This weekend, 24 Hour Fitness is launching Zumba® Step, a brand new group exercise class that will transform people's ideas about step aerobics. Offered exclusively at select 24 Hour Fitness® clubs starting January 25, Zumba Step combines the fun and energy of Zumba's upbeat rhythms with the intense lower-body sculpting workout of step aerobics, in a format that is easy to follow and yields amazing results.

"We're thrilled to bring Zumba Step to our members and newcomers alike in what promises to be a fun and effective workout, helping them reach their fitness goals through a format of exercise they already enjoy," said Bobbi Quick, senior director of Fitness Operations, 24 Hour Fitness. "Zumba® Group X classes at 24 Hour Fitness are among our most popular group exercise classes because our members experience not only the physical benefits of an exhilarating class, but also have fun and form friendships that help them stay motivated."

Zumba recently announced the new format, designed to escalate your cardiovascular workout and strengthen your muscles--especially the lower body--through a balance of traditional fitness, dance and step aerobics moves. Participants are encouraged to use more energy to lift their body weight against gravity--as well as targeting specific muscle groups and improving balance and coordination.

To celebrate the launch of the new program, 24 Hour Fitness invites members, Zumba fans, and home-steppers alike to upload a photo of themselves in their Zumba gear showing off their favorite Zumba dance steps with the hashtag #StepTo24. Whether those photos show the steps of Coit Tower in San Francisco, the Bunker Hill steps in Los Angeles, steps in Central Park or the steps to the front door, eligible submissions will be entered into a random drawing for Zumba and 24 Hour Fitness prizes. To submit a photo or video for entry, visit 24 Hour Fitness on Facebook and look for the contest tab.

To find a Zumba Step class, visit http://www.24hourfitness.com/zumbastep.

About Zumba Fitness

Zumba is a global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance-party workout. Known as the ultimate "fitness-party", Zumba® classes blend upbeat world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, for an effective, total-body workout. Founded in 2001, the company is the largest branded fitness program in the world - reporting more than 15 million weekly participants, in over 200,000 locations across more than 180 countries. In addition to its original Zumba® program, the company also offers a variety of specialty classes, including: Zumba® Step; Zumba Gold® (active older adults); Aqua Zumba®; Zumba® Kids/Zumba® Kids Jr. (ages 4-11); and Zumbini TM (ages 0-3). The Zumba® fitness lifestyle is rounded out by the company's many consumer product offerings, including DVD sets, music collections, multi-seasonal apparel and footwear, video games and Fitness-Concert TM events. For more information about Zumba's programs and products, or to find a live class, visit zumba.com. Find us on Facebook and, Twitter.

About 24 Hour Fitness

Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness is a leading health club industry pioneer, serving nearly 4 million members in more than 400 clubs across the U.S. For more than 30 years, the company has been dedicated to helping members change their lives and reach their individual fitness goals. With convenient club locations, personal training services, innovative group exercise classes and a variety of strength, cardio and functional training equipment, 24 Hour Fitness offers fitness solutions for everyone.

Please call 1-800-224-0240 or visit 24hourfitness.com for more information and to find the club nearest you.

Edelman for 24 Hour Fitness
Veronica White, 415-486-3219
veronica.white@edelman.com