Fit for life

This whole journey started when my friend Heather asked me to try Zumba in 2008. Me? Dance? In public? This chick grew up knocking little girls around the basketball court because I was 5’8 and 190 lbs at like…birth. I was already a religious Weight Watcher and down about 15 lbs from walking,  using the elliptical, and being bored as hell at Planet Fitness. 

I avoided Zumba in college because #1 I couldn’t pronounce it #2 only skinny sorority girls went and #3 I was too embarrassed by my size. I went to spin class, step, water aerobics and muscle classes. But in the Fall of 2008 when I finally tried Zumba,  my life changed forever. I fell in love, attended weekly, got more friends to try it, and felt great for my wedding in Spring 2010. I also broke it downnnn on the dance floor.

After the wedding,  my husband and I moved to WA state (#navywife) and I went to Zumba religiously. Dancing helped me through deployments and got me to my weight goal in June 2011.

I finally decided I wanted to be an instructor. Why not? WHAT!? I was 223 lbs and horrified by yoga pants just a couple years ago.  I became a licensed Zumba instructor in August 2011 and taught 33 classes my first month. Holy Smokes. Fast forward to 2015 and I’ve met more amazing people and instructors than I ever thought possible. My “fitness family” is nationwide and I LOVE it. I broadened my horizons and got certified in AFFA Primary Group Exercise, Les Mills Body Pump, and cycling. I teach circuit/HiiT workouts as well. 

Group X rocks. But getting more in shape showed me I could do the impossible. The dreaded thing. The torture! The horror! I could run. My first 5k was in November 09 at about 45 min and my PR is now under 25. My brother told me it doesn't matter your speed or your race times or what kind of sneakers you wear. You run? You're a runner.  I've completed 3 half marathons and though my times weren't glorious, crossing the finish line sure was. I urge you to push yourself and get outside your comfort zone. We are capable of more than we know. Get out of your own way.