‘Zumberific!’
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Shape Up, Emporia!, is a weekly fitness and health column aimed at readers of all ages to get off the couch and get into shape. Each week will feature a fitness, health or nutrition professional from around the area who will share some friendly tips on how to improve your overall health. Our goal is to make getting in shape fun and easy to fit into your existing lifestyle and daily routine.
By Amy Hayden
Special to The Gazette
Motivating, inspiring, challenging, effective, fun and addictive are just a few of the words used to describe Zumba. Everyone who steps into my class becomes my pride and joy. I provide the music, the moves, the laughter and a 60-minute workout. But it’s the participants who put forth the time, dedication and sweat.
I have established many close relationships with my members and their personal testimonies truly inspire me. Having the opportunity to help them grow stronger physically and mentally and gain greater confidences in themselves is the most rewarding experience. My daily motivation is the positive impact that I see within the people whom I have instructed.
I have many testimonies from women right here in Emporia who are seeing big results from Zumba — some participants have lost 40 to 100 pounds. They stick to it and the results come — weight loss, toned muscles, curves, energized, increase in self-esteem and relief of stress.
The following are stories from three women who have touched my life — dedicated, goal oriented, beautiful, inspirational, motivational, healthy role models are just a few words I use to describe them. VVV
Zumba has been an inspiration for me.
When I heard about it, I was a little apprehensive. But a friend talked me into trying it. Now I cannot wait until the next class. The anticipation just builds up!
I have been very faithful to my classes and recently have joined my second class, so that I can attend five days out of the week. Since August of 2007 I have lost 100 pounds and uncountable inches. I have dropped four dress sizes. My energy level has tripled.
You know the saying “time flies when your having fun.” Well that is Zumba!
I love the music and the instructor keeps me motivated. The people in class are so nice, and encourage me. I was overweight and a heavy soda drinker. I am seeing results and I feel great!
I am not bored like I was with other aerobics classes. With Zumba, the music and dances are changing and there are so many types of dancing, it really makes it a lot of fun. My motto is “dance like nobody’s watching.” I am so excited I am now in XL pants and I have not seen those for 20 years.
Zumba is Zumberific!!
— Corrine Carr, Emporia
I am 54 years old and have been doing Zumba for about a year now and I love it. Just ask anyone in my family.
My husband is happy, too. At Thanksgiving, he said he was thankful for food, good health, family and Zumba. When I first started, the instructor was very intimidating. I could hardly finish one song. But she said it didn’t matter as long as we moved and had fun.
I’ve lost 40 pounds, have more energy, and feel great about myself. My self-esteem was very low. Not any more. People at work have noticed and have even asked me if I was sick because I had lost so much weight.
But I told them, “No, just eating healthier and doing Zumba.”
I tell them they should try it. I am glad I found Zumba. I enjoy the music, especially the Latin ones and the different dances. I hear the music on the radio and I start doing some of the moves. Zumba is awesome!
— Nancy Lopez-Smith, the “Merengue Queen,” Emporia
Zumba came into my life last spring at just the right time!
I was overweight after the birth of my second child. I felt tired most of the time and discouraged that I would never be able to get out of my “slump.”
My sister-in-law kept inviting me to Zumba. She made it sound like a lot of fun, but I was nervous because I was so out of shape. After quite a few invitations I nervously accepted and went to class.
I was hooked after that first class! It was hard, and I was sweating, but I loved the Latin music and dance steps. I couldn’t wait to go back and challenge myself to get the moves down. Amy and the women in class were fun to be with and I felt very comfortable.
Well, Zumba was the catalyst!
Once I started going to class regularly, I had more energy and confidence. With the support of my family, I started to make the changes I knew I needed to make. I started following the Weight Watchers program, continued going to Zumba and became more active. Now, I’ve lost 50 pounds! It’s incredible how starting Zumba gave me the motivation and energy to reach my goals. I still look forward to class every week. Amy keeps it new and challenging. Losing the weight has been great, but now it means more to me than just that.
Zumba is the foundation that helps me stay healthy and energetic for my family and my career — and for that I am truly grateful!!
— Stephanie Ramirez, Emporia
dodgela (anonymous) says...
Where are these Zumba classes held? I am very interested & wonder where to inquire.
November 18, 2008 at 7:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tillie (anonymous) says...
Walburns gym
November 18, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Peyton (anonymous) says...
You can also take classes with Amy Hayden at Emporia Fitness or at the Flinthills Martial Arts Center at 8th and Commercial. Almost everyday of the week, she teaches a class somewhere!
Amy is great and Zumba Rocks!
Erin Woods
November 18, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
Peyton, what would be the best way to get a hold of Ms. Hayden? Can you email me at josiesclub@yahoo.com ?
November 19, 2008 at 3:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zumba1 (anonymous) says...
You can contact me at zumbawithamy@sbcglobal.net....can't wait to hear from you!!! I love the article & I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to share testimonies from these "3" beautiful women. Their hard work, dedication & sweat shows......ZUMBA ROCKS -- YOU ROCK!!!!
Amy Hayden
November 19, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
I just started attending classes about two weeks ago, when I can. They are a fantastic workout. I could definitely feel it working muscles I hadn't used in a while. I would recommend wearing knee supports whether you have bad knees or not though.
November 19, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
navywife (anonymous) says...
When I moved away from Emporia a couple of months ago, I was saddened by losing my Zumba nights w/ Amy and Emporia Fitness. I just wanted to say that I am still dancing Zumba here in Minnesota and add a little of that Amy spice to these new routines up here.
Selena Klumpe
November 19, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
I would like to get something like that going here. We have an unused dance-floor during the day/afternoon, I think it would go well! By the way, hi Selena :)
November 19, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
m31andromedagal (anonymous) says...
No doubt!!! EVERYone should come to Zumba! The greatest thing is that it is super-FUN!!! The second greatest thing is that EVERYone is so nice, and it's easy to make friends. The third (but not last) greatest thing is that all (most!!!) of the moves are easy AND easy to modify if that is what your body needs!!! I can't dance (ha ha) BUT every time I do Zumba I leave excited and feeling great!!! It's a quick release for the stresses that build up from things like work and school, that's for sure!!!
November 19, 2008 at 11:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
What is the cost? per class?
November 20, 2008 at 3:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
m31andromedagal (anonymous) says...
If you would like to see a list of Amy Hayden's costs and class schedules (as well as pictures and a whole bunch of FUN things!) you can go to zumbawithamy.wordpress.com!!!
November 20, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mirror64 (anonymous) says...
I am new to zumba, with all these encouraging words from those who have been doing it I am certainly eager to see all those pounds gone.
December 15, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )