Zumba, and virtual reality workout platform, FitXR, have joined forces to offer mixed-reality versions of Zumba's dance routines.

The partnership came about as a result of surveys among FitXR’s users showing they wanted more dance workouts and Zumba receiving requests for MR offerings.

FitXR’s Zumba studio offers 32 classes, ranging from beginner to expert and features which help users develop confidence, such as a movement preview system shows what moves are coming next.

Gamification has been added: as dancers take more classes they can earn scores to unlock goals and progress through the app.

Zumba’s CEO, Alberto Perlman, says this move makes Zumba even more accessible: “By teaming up with FitXR, we were able to find the right partner to capture the brand presence, music and energy that you find in an in-person Zumba class, with the avatar and community technology to really bring the studio to life.”

The partners worked closely to make the experience as close to a real-life class as possible, with some of Zumba’s star instructors featuring in avatar form. “Partnering with Zumba is a game-changer for those who might have anxiety around taking in-person classes, don’t have access to a gym or studio, or want to participate in the Zumba programme at home,” says Sam Cole, FitXR CEO. “We’ve worked closely with Zumba to make sure the virtual experience is as energetic and lively as it is in-person.”

Founded in 2001, Zumba’s easy-to-follow choreography has resulted in more than 15 million people taking part each week, in 200,000 locations across 185 countries. Specialist classes have been created for older adults and children, as well as an aquatic programme and a HIIT workout. The company has also just released an app to act as a hub for in-person and online classes.

FitXR merges immersive VR with total body workouts designed by experts. Available on Meta Quest and Pico XR headsets, it offers ZuSlam a gamified HIIT workout; Sculpt, inspired by barre and Pilates; Dance, HIIT, Box, Combat and now Zumba.

In a previous interview in, Fit Tech magazine, Cole says FitXR targets the increasingly inactive and obese population who are put off by the gym experience and makes exercise more like play.