My Story

I’d like to share my personal journey with you. Please remember that everyone is unique, and I’m not suggesting that specific conditions can be treated solely with Zumba or exercise. My intention is simply to share my experience and express my passion for what I do. .

At the age of 35, I embarked on my weight loss journey while grappling with various health issues. These included early signs of perimenopause, knee and hip pain, depression, mood swings, and a generally negative perspective on life. After multiple consultations with doctors and specialists to diagnose my condition, I found myself in my car holding a prescription for anti-depressants, painkillers and an appointment for a physiotherapist. It dawned on me that the root of my problems wasn't my knees or hormones but rather my own choices. I had neglected myself after having children, particularly after my second child. I had been eating poorly, attributing it to stress, and living in denial. The reality struck me when I stepped on the scale and saw that the "baby weight" I had blamed for years had reached 232 lbs., leading me to accept that my struggles were a result of my own actions.
I used to despise exercising, it was never my thing. When I was younger, I went out of my way to avoid it, so chaging my mindset was a challenge. Understanding my limitations and acknowledging that a gym membership might not work for me, I began walking. What started as a ten-minute stroll gradually extended to 20, 30, 40 minutes, and eventually an hour. After a few months, I had shed a significant amount of weight. However, as winter approached, I still experienced discomfort. Feeling determined not to give up and facing the fear of failure, my husband suggested I give Zumba another try. Despite my previous attempts at Zumba and my reservations about group fitness due to my introverted and shy nature, I decided to give it another shot.

The first thing that caught my eye as I entered the class was the camaraderie among the participants, filled with laughter and conversations. Many proudly sported Zumba-branded clothing, which piqued my interest. I swiftly settled in the back, seeking refuge in a corner to avoid catching my reflection in the large mirror on the opposite wall. Amidst the warm greetings and hellos from fellow attendees, the class was about to commence.

The class was absolutely fantastic. It was love at first attempt, and I was immediately captivated. The vibrant energy, the music, the laughter, the cheers, the dance moves, and the choreography all left me craving more. However, mixed with the joy was a sense of reality as I looked in the mirror, knowing I had a challenging journey ahead of me.

My passion for Zumba turned into an obsession, especially when I reached just under 200. I started attending classes every day, sometimes even twice a day when possible. Instead of following a diet, I was focused on embracing a healthy eating lifestyle. After extensive reading and research, I chose to pursue clean eating as my way forward. Every day, I eagerly looked forward to class, not just for the physical benefits but also for the enriching social interactions it provided.

As my weight dropped below 180, my hip pain vanished, my menstrual cycle stabilized, and I felt happy, full of energy, and more confident. I embraced new activities, social outings, and shopping for smaller-sized clothes as the pounds melted away. A significant moment arrived when my knees stopped aching once I reached below 165 pounds. This transformation greatly improved my flexibility, endurance, and stamina.

Driven by my passion, I gradually transitioned to the front row of the class after two years of dancing, establishing myself as a Front Row Zumba Diva. Surprisingly, the once reserved girl who disliked exercise found herself occasionally joining the instructors on stage.

This journey culminated in me obtaining my Zumba Instructor Certificate, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my life.

"It's never too late and you're never too old to work towards being the healthiest you."