Hit-maker Timbaland producing music for fitness brand Zumba

NEW YORK -- Hit-making producer Timbaland is used to people dancing to his beats at nightclubs. Now fans will get a chance to move to music he designed for working out through a new partnership with Zumba.

The man behind hits for Justin Timberlake and Jay Z is crafting songs for STRONG by Zumba, a non-dance-inspired workout that focuses on high-intensity interval training, body-weight exercises and strength training paired with music to match.

"I've always been into fitness, and music is a big part of exercising for me, and I feel like STRONG by Zumba was a great way -- with my edge, my music style -- to put it together," the 44-year-old Grammy winner said in an interview Tuesday.

The Timbaland-produced song "Nobody," performed by his new girl group, Obs3ssed, will be used by STRONG by Zumba instructors during training sessions; the track won't be available for sale or streaming. Timbaland also is working on another song with fellow producer Scott Storch for the program.

STRONG by Zumba isn't like typical Zumba classes in which Latin dances are at the forefront. Timbaland said his music is designed to help people get through workouts with more ease and inspire people to push their limits.

Zumba has worked with other musicians, including Daddy Yankee and Don Omar. Timbaland said he's never taken a Zumba class but "thought it was interesting." He performed at the Zumba Instructor Convention in Orlando, Florida, last month.

Timbaland is executive music producer for the hit TV series "Empire." He has produced hits for Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, Nelly Furtado and others.

"That's what I am -- I am music. I try to find all different types of avenues to express my talent when it comes to music," he said.