Happy New Year! Welcome to my new blog! I am so excited to share my experiences with you and hope that yo will share your experiences with me as well.
The importance of health and fitness in my life has always been there, just not always at the forefront! As with most people I was in and out of gym memberships. I love group exercise classes but really don't like working out alone. Family, work, "the tireds", etc. would often get in the way of making it to the gym. Many months we were just "donors" to whichever gym held our current membership. As far as working out was concerned, I could take it or leave!
That is until August of 2009 when I attended my first Zumba® Fitness class! WOW! What a fun, exciting, motivating class! I started attending classes 3 to 4 times per week! The music, the moves, the instructor! I was hooked! A big appeal was the wide variety of age and fitness level in every class. Anyone could participate!
In January 2010 I took my very first fitness certification course. I became licensed to teach Zumba® Fitness! At 39, I was embarking on a whole new career as a fitness instructor. As I approach my 1st ZINaversary, I am so thankful to have Zumba® in my life! I love being able to share Zumba® with others. My participants are so inspiring! I love watching someones face in their very first Zumba® class. It is truly an exercise experience that is hard to describe but you want to keep doing it again and again!
The goal of my blog this year is to share some of those inspiring stories of my participants. I want to motivate you all to reach your health and fitness goals no matter how large or small. I not a registered dietitian, but I do believe you can make a difference in your health and wellness with common sense eating and moving your body! I do a lot of reading and research so if there is a particular topic you are interested in learning more about, let me know.
Here's my first tip: eat breakfast! I know you have heard this over and over, but your body needs fuel! You do have to eat to lose weight! The best place to start is breakfast. Have some protein and get that metabolism going for the day. I have egg beaters with a slice of American cheese in a whole wheat pita almost every morning. It is about 300 calories and gives me the right amount of protein and carbs I need to start the day, only takes about 3 minutes to cook and can be portable if needed! Find what works for you, but don't skip breakfast!
To live a healthier lifestyle you have to start somewhere. Start today! Even the smallest change can make a difference. Here's to a happy, healthy and fun 2011! I look forward to seeing you in class!
When I joined your Zumba class, I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into! My health had taken a nose-dive right after I ceased smoking exactly two years ago today. I gained weight and retained fluid, I had the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis, and my self esteem was barreling down like a 747 out of fuel! I live with pain every day but now I am on meds which help a lot! So you can see my trepidation at joining a fitness class. The first couple of classes, I wondered if I would ever fit in and be able to do the moves that seemed so easy for everyone else. My sense of balance and coordination seemed to have been lost somewhere along the years. Yes,I felt a little self-conscious, but my determination and sheer pig-headedness wouldn't allow me to quit. Soon I realized I was staying up with the moves and able to accomplish the fast feet work and balancing on one foot. (something I still have troubles with but it's getting better) I felt such pride and a sense of achievement the first time I was able to do my "firsts". Before long I noticed muscle tone where once there was none. I smile with anticipation when I think of my Zumba class and Ms. Glenda each week. My self esteem is better than ever! I turn 54 next month and I don't care who knows it because I am looking and feeling great! Thanks to Glenda and Zumba! It's NOT a work out ! It IS a PaRtY ! Thank you !!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you've started a blog. Look forward to reading and hopefully joining Wednesday Zumba again soon : )
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me in many ways for many years! Looking forward to following your new blog! You go girl! ;D
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