“After graduating, I worked 6 days a week overseas and literally never found the time to exercise; any spare time I did have I was just exhausted & physically needed to rest. My diet was poor and to be honest, I lost my interest in boring exercise classes.
I once worked in a town where I didn’t know anyone, gained a few extra curves and hated the gym. Having heard about Zumba I finally decided to give it a whirl. As soon as the music began I loved it, a total party atmosphere and my hips started to move in ways I never knew they could! It didn’t matter to anyone, even the instructor, if I got the moves right or wrong; so long as I kept moving.
I began to make the time to fit at least two classes a week in, which really benefited not only my physical health, but also my mental health. I had become quite lonely in this new town. It made me feel good inside and out; building my body confidence. Whilst making new friends I toned up those curves & even learnt to love my chunky wobbly thighs (I OWN them!). I enjoyed shaking my jiggly bits and embraced the skin I’m in!
I worked beyond my fitness goals. Absolutely loving it, I decided to teach it myself. (It was just supposed to be a hobby!) This Girl Can Campaign encouraged me to help motivate others, girls and women just like me, into fitness. It’s important to find something that, quite simply, you enjoy doing. I now teach Zumba, Zumba Gold (modified low impact), Seated Zumba Gold, Aqua Zumba and Zumba Kids.
I also take the party to those who can’t get to it, with modified seated classes; having furthered my fitness education beyond qualifying as Level 2 Exercise to Music Fitness Instructor. I also specialise in working with older adults having trained in chair based exercise for older and frailer adults. I work with lots of students affected by dementia; music & movement are power tools.
I work with cancer patients too. It’s a real joy to bring smiles through inclusive dance fitness!
Zumba really is for everybody and every BODY! Different ages, shapes, sizes, abilities and goals; including fitness, weight loss, making new friends, socialising, even therapy for some! It’s a total judgement free zone, real people, real bodies, having a real good time losing ourselves in the music! Dancing, sweating, wiggling and giggling! Dance at your own pace, just keep MOVING & have Fun!
Since Covid-19 and lockdown, I have had to adapt my classes to teach online and now I’ve just begun classes outdoors; including my own toning class, Bumba Blast & women’s only Booty Camp!
My lifestyle is still quite hectic, but I’m healthy, positive and despite the normal highs and lows, I’m loving life!”
