ZumbaMomma - question for you

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I love reading your posts - you get to the point without being offensive. I also like how you throw in how you go to the gym and love Zumba. I think you are someone who is inspirational to many people so I am hoping you can inspire me.

How do you motivate yourself to workout?
How do you keep yourself positive?

these are two things I really want to to work on this year, but I am already having a hard time staying committed!

Thanks!

[zumbamama]

wow, thanks! I am so flattered!

Several things keep me motivated:

1) I love music — whenever I hear it, I WANT to move. Music plays a big part of it. I'm a rhythm junkie. Even when I used to run...I couldn't do it without my favorite tunes.

2) I know if I stop exercising, I will gain the weight back and get sick. I took a week off during the holidays. I ate lots of junk and barely moved. I felt awful, gained a couple pounds and caught a cold. I went all year without getting sick, and the week that I stop moving, I could feel myself digressing.

3) I made it my job to exercise. When you are a student, it's easy to skip a workout. It's cold outside, I'm tired today, there are a million excuses to stop you. But I don't have that option now that I teach. Sure I have days when I don't feel like working out, but I can't let down my students. And I know as soon as I turn on the music, I will feel like moving.

4) Yoga keeps me from burning out. It's not as fun as Zumba, but I do believe it keeps my muscles conditioned enough to teach 5 classes a week. Preventative maintenance, I guess, so that I don't hurt myself in being so cardio-active.

MY ADVICE TO YOU:
I realize that not everyone is going to love Latin music or become a teacher to make themselves workout. So my advice is to find something that you LOVE to do so that you won't want to stop. FUN is the key. What activity is fun for you? This is why I love Zumba so much...it's fun! I feel like I'm 18 again!

Also workout buddy can also help keep you in check when you don't feel like it. Try exercisefriends.com.

And I have my "before" picture on my fridge to remind me what I used to look like. I've dropped 6 sizes in my weight loss journey and never want to gain them back!

[zumbamama]

Also, I am part of the Zumba instructor network, and they always have inspiring stories to share. This is what I sent to my students in my newsletter this month to motivate them:

ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR WEIGHT LOSS STORIES:

5 POUNDS Within a month of starting my first Zumba classes (as a student), I'd lost that stubborn 5 pounds and inches around my waist. It was amazing. Before that I was doing my weight training 3-4 times a week and had just run the Columbus marathon (my 10th marathon) and ADDED 4 pounds and just stuck on a plateau; Zumba kicked my rear end right off that plateau! â??Centerville, OH

20 POUNDS I've maintained a 20 pound weight loss since I started zumba about 2 years ago. But since I started teaching last April my pants size has been shrinking - I'm down from size 12/14 to a 10! I also reversed a diagnosis of pre-diabetes, which is a big deal for me since I love to eat and have a glass or two of wine with dinner! Yeah for zumba!

60 POUNDS My ADD meds caused me to gain 60 pounds...totally sucked. I was wearing a size 22 clothing (I'm 6'2"). I have a heart condition as well (Mitral Valve Prolapse). I was working with a trainer (paying $$$ big time) and was working out 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. It was 30 minutes treadmill or eliptical, 30 minutes doing circuit/Curves type thing, 30 minutes weight training and then 30 minutes in a infrared sauna. FIVE DAYS A WEEK..and guess what? Not ONE inch lost and not ONE pound lost.

Plus, the meds made me a zombie. It took every single bit of energy I had to do the work out everyday, the rest I was asleep or on the recliner. When I discovered Zumba as well as a holistic drink that had natural de-stressors, etc., the doc took me off my meds COMPLETELY. I've been doing Zumba and NOT dieting (eating healthier, but not dieting) since May and I've lost 38 pounds..don't know how many inches but I'm now wearing a size 14/16. AND...my ADD and anxiety disorder has been GREAT - NO problems whatsoever! The endorphines released from Zumba (plus my natural drink) is better than the drugs I was on!! â??Red Oak, TX

90 POUNDS Started Zumba in November of 06. I have lost 90 pounds. Went from a size 24 to 6. Lots, and lots of inches!! Check out my bfore and after picture!! http://www.zumbajunkie.com/Testimonies.html â??Tallahassee, FL

98 POUNDS funny thing is last night i was just talking to my class about this, i've lost 98lbs with Zumba. but what i've gained is so much more, the energy is unbelievable plus now i love to shop =) â??Kansas City, MO

200 POUNDS As of Sunday I've lost 200 lbs! Obviously I didn't do Zumba at my heaviest. I started taking Zumba in Oct. 2007 at 315 lbs. I had alreaday lost about 135 lbs. I got certified in Oct. 2008 and now, Dec. 08 I finally hit the -200 lbs. mark!
You can see my weight loss journey at www.freewebs.com/infectiouslaughter â??Fircrest, WA

[maynie]

You know I've been meaning to send you a message for a while Zumbamama, to ask about the same thing. I get so bored with the gym routine, but I need to do something NOW. I was also going to ask you if it's something a beginner could do easily. You're so enthusiastic about it, it makes me want to give it a try.

[Anonymous]

Where do you teach and how do you find the time????

[zumbamama]

Zumba's whole motto is "fun and easy to do." But we realize everyone has different capabilities. Some people have no dance background and some do. So I tell the newbies, don't get discouraged if you don't get all the moves the first time around. Most moves are easy enough to pick up at the first class, others will take a few more classes to nail down. The more you come, the easier it gets....because your muscles are "learning" the movements.

Also, no two Zumba classes are the same. You should try different instructors to see what style fits you the best. There is Zumba for seniors, kids, aqua Zumba, Zumba for hospital patients. Some instructors are more fitnessy, some more dancey. I'm def. more dancey!

And there are always Zumba parties going on, Zumba fundraisers, charity events.

[zumbamama]

I teach 3 classes in Arlington, and two in Silver Spring. The SS ones are on my lunch break. In Arlington, I teach Sunday afternoons, Tuesday nights (but I alternate with another instructor), and tonight I start my new Zumba job at Sport & Health.

It helps that I have lots of family and a supportive husband. He sports his bumpersticker: Zumba changed my wife. haha!

[zumbamama]

Plus in this economy, the extra classes help to put food on the table. It's only an hour and I go straight back to my mama job.

[Anonymous]

zumba mama can you post how to sign up for your sunday class? Do you have a website? I took zumba at OakMarr on Saturdays but they aren't offering it anymore.

[zumbamama]

my website is www.zumbadistrict.com

Just show up! Bring water!

[zumbamama]

I'll also add, that Zumba has opened so many opportunities for me to get involved with the community. It feels great to be helping others get fit and raise money for great causes....I've done programs for teen moms, cancer survivors, animal welfare, battered women, etc.

This month I am teaching a class at the House of Representatives on Inaugural week....woo hoo! I'm so psyched to Zumba with the politicians...haha!

[Anonymous]

I am OP.

Can you recommend any eveing/weekend classes in Montgomery County?

Thanks!

[zumbamama]

If you are not looking to join a gym, I know there is a Latin dance studio in Takoma Park called RODA Movements, that offers several Zumba classes. I'm sure there are more in MoCo, you can look for them on Zumba's website: www.zumba.com

Also craigslist has some listings for non-gym Zumba classes.

[Anonymous]

zumbamama wrote:If you are not looking to join a gym, I know there is a Latin dance studio in Takoma Park called RODA Movements, that offers several Zumba classes. I'm sure there are more in MoCo, you can look for them on Zumba's website: www.zumba.com

Also craigslist has some listings for non-gym Zumba classes.

Hi. I'm so glad the Op posted this thread. I don't want to comment about working out, although I need to, but I completely agree that your posts are always sweet and inspirational. I can tell you have a heart of gold, and your a terrific mom. GZ

[maynie]

Thanks for taking the time to give info, Zumbamama. You're the best!