How Gamification Propelled a Zumba Revolution

The Challenge

Zumba®, the biggest name in dance fitness with a 20-plus year history, was facing the problem of not having adequate replacements for live classes that would resonate with their audience.

DVDs, Nintendo Wii, and even Nintendo Switch did not entice people as much as before. These products lacked the aspect of human engagement Zumba’s customers received from real-life dance fitness classes.

In addition, gyms and outside classes were out of numerous customers’ reach, mentally and/or physically.

The assumption

Zumba noticed the issue of limited interaction in the at-home dance fitness classes and thegrowth of insecurity that revolves around going to the gym. The goal was to bring Zumba to everyone’s homes without taking away what the sport stands for - a community that shares its love for movement and fun.

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The Solution

Zumba’s concerns could not be solved without outside help. However, they had a partner in sight: FitXR.

FitXR, the leading VR workout platform, noticed their consumer demand for more dance fitness classes. Zumba and FitXR were an ideal match: their collaboration solved both the scarcity of more interactive Zumba classes and the request for more dance-related content from FitXR fans.

However, what exactly made these classes engaging?

As a matter of fact, it was a perfect blend of mixed/virtual reality and these gamification elements:

Avatars foster a positive and engaging experience

The avatar feature is a savior for both people with social anxiety, and fitness instructors with a bad hair day, this feature is a savior! An avatar is the perfect persona to keep both sides feeling confident, happy, and engaged. Of course, not all users like this feature, so there are plenty of classes with instructors as-is.

**Badges and achievements serve as milestones of progress

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It's challenging to stay motivated when you're the only one cheering for yourself and your personal growth. As users earn badges and achievements, it provides them with milestones. This way, customers can take pride in their progress or boast about it to their friends and family. This sense of gratification helps Zumba enthusiasts stay motivated!

Tracking features offer valuable insights

With the Zumba app, users can keep track of their fitness routines and connect their smartwatches to get an overview of their everyday activity levels and see how far they have progressed towards their objectives. Additionally, they can customize their fitness goals because, after all, everyone is on their own fitness journey!