace of mind and in holiness. As you’re praying and seeking for the right program, just be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. He will be our guide and He will help you. Trust Him for it. 🙂 ~Courtnaye
Thank God for you, you save me from getting a class started for Christian sisters in my own church ground! I also want to thank a Christian sister I met warn me against it, zumba is a dance for other gods. I also feels is not right doing such dance in the house of God. So I research if zumba is a hidden antichrist working secretly out there. I had gone for zumba 3 times and found it was ok until I really certain moves is so seductive and the music don’t sound right. It was because of a Bible study class I am attending that stop me giving to the zumba class. Your blog is great and please keep it there so that I can warn all that wanted to do it just because it helps the fat belly of mine to lose weight. I will do other toning exercise and still can lose weight. Thanks again and may God bless you with many write out to help others Christians out there. God bless you.
Praise God! Sharon I really appreciate you sharing your experience with this and for sharing it with other women you know. God is an on time God! He’s faithful to get you a great workout program that fits you without all of the other stuff attached to it. God bless you my sister. And thank you for the encouragement!
~Courtnaye
Courtnaye,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write about this! I have recently participated in a Zumba class (2 x’s) and just didn’t feel right about it. Most recently I experienced something deeper and that was an unloving spirit. I know that is not from God! I do not want to do anything that comes between me and God!
Blessings!
Sarah
Wow!! For some reason I felt something tell me something wasn’t right about it!! It also makes you feel insecure!! Thanks!!
Thank you so much, I am a dance leader and I know that there are spirits behind this dance, which are not of God. They are spirits of lust and zumba was originated for woman to seductively dance for slave owners. I do not want any part of this degrading of woman. It has crept in the church because it is just dance and a good workout. Well, I think there are so many other ways to workout and I created a dance workout that will strengthen your muscles…well it may not be as “fun” as shaking your hips but you will work out. The enemy is trying to make our dance ineffective and powerless and there are many that will disagree with this… because they feel we are religious. But God says to “To be holy like He is Holy”.If God has given you a gift of dance, please keep it for Him and not for the world and not for what “feels good” to you. Remember to be like the 10 wise virgins and keep your lamps lit for Him. Also remember ….Eagles fly alone!
Michele
I won’t lie to you; I am completely bummed. I am Latina, I grew up with this music and dance. Growing up we didn’t see this as a sin or leading anyone to sexual immorality, it is simple part of our culture.
Due to a bad car accident, I was unable to move for a long time and that lead to awful amount of weight gain. Finally, after a couple of years of therapy I could move enough to dance. I chose zumba of course, and I lost sooo much weight. I love it. I did it 3 to 4 times a week. Recently though, I felt in my spirit uneasiness. I can’t explain why but it did come to mind out of nowhere and I asked myself after one of the classes, “Am I honoring God by dancing like this?”, my initial answer was, “ hmm, probably not,” but then of course I thought, “It’s just dancing, I’m not here to entice anyone. I am just trying to become healthier.” But, the question remained in my heart. Sort of made me uncomfortable to go back, but I did return, not as much, but something was no longer ok. Your article confirmed it. Makes sense. Quoting 1 Thessalonians sealed it for me, which like I said, I am totally bummed about, but God is so faithful to me and knows best. He will give me a way to keep on my weight loss journey, and it will be in a way I can honor Him. Thank you for sharing this. I needed this.
So true, Sis! He is faithful! I pray that you’ve found a great workout program that you feel comfortable with. Continue to be encouraged and I’m so grateful to God that this post helped.
~Courtnaye
I just left my first Zumba class this evening and I am already convicted by the Holy Spirit. There was lustful secular club music, gyrating and thrusting. It felt uncomfortable and I am in this walk of growing closer to Christ and I know I will not go back to that class. I am already looking at other classes at the studio to attend such as kickboxing and aerobics. I already made a spiritual decision to stay away from Yoga and I now add Zumba to the list.
Amen Sister! It’s not good to ignore our convictions. I like the idea of kickboxing and aerobics! Go for it and I pay that you reach your fitness goals as you continue growing in your walk with Christ! Do it Sis!
Bless you sis, my church just introduced Zumba yesterday . I woke up July 4th to a terrible dream of me having really x-rated sex with my husband in front of my church brethren and they were cheering us on,so I was troubled by this dream not even thinking about the Zumba that was going to start later in the day.I got and started to pray against this dream,I when I prayed against immortality that’s when the Holy Spirit said Zumba. The Holy Spirit impressed on my heart in the midst of my prayer to go research about Zumba and that’s is how I read your blog. I called my leader and told him my dream and what the Lord impressed in my spirit but he only said if the Lord is speaking to you we’ll see. I told him before he allowed it to seek the Lord about it but that fell on deaf ears. Bro and sisters reading this we’re called to be watchman to blow the trumpet when the enemy is coming to attach or attack the body of Christ. Anything that is of the enemy leave it alone, it has no place in the body of Christ. Amem
“…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty.” – only In Him are we Free from bondage. “Quench not the Holy Spirit.” He convicts us of sin, He leads us into all Truth. Quiet yourself, and be sensitive to the indewelling Holy Spirit and the Word of God where Life is. Is what we’re doing allowing us to hear Him, or are we being swept away by another spirit? Are we being seduced, driven, manipulated or pulled away from intimacy with Him? The Holy Spirit is a gentleman and will wait for you to yield to Him – He never forces us to do anything. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights…” Beware of the enemy that wants to steal from you, to distract and destroy you. Let’s walk in the Spirit and not yield to the lust of the flesh. He’ll strengthen you, honor you, and keep you from wasted time and efforts.
Courtney I’ve been waiting with Zumba for the last few years as an instructor is there a way you can reach out to me I want to discuss something about this article and getting permission to post it in E magazine thank you.
Hi,
I want you to know that reading this blogpost was a blessing to me. Sometimes I feel alone as Christian because I am surrounded by Christians that are more inclined to what the world is doing than what God’s says. I agree with you, Zumba is a sexy dance that induces sexual sins.
Most of the lyrics of Zumba songs are obscene. People do not know Spanish so don’t know what they are saying. It’s all about sex.
Thanks for this piece. Not to long ago it was.drawn to my attention that this is a way that is being used by Satan to trap.many Christians and others by linking these practices to obtaining or maintaining good health. Yoga and meditation are other practices to that is aimed at trapping folks..
This my 1st time reading your blog. Thank you. I wanted to look this up to know what is right and wrong so I can do the will of God. You answered the questions I had. Thank you for letting the Lord use you. No Zumba for me😂😁
Thank you for putting this in perspective. I have been a Zumba dancer for about six months and even though we dance to Christian music we still had all the moves as they do in the dance class. As a minister, saint, woman of God I know this is not pleasing in God‘s eyes. The scripture that came to me when I was reading this blog is can bitter and sweet water run out of the same fountain. My Zumba days are over.
I am a Zumba instructor, i have been doing Zumba for almost 10 years and teaching for 4 years. When I was young I used to dance and it was a great passion of mine, I stopped as I got older. I was quite lost and miserable as an adult until I found zumba, it literally brought me back to life. I found my confidence again and felt good and it was the only form of excersice I truly enjoyed. I was petrified to become an instructor but I fought through the fear and did and it was an amazing lesson for me. I have been a Christian all my life but pretty lukewarm and not walking closely with the Lord as I have started to just recently. Until now zumba was my everything, I put all my hope in it and the community of people that came with it but it left me feeling like there had to be more to life than this. Getting closer to God has convicted me of many things lately, He is changing me from the inside out, whether I should continue doing zumba has been on my heart. I have been wanting to start a Christian style dance fitness class in my area for quite sometime now but the Lord is having me work on things in my life one by one. I was reluctantly willing to give up zumba for Him and now I’m being strongly convicted about this and your blog has just sealed the deal for me. I need to stop. I feel stuck though, I’m very committed to this gym And I love the ladies in my classes. I know the gym will have a very hard time replacing me, we can’t even find a good sub. Playing Christian music will not fly so that is not an option but I plan to start gradually switching out my old music for things more appropriate but in the meantime it feels so wrong to continue doing my current songs. Please pray for me, if it’s time to just walk away that God will give me the courage to do it.
Hi Erin, thanks for writing in, sis. I will indeed pray for you on this. God knows where you are and the struggle. The Holy Spirit is leading you, so my encouragement to you would be to follow Him and not ignore your convictions. It is not by chance that you found this post. Praying with and for you, sis. ~Courtnaye
Hi Courtnaye, I recently saw you on JULIE AND FRIENDS on the NRB Christian television network. Truly enJOYed your interview!:-) I was immensely blessed to hear about your blog regarding Zumba. WOWEEEEEEE!!!!
Courtnaye,, you are a Courageous, Bold, Brave and BEAUTIFULLLLLLL T R U T H T E L L E R !!! Way to step up and SHINE THE LIGHT with lots of LOVE and GRACE!! May you always continue to Honor and Glorify our Faithful And True LORD!!!!!!! #LetThereBeLIGHT
Hi Sis, I have to say, this was so super encouraging to me! I’m sorry that I’m late on responding. Yet, I just had to once I say it (today)! Better late, than never, right? But thanks so much for watching and I’m so grateful to God that you were blessed by the interview and the post on Zumba! Blessings to you my Sister! I will keep shining the light! Woohoo!!!
~Courtnaye
Courtnaye,
Sorry- I didn’t see you on the NRB Christian Network.
C O R R E C T I O N: I saw you and was very blessed by your time spent with JULIE AND FRIENDS on TCT Christian Network!!!:-D
I have not participated in a lot of things for the reasons that you’ve stated. I did not know the history of zumba but everytime I’d think about wanting to go, I’d get a check in my spirit. I knew exactly why the Lord was not allowing me but was desperate to find a place to workout outside of my own home. I still have not joined but just like the word tells us, satan left Jesus for a season(Matthew 4)so today the thought came to mind to see if I could find a “godly” zumba class and came across this post. God loves me and never fails to protect me(us) if we allow.
Excellent teaching for the church today , thank you so much !!!
Peace. Zumba moves are considered “sexy” in a Western context, so yes, I agree that Zumba would not be appropriate in a Western church setting.
Thank you so much for this article. I’m glad that I ran across it. I want nothing to do with yoga, but I didn’t really give Zumba much thought. I have only taken one class, however I planned on trying it again and did purchase some videos. I plan to throw them out. Thank you for your willingness to share a needed truth.
Thank you so much for this info, It has answered my question and doubts on music used in aerobics too. If the music is not glorifying God it should be a no go area for Christians.
Thank you for speaking truth and backing it up with God’s word. So many more Christians need to read this. I myself never agreed with Zumba because I always saw it as a sneaky form of dancing with the name exercise attached to it. I will be sharing this.
God Bless
Zumba is evil. Seductive, energy stealing spirits… Years ago as I was beginning to develop spiritual discernment, I attended a few classes. The moves were provocative and the attendees were encouraged to move in seductive ways. I did not feel comfortable, so I switched teachers, thinking it was a one-off occurrence. The next instructor moved very quickly and was feeding off the energy of the class. His face began to manifest a crazed, demonic look. I asked Holy Spirit what was going on. He told me this was a sorcery dance to place the unknowing in a trance and steal their energy and virtue. He told me to leave the class, so I walked out and never went back. Zumba totally opens a door for attack from the kingdom of darkness. We are a holy nation of kings & priests, consecrated unto the Lord. Zumba has no place in the Kingdom Of God.
Amen! I’m so encouraged! I was just thinking of going to Zumba class after many years and thought…..wait a minute! Since Yoga is wrong and demonic with eastern mysticism all over it I better check what the root of Zumba is! Thank you for being out there my Christian sister! I’ve been searching for the will of the Lord Jesus in everything these days because as you’ve said the devil is so sneaky! I teach my children the same thing to look deeper and see beyond the candy coating, search beyond and the Holy Spirit will convict and reveal His truth through the Word of God! Thank you again for this article I needed that!
You’re absolutely welcome Angelina! Glad this post helped you, sister. 😉
Blessings,
~Courtnaye
It’s very true as a guy I been doing Zumba and everytime. I dance the Zumba those sexual moves and shaking my butt. I feel odd.