Something strange has happened to me lately. People are noticing the changes going on with me and are feeling inspired. They are coming to me for fitness tips and wondering how I did it. I am inspiring people????
I was pretty heavy here, luckily I am tall and hide it well, I found out the next day too I was pregnant, at the end of this pregnancy I weighed 230 pounds. Ouch!
Just a year ago I was a lazy, lazy, chubby. I enjoyed cookies, and cinnamon rolls, and chocolate by the pound. I didn't do much outside, I spent my days at the computer or watching TV with the kids, we would go and play at the park but by we, I mean they would play and I would sit down and watch and get bored really quickly. My husbands deployment and years of not being myself led me to a dark and long depression. I felt stuck and trapped and so very lazy. I spent most of that first 7 months of his deployment in tears and frustration.
(I probably hoarded all those cookies I am baking, ha!)
One day I heard a Circus parade was rolling into town. It was a beautiful June day and I decided it would be a fun adventure out for the kids and I, little did I know that day would change everything. We pulled into the parking lot at Subway where the parade would pass by on the street. A big suburban pulled up next to us and a very thin and fit woman and her kids piled out to watch the parade. We made friendly conversation which ended in her inviting me to the YMCA with her to try out a Zumba class. Zumba?! I have heard of this nonsense before, dont you have to be able to dance to do that? I have only ever been in a mosh pit, or skanking with my punk friends. I was however desperate for some adult friends and when she mentioned the great child care I was sold. I told her I would meet her there that Tuesday night at 6pm and I would bring my non coordination with me.
We piled into the car that night and headed out to the Downtown YMCA. I was really nervous, not only to try the Zumba class, but I had tried leaving Owen in Child watch at 24 hour fitness before. They didn't do crying babies there and never lasted with my screaming baby more than 10 minutes. From the moment I walked in the door the entire facility seemed so welcoming, the child watch people assured me they would be great with Owen and the other children. I went off to the big fitness room and prepared for my embarrassment. My new friend dragged me up to the front row of the class, WHAT! I am new! I need to hide in the back behind all these confident people!? The instructor walked in and the latin music began pumping through the room. I focused very hard on her feet and just tried to get my body to follow. It was hard but boy was I breaking a sweat! Halfway through the class I couldn't help but notice the energy bursting through the room, the happy faces everywhere, this was fantastic! Are we really working out?? After the hour for the first time in my life I had broken a cardio sweat, I felt energized, and I felt so happy! What the heck was that?! That class was magical.
I was back the next class on thursday, and every Tuesday and Thursday after that. Within a month I had built confidence, learned about salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggaetone, dropped a pant size, and lost 6 pounds! Within the next few months I noticed something weird happening to me. I was smiling, I was laughing, I was also shrinking rapidly. I found myself listening to latin music and shaking my butt while I did the dishes. My kids were dancing in the kitchen with me, we loved going to the Ymca. By September I was transformed, I was enjoying work outs, I would play at the park with my kids, we would go to the YMCA to swim and I would work out and do ALL the Zumba classes they offered. I started making friends, who now to this day are my very best of friends. Zumba literally grabbed my by the butt and changed everything.
After meeting Tracie the best instructor yet, I decided I wanted to be a Zumba instructor too. She inspired me to want to inspire a room full of people to lose weight while smiling. I went and got my Zumba teaching license on November 4, 2011, just five months after beginning Zumba. When I walked into that class for the first time I had NO idea how to dance, I had no coordination and I had NO self esteem. Just five months later I was getting licensed to teach a fitness class!
I have kept on with this little latin shaking life of mine and I am now a Zumba Instructor with the YMCA and on the military installations in town. I am happy, and I am positive. I am also wearing size EIGHT jeans. Just a year ago I was in 16s if they were generous. I find myself hiking up mountains, and going for runs, chasing my kids all the way to the park, riding bikes up hills without dying in exhaustion. My whole outlook on life has improved and my health feels amazing. I love the energy, and I love inspiring people in my classes.
I have learned that your health is not measured by the number on the scale. I found my number going up, even though I was working out diligently. I still get pretty frustrated with that but just a quick look in the mirror I am reminded that I am just putting on muscle. The other day at the Doctor I was forced to step on an evil scale and the number SHOCKED me, why is it so high!? I was there at that number before in 2007 just 6 weeks after my baby girl was born. I was so heavy then! How is this possible?! After the doctor appointment I decided to put that same dress back on and take a photo. This is me the SAME weight, with a complete transformation. The scale sure doesnt know everything.
Same dress, same weight.
It is possible to do what I have done. I started my journey when my husband was in another country. I was alone with three children and I still made time for ME. You have to make yourself a priority, your kids want a happy mom, make that time to get yourself into a fitness class and let loose. You will be so happy you did it and maybe one day people will be asking you how you got where you are. I promise you, its worth every second.
My life is now full of opportunity, health, peace, positivity, laughs, and music. Shouldn't yours be too?
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I was back the next class on thursday, and every Tuesday and Thursday after that. Within a month I had built confidence, learned about salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggaetone, dropped a pant size, and lost 6 pounds! Within the next few months I noticed something weird happening to me. I was smiling, I was laughing, I was also shrinking rapidly. I found myself listening to latin music and shaking my butt while I did the dishes. My kids were dancing in the kitchen with me, we loved going to the Ymca. By September I was transformed, I was enjoying work outs, I would play at the park with my kids, we would go to the YMCA to swim and I would work out and do ALL the Zumba classes they offered. I started making friends, who now to this day are my very best of friends. Zumba literally grabbed my by the butt and changed everything. 
