http://www.acefitness.org/certifiednewsarticle/2813/zumba-fitness-sure-it-s-fun-but-is-it-effective Just because Zumba is fun, however, doesn't necessarily mean it's an effective workout. Despite its immense popularity, to date very little research has been done to document the potential benefits of this form of aerobic dance. So the American Council on Exercise, the nation's Workout Watchdog®, commissioned Dr. Porcari and his team of exercise scientists to determine whether Zumba provides a workout, a party or both.