A quick note about weights in Zumba Gold

A little reminder about the weights we use during the toning section of Zumba Gold:

The maximum weight for Zumba Gold is 1kg per hand.

This isn't about whether you're personally capable of lifting heavier weights. It's about keeping the class within the format and scope of Zumba Gold.

The toning section of Zumba Gold is designed around light weights and dance-based movement. Heavier weights require a different approach — slower, more controlled strength exercises rather than dance movements. Combining heavier weights with dance movements can increase the risk of injury. That's why heavier weights aren't part of the Zumba Gold format I teach.

There is one exception: the purple Zumba Toning Sticks, which weigh 2.5lb (approx 1.1kg) are part of the Zumba Toning format and are fine to use.

I've mentioned the 1kg maximum regularly in class, spoken with a few people individually, and also made additional group announcements in some classes.

Starting immediately, I'll be checking weights before the toning section, and weights over 1kg won't be able to be used in the class.

So please have a quick look at your weights before you come along and make sure they're 1kg or lighter.

If you'd like to work with heavier weights with me, that's exactly what Zumba + Lift is for. In Zumba + Lift, we don't combine the heavier weights with the dance movements. We have our dance section, and then we move into dedicated strength exercises where we slow things down, use controlled movements and generally keep our feet planted.

Zumba Gold = we dance and we add light toning for a few tracks💃
vs
Zumba + Lift = we dance, then do simple strength work 💪
(We never dance and do strength work at the same time)

Thanks for helping me keep our Zumba Gold classes safe, consistent and within the format they're designed for. ❤️

Cheers
Olga

P.S. A few questions you might be wondering about…

"But I can use my 2kg weights in other classes. Why can't I use them here?"

Absolutely — and what you do in other classes or at home is entirely up to you! The important distinction is that Zumba Gold has its own class format and guidelines, and I need to make sure the classes I teach stay within those boundaries.

"But I know I can safely use 2kg weights."

This isn't about whether you're personally capable of lifting 2kg. It's about what equipment is appropriate for the Zumba Gold class format.

As a Group Exercise Leader, I'm teaching the class according to the Zumba Gold format rather than individually assessing each person's ability to use heavier weights. That's why I need to apply the same equipment limit to everyone.

"But I only use the heavier weights for one song."

The 1kg maximum applies to the class as a whole, so unfortunately there aren't exceptions for individual songs or sections.

"But 1kg isn't enough for me."

That's exactly why I have Zumba + Lift! It's the place to work with heavier weights and dedicated strength exercises.

"Can I bring my 2kg weights and just use them during the toning section?"

No — the maximum is 1kg per hand in Zumba Gold. If you've brought heavier weights, you'll need to leave them packed away for this class.

There is, however, that one little exception: the purple Zumba Toning Sticks at approximately 1.1kg are part of the Zumba format and are okay to use.

So there's absolutely a place for those heavier weights -- just not in Zumba Gold.