Zumba your weight away
Hello there to all of us who are desperately trying to lose weight.
This is my personal story - I was overweight for a lifetime, about a year ago, I decided, that's it, I have to lose weight for my own good, I am young and already had problems with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and so on. If I would continue God knows what else would happen, my biggest motivation is my daughter, I don't want her to lose her mum, so I decided I have to lose weight.
This is my personal story - I was overweight for a lifetime, about a year ago, I decided, that's it, I have to lose weight for my own good, I am young and already had problems with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and so on. If I would continue God knows what else would happen, my biggest motivation is my daughter, I don't want her to lose her mum, so I decided I have to lose weight.
NEW Aqua Zumba
What is Aqua Zumba?Known as the Zumba "pool party," the Aqua Zumba program gives new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. Splashing, stretching, twisting, even shouting, laughing, hooting and hollering are often heard during an Aqua Zumba class. Integrating the Zumba formula and philosophy with traditional aqua fitness disciplines, the Aqua Zumba class blends it all together into a safe, challenging, water-based workout that's cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and most of all, exhilarating beyond belief.
Aqua Zumba Video
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Zumba Exhilarate Preview
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This is my story with Zumba Fitness
I will be honest with you, I have tried drastic diets
and never worked, until I had enough and I started by joining a website
that I randomly found online, while searching on Google for another way
to lose weight. I didn't want to spend money. Best of all, this website
is free, it offered me fitness tracker, food tracker, weight tracker,
free advice, free exercise videos, motivation and real facts about real
people. And one particular person stayed in my mind. I won't name her or
say anything about her weight, I just want to share her story. She was
so fat and so big and so sick that she wasn't able to walk anymore, the
doctors didn't give her any chances of recovery, she had knees
operations and she was in a wheelchair, not able to walk, not able to
enjoy her life. This was a tough and long journey, but she did it,
thanks to this website. She started by looking for exercises to do
whilst sitting. She did those exercises every single day, she changed
her diet, her lifestyle thanks to the website. And now, after a few
years of struggle, she DID IT. After years of doctors telling her she
won't be able to walk anymore, she went to see them, but not in a
wheelchair, she is walking again, the doctors were so surprised and the
only thing they could offer was to congratulate her. This was what
motivated me to start doing it. So I started as well, let me tell you
this is totally FREE and is the best weight loss website from America (
in my opinion), totally free: sparkpeople , I will always refer them.
You can joy as well, by clicking here..I am not so much into exercise, but I realized when you start doing it, you can't stop, you just crave for it. I used to feel so tired, but now I feel tired when I am not exercising. This is how I discovered Zumba- a way of having fun whilst losing weight. Spark People is a huge community, where you can feel like home. When I discovered Zumba, it was quiet expensive, I couldn't afford to buy it.
I will go back to the website- I was so thrilled about Spark People that I couldn't keep it for myself. I told my partner about it, but he wouldn't believe that there is such a website out there that can actually help you lose weight for free. He was laughing and laughing. Anyways I told him I discovered a fun way to exercise, I discovered Zumba, but couldn't afford to buy it. He didn't say anything about that.
In the meantime I continued exercising, the challenges from Spark People and I started losing weight, I cut oil from my cooking, I cut greasy foods, I started eating salads and everything was so enjoyable, I was dieting without even noticing. For 3 months I was exercising every day, my body started to have a shape, I started having a waist, it felt awesome, I was so proud, but it was not enough for me, I kept thinking about Zumba, I kept reading and reading, I saw so many people were so enthusiast about this type of dance, Zumba, I never heard that before, and I wanted to try for myself, but as everyone knows you can find anything on Youtube or different websites, so I gave it a go, but I couldn't find any good videos on how to start,Step-By-Step Guide, nothing, just some types of dance and that's it.
But, soon my birthday came, and guess what I got for my birthday? A marriage proposal ( I was in the clouds), and then I couldn't believe what my partner gave me: Zumba Fitness Exhilarate: The Ultimate Experience DVD Set.
Oh my God, I couldn't believe what I saw in front of my eyes. And then I was like- This is it, I have it, now it time for me to Zumba, and I am telling, you are really Zumba.
I will tell you how the Zumba story started. An aerobic instructor named Alberto ( Beto- his nickname also in the DVDs) Perez went for his class, but forgot his usual music at home, he couldn't go back home take the music, so he took what tapes he had in the car at the time and played the music, he saw it had a great success so he started blending aerobic moves with music. Zumba consists of hip-hop moves, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, martial arts, and some Bollywood and belly dance .
What more do we need- I got to learn dance moves from around the world and lose weight in the same time, it's so much fun it is unbelievable and the amount of calories you lose is amazing. I lost more than 10kg till know, and no one can stop me. Instead of sitting and watching TV ( what I used to do before) now I dance my weight off and I love it.
I am so grateful to my partner that he bought this for me, that you can't even imagine, and we are doing it together, it so much fun it is addictive. He can't believe I lost so much weight with the help of Zumba and Spark People. I don't even need to go to gym, why spend all those money when you can do it at home? And to be honest with you, I never liked going to the gym-being fat I felt so embarrassed by the way I looked that I would rather do it at home. Now I don't fancy going to the gym when I have my Zumba waiting for me to switch on the TV.
Just a click of a button and I lost so much weight whilst having fun and learning how to dance.
So why don't you Zumba the weight away?
You can do it
Zumba Fitness
Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD Set
Amazon Price: $135.00 (as of 08/20/2012) 
Zumba Exhilarate Body Shaping System DVD Set
Amazon Price: $83.63 (as of 08/20/2012)
Zumba "Samba" Cargo Pants (Green) + Racerback Top (Green/Black)
Amazon Price: (as of 08/20/2012)
Zumba Women's Move Me V-Bra Top
Amazon Price: (as of 08/20/2012)
Zumba Fitness Set
Zumba Exhilarate Body Shaping System DVD Set
Amazon Price: $84.99 (as of 08/20/2012)
Zumba Fitness
Amazon Price: $31.99 (as of 08/20/2012)
Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD Set
Amazon Price: $135.00 (as of 08/20/2012)
Zumba Class claims World Record
A sports centre in North Lanarkshire is claiming to have set a new world record for the biggest ever Zumba class.
The organisers at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility said 836 people took part in the class on Sunday.
The Guinness Book of Records is now set to rule whether the attempt beats the previous record of 575, thought to be held by Dalhousie University in Canada.
Melanie Menzies, health and fitness manager with North Lanarkshire Leisure, organised the event at Ravenscraig.
She said: "It was such a great atmosphere, the whole place was absolutely buzzing.
"We think the previous record is 575 people so we've taken it to a whole new level."
Source: BBC News
The Guinness Book of Records is now set to rule whether the attempt beats the previous record of 575, thought to be held by Dalhousie University in Canada.
Melanie Menzies, health and fitness manager with North Lanarkshire Leisure, organised the event at Ravenscraig.
She said: "It was such a great atmosphere, the whole place was absolutely buzzing.
"We think the previous record is 575 people so we've taken it to a whole new level."
Source: BBC News
Tips to stay motivated
Ways to Rediscover Your Drive
Everyone
tells us to stay motivated. Our friends, our co-workers, our relatives
say to keep going, don't quit. Sometimes, though, you ask, "Why? Why try
my hardest when it ends in disappointment? Why go through something
when it's going to hurt? Why?"Because it's going to be different this time! Because you can't accomplish anything that you give up on. Disappointments and failures happen to everyone. The difference between those who reach their goals and those who don't is staying motivated. If you're motivated, you'll keep going. If you keep going, eventually you'll reach your goal.
Need more reasons?
1. Confidence
How did it feel after that first jog around the block? Or when you finally walked the stairs at work without losing your breath? The more you accomplish, the more you'll believe in yourself.
2. Fit into that dress
It's been hanging up in your closet for two years now, just waiting to be thrown on for a night on the town. All it takes is for you to go that extra mile and stay on track. Before you know it, those two years will be ancient history.
3. Make the week easier
Ever felt like a week was taking forever? It feels like Friday, but it's only Tuesday? This happens when you're not working towards anything. When you have a goal in mind, you'll want to cook that healthy dinner or go to the gym. The week will not only go faster, but be more enjoyable.
4. Gives you purpose
Every once in a while, we need a good reason to get out of bed. Here it is, right in front of you. Eat the healthy breakfast that's going to jump start your day, go for your morning jog, or walk to the driveway and grab the newspaper. When you're motivated, you have a reason to do what you do.
5. For your kids
And your grandkids. And their kids, too. The healthier you are, the longer you'll be around to watch your kids grow and to spoil your grandchildren. They'll want you to be around as long as possible; consider this just another present.
6. Power of momentum
It's a scientific fact - something in motion tends to stay in motion. Momentum builds quickly and can lead to great results. Suddenly, you're not only working for the goal, but also to keep your streak alive. Even more reason to reach your goals.
7. The 'wow' effect
Picture this: Walking into a restaurant, you run into someone from high school, and their eyes light up. They gasp, "Wow, you look great!" By sticking with your goals, this can happen. Watch the "wows" add up.
8. Spread the spark
When friends and family see how hard you're working, they'll wonder how they can reach their own goals. Guess who they're going to look to for help? By staying motivated, you'll not only help yourself, but others too.
9. Keep gaining experience
The more you do, the more you will learn and understand. You'll discover which tactics work best for you and which ones don't. It's like weeding out the garden - not the most enjoyable job in the world, but when you're done, all that's left are beautiful flowers. Keeping sticking with it and soon it will be all flowers for you.
Diet and weight loss Motivational Posters
-how to create one
When there's a difficult job to do or goal to accomplish, it can be difficult to stay motivated. Whether it's studying to get good grades, keeping up a high work output at your place of employment or losing weight, a motivational poster can act as an inspiration to stay motivated and continue doing the job or reaching for the goal. Family members or fellow employees can participate in the creation of the motivational poster, thereby helping to keep an entire group of people motivated.
INSTRUCTIONS
1 Write down specifically what you want your motivational poster to accomplish, whether it's work harder, get better grades or lose weight.
2 Brainstorm ideas on what words to use that will spur you and other to accomplish the goal. For example, if you want to get better grades, you could write "Studying is for winners." If you want to lose weight, you could write "Tomorrow, a slimmer me." Keep the number of words short so its message can be taken in at a glance.
3 Sketch some ideas for background shapes over which you'll print your words. Arrows and starburst patterns can be effective eye-catchers. Rectangles and ovals can also help to accentuate the arrows and starburst patterns.
4 Draw the background shapes with a pencil on your poster board. Then draw the words over the background shapes. The words should be "on top" of the background shapes, so erase any background shape pencil lines that cross over the words. Vary the thickness of the letters to give the words added weight.
5 Color in the background shapes with colored markers. Be careful not to color in the shape of the words yet. Also, avoid having a background shape be the same color as you'll be using in the words so that they'll stand out more.
6 Take a marker and fill in the color for the words. Use a black marker to outline the words. Add an exclamation point if desired for emphasis.
Make three versions of your motivational poster and use the one that turns out the best. Bright colors, especially reds and oranges, excite the senses more that pastels and can help with the motivational message.
Using too strict of a tone in your motivational words can make the message not come across as well as an engaging tone.
Weight Loss MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES
"Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired."
"The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the others willing to let them."
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."
"Those who believe they can do something are probably right - and so are those who believe they can't."
"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing -- that's why we recommend it daily."
"Don't be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of."
"There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results."
"Know the true value of time; snatch, seize and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." See
"Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul."
"A man who wants something will find a way; a man who doesn't will find an excuse."
"If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm."
To swear off mistakes is very easy. All you have to do is swear off having ideas.
Play Zumba Fitness on Wii
- have fun with it!
Ditch the workout and join the PARTY!Bring the Zumba Fitness Party
right into your living room with Wii. The Zumba program pairs red hot international dance steps with sexy Latin music to create an ultra fun fitness party on your console that's focused on the joy of movement. Follow along as Zumba instructors Tanya, Gina and Beto (Zumba's creator) guide you through more than 30 routines that will make you forget you are even exercising!
Getting started is easy!
* Zumba Fitness
on Wii comes with a specially designed belt.
* Fasten your belt around your waist.
* You're ready to go and join in with the contagious dance moves.
Features:
* Bring theZumba Fitness
experience home with you in the first interactive game based on the successful brand!
* Learn and perfect nine different dance styles: Reggaeton, Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia, Hip-Hop, Mambo, Rumba, Flamenco and Calypso.
* Includes more than 30 Zumba routines-some exclusive to the game.
* Follow your on-screen Zumba instructor's routine in a high voltage party atmosphere. As you fine tune the steps, the stage and party transforms in dynamic new ways.
* Strap the Zumba belt to your waist to turn the Wii Remote into a hip motion sensor.
* Supports up to 4 players. Team up and try to earn the highest workout score as a group or play against each other in Zumba Attack! Mode for the ultimate fitness dance off.
* Dance in a range of venues: learn the basics in the Zumba gym and then take the party to a fantasy night club, an industrial factory, a skyscraper rooftop and a futuristic Zumbathon stadium.
* Includes "Learn the Steps" training, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced routines for all skill levels.
Zumba Fitness Partyis available on Xbox 360 Kinect, Nintendo Wii and Playstation Move.
Zumba Fitness 2
And if you liked Zumba Fitness, you will love the NEW Zumba Fitness 2
.
Ditch the workout and bring the Zumba Fitness Party
right into your living room!
Three million players worldwide and counting have already discovered the exhilarating Zumba Fitness interactive video game work out. Following the worldwide best-selling original, Zumba Fitness 2
builds on that phenomenal success while elevating the exer-game category to a new high of fun, effective fitness. This cutting-edge experience layers in loads of new features and improvements, amps up the dance-fitness party and gives you even more ways to sculpt your body and party yourself into shape. Get ready for the sleek, sexy physique you've always dreamed of!
Get a total body workout with 32 electrifying new routines and music tracks, including hits from today's hottest artists including Pitbull, Nicole Scherzinger and Yolanda Be Cool & DCup
* Follow along as celebrity Zumba instructors Tanya Beardsley, Gina Grant and Beto guide you through each routine. New 3D models of each instructor make playing the game feel like taking a real class with Zumba's elite celebrity trio!
* Learn 20 different dance styles across routines, from fan favorites like Merengue, Samba and Cumbia to new additions like Axe, Indian, Latin Pop, Bellydance and Pasodoble
* Get your party on in 5 stunning, dynamic environments, from a Miami Yacht to a LA nightclub. Watch the party grow as you match moves throughout each area!
* Choose each instructor's outfit and personalize clothing with the new Zumba apparel customization feature
* New video cueing system makes the choreography easier to follow for new players
* New Progress Tracker lets you follow every stat relating to your gameplay, including: calories burned, trophies earned, overall rank, technique score based on how many moves matched overall, and more.
The best selling Wii game in 2011 is BACK!Zumba Fitness 2
is a multiplayer Dance - Fitness game for Wii that provides an outlet for players to get a great full body workout in a fun dance class environment. Based on the popular Zumba exercise dance craze that has swept the world in recent years,Zumba Fitness 2
is the second game in the Zumba Fitness video game series and is designed for players of all fitness levels. Gameplay incorporates 20 different dance styles and utilizes the included Zumba Fitness belt which holds the Wii Remote, allowing for hands-free action. Additional features include: 20 different dance styles, five different game modes, 32 electrifying new routines and music tracks, a new progress tracker, varied difficulty levels and instructor customization.
Party Yourself into Shape!
Following the worldwide best-selling original, Zumba Fitness 2
builds on that phenomenal success while elevating the exer-game category to a new high of fun, effective fitness. This cutting-edge experience layers in loads of new features and improvements, amps up the dance-fitness party and gives you even more ways to sculpt your body and party yourself into shape. Get ready for the sleek, sexy physique you've always dreamed of.
Key Game Features:
Get a total body workout with 32 electrifying new routines and music tracks, including hits from today's hottest artists including Pitbull, Nicole Scherzinger and Yolanda Be Cool and DCup.
Follow along as celebrity Zumba instructors Tanya Beardsley, Gina, Grant and Beto guide you through each routine. New 3D models of each instructor make playing the game feel like taking a real class with Zumba's elite celebrity trio.
Get in shape with 5 different game modes:
Single Song - Dance a single routine of your choice. The new song preview feature gives you a feel for a track before you dive in and lose yourself in the music.
Zumba Class - A workout block of routines in 20, 45 or 60 minute formats. You can now create your own custom routines by saving a playlist of your favourite songs.
Zumba Party - Up to 4 players can join the party in your living room with cooperative gameplay.
Learn the Steps - Revamped tutorial mode lets you learn at your own pace by breaking down the core dance styles into the basics.
Get your party on in 5 stunning, dynamic environments, from a Miami Yacht to a LA nightclub. Watch the party grow as you match moves throughout each area.
Choose each instructor's outfit and personalize clothing with the new Zumba apparel customization feature.
New video cueing system makes the choreography easier to follow for new players.
New Progress Tracker lets you follow every stat relating to your gameplay, including: calories burned, trophies earned, overall rank, technique score based on how many moves matched overall, and more.
Approachable gameplay offers a full tutorial mode with Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced routines tiered for all skill levels.
Affix the exclusive Zumba Fitness belt (included free in the game box) to your waist and slide the Wii Remote into the holster to dance hands-free.
Zumba Fitness on your Iphone
Maybe
you think you can not do it in your lunch break at work, there is no
way you can carry your laptop or dvd player to zumba your body...Well, guess what- you are always using your Iphone wherever you are, isn't it?
There is an application for your Iphone, where Zumba Fitness is a collection of 25 Videos including;Sexy Chick Warm Up, Low RiderElectro Pop, Whenever Wherever, Temperature, Feeling Hot Hot Hot, Mauja Hi, Mauja Pose Extreme, Zumba African Dream, Zumba Lluvia, Cool Down, La Fiesta, Ya Llego, SanusZamba, Zumba Pa La Discoteka, A Bailar, Amor Para MiMi, Bomba, Sono, This Reggaeton Is Transilitious, C'mon And Dance Cachamba, Bailando Sexy, Shake SlideZumba is the new dance craze that is taking the World by storm and its easy to see why! Its a great way to get fit and stay in shape but much more than that its fun!!!
What not find out more?
Zumba Exhilarate weight loss stories
- thanks sent to Zumba teachers
Beside my weight loss story with Zumba Exhilarate, I managed to find thousand of weight loss success stories all over the world.
Some of them I've decided to share with you.
Aida
Dear Pauline,
Thanks just never seems enough to say for all that I have received from you and your Zumba classes. There is definitely more than body transformation going on, lives are being changed.
For starters In Jan/2006 I started a new weight loss journey. After 2 ½ years I reached my weight loss goal. The first year of maintenance was just as hard as losing the weight but I kept plugging along with my regular gym routine. I reached a point that I needed to challenge myself more and increase the intensity of my workouts. Realizing I had no desire to push myself that much further at the gym, I knew i needed to keep moving to keep the weight off. It had been a long haul and I was already pushing myself in so many areas of my life. I was not budging one more bit at the gym. Searching around for something different I found a Zumba class. I loved it so much I could not get enough. I came across a flyer for a Zumba Party by a local instructor (guess who?) and the rest is Zumba Love history. I loved the intensity of the class, the music and the atmosphere. I went from twice a week to four and more. Zumba has helped me maintain my weight loss of over 70lbs and I became part of a new family. The amount of love, concern, encouragement and motivation I receive every time I walk into a class is unique and priceless. I am so inspired during every class to continue making the healthy choices necessary to dance like no one is watching. This year with the opening of Z-Lifestyle Dance Fitness Studio I have not stepped foot in a gym since May/2011. Losing the weight was step one, keeping it off step two, falling in love with my new body step three. For the first time in my adult life, I love the woman I see looking back at me in the mirror. Thank you Pauline for challenging me to enjoy moving more and have fun doing it.
With much Zumba love,
Aida
Grace
Dear Pauline,
My college classmate sent me this picture of the Old Me taken in 2009 for our mini reunion in LA. I was wide as the chair! I think I was even bigger this past summer. I dreaded the scale because the arrow kept going on the wrong direction. Looking at this picture I can't believe how I let myself go and how different I am now- the New Me! I cannot thank you enough for being so inspiring to all of us. When you struggle all these years to lose weight, words are not enough to express how grateful I am to you. I've tried everything from dieting, to going to the gym and getting a personal trainer, but it got tedious and boring after a while. It was no longer fun so I stopped going to the gym and cancelled my appointments with the trainer. A friend said I should check out your studio, and I'm glad I did. When I attended your class for the first time, I had so much fun! The hour went by so fast, I said to myself Zumba is for me! Three months later and 16 lbs lighter, I feel good about myself, I have more energy, and I sleep better at night. It's still a ways to go but I will keep going until I reach my goal. Zumba changed my life.
True I did all the work to make it happen but it would not have been possible if I didn't have a great teacher in you. You are an angel. You motivate and encourage people to live a positive and healthy lifestyle. You are an inspiration to all of us. I feel so fortunate to have met you, and your wonderful mom.
Love you my dear Zumba Queen,
Grace
Caren's Weight loss journey!
J.B.
My weight has always been a struggle for me. Back in 2003, I managed to lose over 60 pounds without exercise, but it was short-lived as I gained it all back - and then some. Ever since then, my weight has fluctuated up and down, and I tried every diet out there. In January 2010 I tagged along with my best friend to a Zumba class. I remember my first class vividly - wondering how I was going to make it through a whole class after struggling from just the warm up songs. I started out by taking only 1 class per week and kept at it. Each week when I'd walk through the doors, I'd be encouraged by my instructor, Pauline, and forgot that I was actually exercising. It's exactly what they say, it's "exercise in disguise".
There are no words that truly express how much Pauline has touched my life. She is always there with a smile and her energy is infectious. She makes you want to work harder and push yourself. I'm so thankful that I found myself walking through the door into HER studio. It's such a cliché to say if I could do it then you could too, but I literally went from not exercising at all to now taking over 7 classes per week and following a diet plan that has me down over 55 pounds. I found something that is worth sticking to. My weight loss journey continues and I'm glad that I have Pauline and the wonderful friends I met in my Zumba classes to share it with.
Margie - contest winner for her "Zumba Story"!
My name is Margie, I am in my mid 40's and have also tried taking care of myself , whether it be physically, spiritually & mentally. But as we all know living in today's world with our high demands of our jobs and families finding that balance of feeling good inside and out is extremely difficult.
I was a member of a Gym for over nine years. I would get up at 4:30 AM and be working out by 5:00 AM including a spin class. I would then rush home by 7:00 get my family ready for work & school, I even prepared dinner before work, I would then stress and rush to work and see patients from 9-6. My days were forever long and exhausting; I was always tired and very stressed with this routine. My doctor emphasized that a woman my age NEEDED adequate rest in order for my metabolism to get moving. They also stressed the importance of finding an exercise routine that would be relaxing and good for my SOUL. So I found Yoga, which helped me find inner peace & total relaxation with great movements I have never done before. But I was still lacking something else, this was when a friend shared with me that she attended a Zumba Class and loved it. She told me the program was so fulfilling and fun and I had to try it.
The Zumba Program for me has been like no other workout experience! It has filled that void I have been missing in my soul for the last 10 years. I come from a Hispanic background, and the music of all of the Latin rhythms just pulsates through my blood stream during a Zumba Class. Every single instructor brings their energy that not only motivates me but inspires the class that anyone can feel positive about themselves inside & out. The Zumba Program is so unique because you are so busy shaking what you got, you forget you are actually exercising. With every Zumba Class you just feel so alive and full of energy no matter what. With every class I never realized my hips swivel so much and actually burn up to 1100 calories per class!!! The Zumba Program has given the grace and confidence that I have been looking for because at this point since I join the Zumba Program I am 26 pounds lighter. I will continue to work hard and master my shoulder shimmy moves and torch more calories!!!
Some of them I've decided to share with you.
Aida
Dear Pauline,
Thanks just never seems enough to say for all that I have received from you and your Zumba classes. There is definitely more than body transformation going on, lives are being changed.
For starters In Jan/2006 I started a new weight loss journey. After 2 ½ years I reached my weight loss goal. The first year of maintenance was just as hard as losing the weight but I kept plugging along with my regular gym routine. I reached a point that I needed to challenge myself more and increase the intensity of my workouts. Realizing I had no desire to push myself that much further at the gym, I knew i needed to keep moving to keep the weight off. It had been a long haul and I was already pushing myself in so many areas of my life. I was not budging one more bit at the gym. Searching around for something different I found a Zumba class. I loved it so much I could not get enough. I came across a flyer for a Zumba Party by a local instructor (guess who?) and the rest is Zumba Love history. I loved the intensity of the class, the music and the atmosphere. I went from twice a week to four and more. Zumba has helped me maintain my weight loss of over 70lbs and I became part of a new family. The amount of love, concern, encouragement and motivation I receive every time I walk into a class is unique and priceless. I am so inspired during every class to continue making the healthy choices necessary to dance like no one is watching. This year with the opening of Z-Lifestyle Dance Fitness Studio I have not stepped foot in a gym since May/2011. Losing the weight was step one, keeping it off step two, falling in love with my new body step three. For the first time in my adult life, I love the woman I see looking back at me in the mirror. Thank you Pauline for challenging me to enjoy moving more and have fun doing it.
With much Zumba love,
Aida
Grace
Dear Pauline,
My college classmate sent me this picture of the Old Me taken in 2009 for our mini reunion in LA. I was wide as the chair! I think I was even bigger this past summer. I dreaded the scale because the arrow kept going on the wrong direction. Looking at this picture I can't believe how I let myself go and how different I am now- the New Me! I cannot thank you enough for being so inspiring to all of us. When you struggle all these years to lose weight, words are not enough to express how grateful I am to you. I've tried everything from dieting, to going to the gym and getting a personal trainer, but it got tedious and boring after a while. It was no longer fun so I stopped going to the gym and cancelled my appointments with the trainer. A friend said I should check out your studio, and I'm glad I did. When I attended your class for the first time, I had so much fun! The hour went by so fast, I said to myself Zumba is for me! Three months later and 16 lbs lighter, I feel good about myself, I have more energy, and I sleep better at night. It's still a ways to go but I will keep going until I reach my goal. Zumba changed my life.
True I did all the work to make it happen but it would not have been possible if I didn't have a great teacher in you. You are an angel. You motivate and encourage people to live a positive and healthy lifestyle. You are an inspiration to all of us. I feel so fortunate to have met you, and your wonderful mom.
Love you my dear Zumba Queen,
Grace
Caren's Weight loss journey!
J.B.
My weight has always been a struggle for me. Back in 2003, I managed to lose over 60 pounds without exercise, but it was short-lived as I gained it all back - and then some. Ever since then, my weight has fluctuated up and down, and I tried every diet out there. In January 2010 I tagged along with my best friend to a Zumba class. I remember my first class vividly - wondering how I was going to make it through a whole class after struggling from just the warm up songs. I started out by taking only 1 class per week and kept at it. Each week when I'd walk through the doors, I'd be encouraged by my instructor, Pauline, and forgot that I was actually exercising. It's exactly what they say, it's "exercise in disguise".
There are no words that truly express how much Pauline has touched my life. She is always there with a smile and her energy is infectious. She makes you want to work harder and push yourself. I'm so thankful that I found myself walking through the door into HER studio. It's such a cliché to say if I could do it then you could too, but I literally went from not exercising at all to now taking over 7 classes per week and following a diet plan that has me down over 55 pounds. I found something that is worth sticking to. My weight loss journey continues and I'm glad that I have Pauline and the wonderful friends I met in my Zumba classes to share it with.
Margie - contest winner for her "Zumba Story"!
My name is Margie, I am in my mid 40's and have also tried taking care of myself , whether it be physically, spiritually & mentally. But as we all know living in today's world with our high demands of our jobs and families finding that balance of feeling good inside and out is extremely difficult.
I was a member of a Gym for over nine years. I would get up at 4:30 AM and be working out by 5:00 AM including a spin class. I would then rush home by 7:00 get my family ready for work & school, I even prepared dinner before work, I would then stress and rush to work and see patients from 9-6. My days were forever long and exhausting; I was always tired and very stressed with this routine. My doctor emphasized that a woman my age NEEDED adequate rest in order for my metabolism to get moving. They also stressed the importance of finding an exercise routine that would be relaxing and good for my SOUL. So I found Yoga, which helped me find inner peace & total relaxation with great movements I have never done before. But I was still lacking something else, this was when a friend shared with me that she attended a Zumba Class and loved it. She told me the program was so fulfilling and fun and I had to try it.
The Zumba Program for me has been like no other workout experience! It has filled that void I have been missing in my soul for the last 10 years. I come from a Hispanic background, and the music of all of the Latin rhythms just pulsates through my blood stream during a Zumba Class. Every single instructor brings their energy that not only motivates me but inspires the class that anyone can feel positive about themselves inside & out. The Zumba Program is so unique because you are so busy shaking what you got, you forget you are actually exercising. With every Zumba Class you just feel so alive and full of energy no matter what. With every class I never realized my hips swivel so much and actually burn up to 1100 calories per class!!! The Zumba Program has given the grace and confidence that I have been looking for because at this point since I join the Zumba Program I am 26 pounds lighter. I will continue to work hard and master my shoulder shimmy moves and torch more calories!!!
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9 Dieting Paradoxes
Weight loss can make smart people look
silly, confound roomfuls of award-winning scientists, and baffle the
rest of us, who are otherwise competent and brilliant in our own right.
Somehow the mysterious answers still elude us.
Part of the mystery and frustration could be that we often look at the whole dieting question backwards. There are a number of assumptions and beliefs we often hold that are actually the opposite of what's really true. However, there are some paradoxes (statements that seem contradictory but are actually true) that you should hold onto. Putting these to use will help you see progress and, more importantly, gain confidence.
There are 9 Goal Achievement Paradoxes that you can apply to your weight loss goals, or any part of your life. Here are the first three. Perhaps they can lend some insight for how to solve some puzzles in your own life:
PARADOX 1: Perfectionism does not lead to perfection.
Excellence is a good thing. So is working as hard as possible to create, build, and perform to the best of your abilities. But what you may not realize is that trying to be perfect can actually hinder your chances of being excellent.
The pursuit of perfection comes with an ugly flip side: a fear of failure, or fear of making a mistake. This fear keeps a lot of people from trying something different or learning a new skill. They'd rather not try than go through the anguish of not doing it perfectly. The perfectionist likes to stick with things she knows that she can do.
To succeed, you need to grow, learn, and expand your world. By erasing your opportunities for testing the water, perfectionism limits your growth, and takes away your chances of finding a more excellent path.
That's why your physical foundation is so critical. It gives you the confidence and support you need to take those chances, to recover from mistakes, and test the limits of possibility.
Part of the mystery and frustration could be that we often look at the whole dieting question backwards. There are a number of assumptions and beliefs we often hold that are actually the opposite of what's really true. However, there are some paradoxes (statements that seem contradictory but are actually true) that you should hold onto. Putting these to use will help you see progress and, more importantly, gain confidence.
There are 9 Goal Achievement Paradoxes that you can apply to your weight loss goals, or any part of your life. Here are the first three. Perhaps they can lend some insight for how to solve some puzzles in your own life:
PARADOX 1: Perfectionism does not lead to perfection.
Excellence is a good thing. So is working as hard as possible to create, build, and perform to the best of your abilities. But what you may not realize is that trying to be perfect can actually hinder your chances of being excellent.
The pursuit of perfection comes with an ugly flip side: a fear of failure, or fear of making a mistake. This fear keeps a lot of people from trying something different or learning a new skill. They'd rather not try than go through the anguish of not doing it perfectly. The perfectionist likes to stick with things she knows that she can do.
To succeed, you need to grow, learn, and expand your world. By erasing your opportunities for testing the water, perfectionism limits your growth, and takes away your chances of finding a more excellent path.
That's why your physical foundation is so critical. It gives you the confidence and support you need to take those chances, to recover from mistakes, and test the limits of possibility.
PARADOX 2: The harder you work, the more fun you'll have
- Really!
There's a time for work. There's a time for play. And sometimes they happen to be one and the same.
We all know people who say their jobs don't really feel like work. That's because they absolutely love what they're doing. They consider themselves lucky to have work that's fun, or to be part of something they really believe in. The secret is, this can happen in any area of your life-not just your career.
Your goals reflect your interests, what you'd like to do, and what you care about. Can you think of a more fun way to use energy than on stuff you deeply enjoy and hold dear? If it sounds a bit idealistic, it is. But going after something you really want is what makes it fun.
You'll still need gallons of elbow grease, but goals shouldn't seem like work at all. It's your playtime.
We all know people who say their jobs don't really feel like work. That's because they absolutely love what they're doing. They consider themselves lucky to have work that's fun, or to be part of something they really believe in. The secret is, this can happen in any area of your life-not just your career.
Your goals reflect your interests, what you'd like to do, and what you care about. Can you think of a more fun way to use energy than on stuff you deeply enjoy and hold dear? If it sounds a bit idealistic, it is. But going after something you really want is what makes it fun.
You'll still need gallons of elbow grease, but goals shouldn't seem like work at all. It's your playtime.
PARADOX 3: Focusing on only one area can hurt your progress in that area
Building a healthy lifestyle while
emphasizing a key part of your life is important. But that foundation is
just the beginning, and can't happen by itself.
Your healthy habits can work together to take your life to another level. Improvement in one area helps-and depends on-the others. To reach your full potential in anything, you can't neglect all to zero-in on one.
For example, you could become decently creative if that's all you focused on. But for impressive progress, you'd also need to pay attention to nutrition, fitness, sleep and stress management.
Limiting your focus too much can not only hinder progress, but it can also be harmful. Losing sleep, eating poorly and living with stress are common mistakes people make when they're obsessed with a goal. In the short term, it may be effective, but results could reach new heights in the long run if these important needs aren't neglected.
Atkins Advantage Chocolate Peanut Caramel Low Carb Bar 60 g
(Pack of 15)
Your healthy habits can work together to take your life to another level. Improvement in one area helps-and depends on-the others. To reach your full potential in anything, you can't neglect all to zero-in on one.
For example, you could become decently creative if that's all you focused on. But for impressive progress, you'd also need to pay attention to nutrition, fitness, sleep and stress management.
Limiting your focus too much can not only hinder progress, but it can also be harmful. Losing sleep, eating poorly and living with stress are common mistakes people make when they're obsessed with a goal. In the short term, it may be effective, but results could reach new heights in the long run if these important needs aren't neglected.
Atkins Advantage Chocolate Peanut Caramel Low Carb Bar 60 g
(Pack of 15)
PARADOX 4: Following a regular program gives you more flexibility
Which is easier to reschedule, a five-minute chat or a three-hour meeting?
Our lives may seem pretty full already. Lists get longer while available time gets more scarce - and the real world is always waiting to muck things up. When schedules change and new things come up, the toughest items to move are the ones that chew up the most time. They're also the easiest to drop for "convenience."
Regular, little bits of progress are easier to fit into your ever-changing schedule. By building consistency with these little bits, you won't need to block out huge amounts of time to do it all at once.
For even more flexibility, have several alternatives planned for getting at the same results. By regularly choosing from a variety of "little thing" options, you can make your life more flexible and manageable.
Our lives may seem pretty full already. Lists get longer while available time gets more scarce - and the real world is always waiting to muck things up. When schedules change and new things come up, the toughest items to move are the ones that chew up the most time. They're also the easiest to drop for "convenience."
Regular, little bits of progress are easier to fit into your ever-changing schedule. By building consistency with these little bits, you won't need to block out huge amounts of time to do it all at once.
For even more flexibility, have several alternatives planned for getting at the same results. By regularly choosing from a variety of "little thing" options, you can make your life more flexible and manageable.
Paradox 5. The more time you spend on SparkPeople, the more time you'll have for important stuff
Most people don't think they can do anything about all the stuff they "have" to do every day. In reality, it's about choices.
You can simplify your life, first by finding goals to focus on, then by getting rid of things that don't support any goal in particular.
The more you focus on what's important, and the more you "do a little bit every day" to go after your goals, the more your days will be filled with meaningful activity. Everything you do has meaning when you're working toward your goals or a purpose. Even the stuff that fills your schedule now will look, feel and smell more important-if there's a juicy "why" involved.
Imagine living a life of doing things because you want to, not because you have to.
You can simplify your life, first by finding goals to focus on, then by getting rid of things that don't support any goal in particular.
The more you focus on what's important, and the more you "do a little bit every day" to go after your goals, the more your days will be filled with meaningful activity. Everything you do has meaning when you're working toward your goals or a purpose. Even the stuff that fills your schedule now will look, feel and smell more important-if there's a juicy "why" involved.
Imagine living a life of doing things because you want to, not because you have to.
PARADOX 6: You can get more results with less effort
Opposite of everything you've ever
been told, how is this possible? Simply put, as you build yourself a
strong foundation, you don't have to stretch as far to get what you
want.
Pretend you're collecting walnuts from a tree by throwing rocks into the branches. At first, you'd have some success, but the effort outweighs the results. Now, suppose you started to build a ladder by grinding the used walnuts into a woody pulp, a ladder that grew as you collected more walnuts - a cycle of growth begins. The higher the ladder grows, the closer you get to the walnuts. The closer you get, the easier it is to hit and collect more walnuts for your ladder, your foundation.
Eventually, you'll reach the branches. Then, just by shaking the branches, you can collect hundreds of walnuts in just a few seconds. Ta-da! Results outweigh the effort.
You'll also be in a perfect spot to go after a higher tree.
Pretend you're collecting walnuts from a tree by throwing rocks into the branches. At first, you'd have some success, but the effort outweighs the results. Now, suppose you started to build a ladder by grinding the used walnuts into a woody pulp, a ladder that grew as you collected more walnuts - a cycle of growth begins. The higher the ladder grows, the closer you get to the walnuts. The closer you get, the easier it is to hit and collect more walnuts for your ladder, your foundation.
Eventually, you'll reach the branches. Then, just by shaking the branches, you can collect hundreds of walnuts in just a few seconds. Ta-da! Results outweigh the effort.
You'll also be in a perfect spot to go after a higher tree.
PARADOX 7: There is such a thing as a good mistake
A mistake, or a step back, doesn't
have to be a negative thing. It depends on what you do with it. You can
mope and stress about it, cutting back your efforts so you don't "fail"
again.
Or, you can move past a mistake with a little more insight and wisdom to plan for a better future-a future where that mistake doesn't happen again. This is how you learn and grow. Mistakes force you to evaluate your actions, change the way you're going about your business, and improve. Why else would you do any of these things?
Mistakes are part of the natural growth process, nearly as important-definitely more educational-than success. Just keep it in perspective. Thomas Edison liked to say that he knew only one way to make a light bulb, but discovered thousands of ways not to.
Without mistakes, you may become competent in a skill, but you'd never master it. Without heeding the lessons that mistakes teach, you're doomed to repeat them again.
Or, you can move past a mistake with a little more insight and wisdom to plan for a better future-a future where that mistake doesn't happen again. This is how you learn and grow. Mistakes force you to evaluate your actions, change the way you're going about your business, and improve. Why else would you do any of these things?
Mistakes are part of the natural growth process, nearly as important-definitely more educational-than success. Just keep it in perspective. Thomas Edison liked to say that he knew only one way to make a light bulb, but discovered thousands of ways not to.
Without mistakes, you may become competent in a skill, but you'd never master it. Without heeding the lessons that mistakes teach, you're doomed to repeat them again.
PARADOX 8: Dreaming can give you practical results
There's no reason your wishes can't
become goals. The biggest contribution you can make to the world will
always come from something you're passionate about.
It's true that society is interested in the practical, the useful, the realistic. That's fine. It's also true that the best results-the outcomes with the most practical impact- happened because someone thought "what if." (And then he worked his tail off to make it reality.)
To turn your wishes into goals, the same is true. You get practical results when you apply "what if" to your own life. Your desire to see it through grows as your idealistic vision takes hold.
Success doesn't happen without a vision and hard work. When you have both, they sprout from a passion that's rooted in idealistic thinking.
In the end, the grander the vision, the greater your accomplishments.
It's true that society is interested in the practical, the useful, the realistic. That's fine. It's also true that the best results-the outcomes with the most practical impact- happened because someone thought "what if." (And then he worked his tail off to make it reality.)
To turn your wishes into goals, the same is true. You get practical results when you apply "what if" to your own life. Your desire to see it through grows as your idealistic vision takes hold.
Success doesn't happen without a vision and hard work. When you have both, they sprout from a passion that's rooted in idealistic thinking.
In the end, the grander the vision, the greater your accomplishments.
PARADOX 9: The best time to act like a kid is when you're an adult
When you were a child, you were full
of energy, dreams, imagination and the joy of discovery. Those days and
weeks seemed to last forever.
But you couldn't just do whatever you wanted. You had to ask permission for everything. You survived on a few pennies or dollars each week. You had to go to bed early. "If only I didn't have to do those things," you thought, "I could have some real fun." Well, now you can.
Playing hasn't changed. You can dream just as big, and play just as hard. Except now, you have the clout to do it right.
You have the freedom. You have the resources. And you can stay up as late as you want.
But you couldn't just do whatever you wanted. You had to ask permission for everything. You survived on a few pennies or dollars each week. You had to go to bed early. "If only I didn't have to do those things," you thought, "I could have some real fun." Well, now you can.
Playing hasn't changed. You can dream just as big, and play just as hard. Except now, you have the clout to do it right.
You have the freedom. You have the resources. And you can stay up as late as you want.
Are you adopting a diet or a lifestyle?
You've
heard it so many times that you probably say it in your sleep: "Diets
don't work; if you want to lose weight and keep it off, you have to make
a lifestyle change."But what does a lifestyle change look or feel like, and how do you know when you've made one? The way some people talk about it, you'd think there's some sort of mystical wisdom you get when you "make the change" that tells you when and what to eat, and how to stop worrying about the number on the scale. Does this mean you'll finally stop craving chocolate and start liking tofu?
The basic difference between a diet mentality and a lifestyle mentality is simply a matter of perspective. Having the right perspective may not make tofu taste better than chocolate, but it can make all the difference in the world when it comes to achieving your goals, avoiding unnecessary suffering along the way, and hanging onto your achievements over the long haul.
Stop Dieting and Start Living!
Have you made the change?
The
basic difference between a diet mentality and a lifestyle mentality is
simply a matter of perspective. Having the right perspective may not
make tofu taste better than chocolate, but it can make all the
difference in the world when it comes to achieving your goals, avoiding
unnecessary suffering along the way, and hanging onto your achievements
over the long haul.Trust me on this. I've lost well over 350 pounds in my life-I know how to do that. But I also put 200 of those back on again, getting bigger each time. The 150 pounds I lost a few years ago is staying off, because I've changed my perspective.
Here are the main ways a diet differs from a lifestyle:
1. A diet is all about numbers-the number on the scale and the number of calories you eat and burn. Success is defined in terms of how well you stick to your numbers.
A lifestyle change is all about you. It's about lining up your eating and physical activity with your real goals and desires. Success is defined in terms of how these changes make you feel about yourself.
2. The diet mentality assumes that reaching a certain weight is the key to finding happiness and solving other problems. That's why messing up the numbers on any given day can be so upsetting-it means you've messed up on just about everything that really matters.
The lifestyle approach assumes that being overweight is usually the result of other problems, not the cause. Addressing these problems directly is the best way to solve both the problems themselves and your weight issues. This means focusing on many things, not just the numbers on the scale or the Nutrition Tracker. Numbers only tell a small part of the story, and "bad" numbers often provide good clues into areas that need attention.
3. Going on a diet involves an external and temporary change in eating technique. You start counting and measuring, and you stop eating some foods and substitute others, based on the rules of whatever diet plan you are using. Maybe you throw in some exercise to burn a few extra calories. You assume that it's the technique that produces the results, not you. The results of a diet are external; if you're lucky, you may change on the outside-but not on the inside. Once you reach your goal weight, you don't need the technique anymore, and things gradually go back to "normal." So does your weight-and then some. And, of course, all the problems you hoped the weight loss would solve are still there.
Making a lifestyle change involves an internal and permanent change in your relationship with food, eating, and physical activity. You recognize that the primary problem isn't what you eat, or even how much you eat, but how and why you eat. Eating mindlessly and impulsively (without intention or awareness) and/or using food to manage your emotions and distract yourself from unpleasant thoughts-this is what really needs to change. Learning to take good care of yourself emotionally, physically, and spiritually-so that you don't want to use eating to solve problems it really can't-is a lifelong learning process that is constantly changing as your needs and circumstances change.
This doesn't mean the surface level things don't matter. Clearly, controlling how much and what you eat is vital, and caring how you look is a great motivator. The real issue here is where you fit into the picture. The key to both permanent weight loss and feeling satisfied and happy with yourself and your life is to take personal responsibility for what you can control, and let go of everything else.
Many factors that are out of your control-your genes, age, medical status and previous weight history- will affect your weight and appearance. These factors may determine how much weight you can lose, how quickly you'll lose it, and how you'll look and feel when you've gone as far as you can go. When you focus too narrowly on the numbers on the scale or what you see in the mirror, you are staking your happiness and satisfaction on things you really can't control. That pretty much guarantees that you'll be chronically worried, stressed, and uncomfortable-and more likely than ever to have problems with emotional eating.
And when you rely too much on external (diet) tools, techniques, and rules to determine your behavior, you are turning over your personal responsibility to the tools and techniques. If you find yourself frequently losing motivation or feeling powerless to control your own behavior, it's probably because you're counting on the tools to do your part of the work for you. You're the only one who can decide what's right for you; only you can change your attitude and perspective to match your personal reality.
In fact, one of the best ways you can start the transition from a diet to a lifestyle is by taking on the responsibility to identify the problems you need to work on and gather the info you need. Whether it's coming to terms with emotional eating, improving your body image, or finding a vision of the life you want to live-you'll find that you aren't alone and that plenty of support and help is available.
You just need to take that first step away from the diet mentality and closer to a new and improved life(style).
An amazing book to a new healthy YOU!
Healthy for Life: Developing Healthy Lifestyles That Have a Side Effect of Permanent Fat Loss
Amazon Price: $4.41 (as of 08/20/2012)
It presents cutting-edge
medical evidence in a simple way and explains how healthy lifestyles
improve your health while at the same time allows you to lose weight.
Dr Strand has been applying these principles in his medical practice for the past 10 years. Anyone at risk of being considered overweight or obese or at risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes must read this book.
The answers lie not in drugs pr modern medicine, but in practical healthy lifestyles that Dr Strand details in this book ... do yourself a favour and buy it now.
Dr Strand has been applying these principles in his medical practice for the past 10 years. Anyone at risk of being considered overweight or obese or at risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes must read this book.
The answers lie not in drugs pr modern medicine, but in practical healthy lifestyles that Dr Strand details in this book ... do yourself a favour and buy it now.
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