From 315lbs to Zumba instructor: my

Happilyeverafters · July 2014

Wow! You look amazing! I recently found Zumba about a year ago and I LOVE it! I would go everyday if I could. My favorite Zumba instructor has a similar story as yours. I love the part of your story about your mentor and trainer. Good for you!

lillypad13 · July 2014

Great inspiration! Congratulations, you have always been beautiful, but now you're strong and healthy!!!

MandiS80 · July 2014

that's incredibly impressive!! Congrats to you.

mary659497 · July 2014

Unbelievable transformation. Congratulations on your hard work. Good luck with your Zumba training.

laura_happy · July 2014

That is incredible. I think you actually look like a different person, the difference is so great. Thanks for the inspiration tonight!

Rebecca_1552 · July 2014

Incredible changes! You have inspired me and thanks for sharing... congrats on your success!!

CagedBirdSings · July 2014

Wow! That's amazing! I think you're going to inspire LOTS of people with your story.

christhenix · July 2014

An amazing journey, and you look fantastic. Well done.

optionalsourcewins · July 2014

You look FANTASTIC!!! Awesome job - congratulations!!!

celinetmika · July 2014

Wow! Thank you for the incredible response to this post! I am so so glad that my story can help somebody.
Reading your comments have given me chills. And last night as I was dancing in Zumba class and my legs were getting tired, I remembered all of your comments and it gave me an extra ounce of energy to go all out. Thank you!!!

Today for me is weight lifting/strength training with my trainer and my small team of friends.

How are YOU burning calories today?

GonnaLoseIt50Plus · July 2014

Thats amazing. Great work.

ShannonS921 · July 2014

This is fabulous!! Great work so far!!! Keep it up!!!

shaynepoole · July 2014

congrats

awesome job

Shalaurise · July 2014

Today, I want to be like you when I grow up. *nods*

corinne0805 · July 2014

So inspiring! We had a woman in our church who ran a fitness class. She is the proverbial tiny thing, and perky.all.the.time. Although I am not dreadfully overweight, when I stood next to her I'd feel like I was absolutely huge. I decided to join her class as our church was hosting a run, and she was leading the training for that. At the beginning of the class she ran a slideshow, and her first photo was of a woman who weighed well over 300lbs and looked miserable. "That was me 3 years ago," she said. I was gobsmacked. Never in a million years would I have thought that the perky, full of energy, must be born like that woman, was the miserable morbidly obese woman on the screen. I know it encouraged me and others in the room who were less than fit.

So, well done you!

ItzPSGina62 · July 2014

awesome!

romi3772 · July 2014

U look wonderful and healthy! I needed this, as I have plateaued after losing about 40 lbs. I don't post my weight anymore but after I take this 3 month challenge, I hoping to have a story like yours and will definitely post my weight loss!

celinetmika · July 2014

So inspiring! We had a woman in our church who ran a fitness class. She is the proverbial tiny thing, and perky.all.the.time. Although I am not dreadfully overweight, when I stood next to her I'd feel like I was absolutely huge. I decided to join her class as our church was hosting a run, and she was leading the training for that. At the beginning of the class she ran a slideshow, and her first photo was of a woman who weighed well over 300lbs and looked miserable. "That was me 3 years ago," she said. I was gobsmacked. Never in a million years would I have thought that the perky, full of energy, must be born like that woman, was the miserable morbidly obese woman on the screen. I know it encouraged me and others in the room who were less than fit.

So, well done you!

What a great story!! Thanks for sharing!

grrupp · July 2014

Wow!!!! you look Amazing!!! I just started Zumba myself and Love it, I hope to have as much sucuess with it as you have. You are truly an inspiration

kayva91011 · July 2014

AWESOME!

JennyJiggle · July 2014

Fantastic story - congratulations on all your success!

charkendrick · July 2014

Wow! Thanks for the inspiration.

celinetmika · July 2014

:-) Thank you!

jennied314 · July 2014

How awesome! You look great! I hope to attend my first Zumba this weekend

celinetmika · July 2014

For those of you who are about to start Zumba or are just getting started, here is a few tips:

- If you can't figure out the steps, just focus on the legs. Don't worry about the arms, you can add that later. Look at the feet of the instructor, and try to do the same with your feet.

- You don't have to jump! You can take the impact off without taking the intensity off. Especially if you are heavy or not used to working out, please spare your knees and ankles until you feel comfortable jumping! (and you will, I promise!!!)

- If you can't see the instructor, just follow one of the front row participants. Most of the time, those who are comfortable being up there know the routines by heart and have been doing Zumba for a while. You will quickly figure out who you should follow and who you shouldn't. :-)

- If you are having a hard time with a particular step, it is totally fine to go ask the instructor at the end of class. He/She will be happy to show you the steps slowly so you can practice at home ;-)

- Finally, Nobody is looking at you. Nobody is making fun of you. NOBODY. Everybody is either looking at the instructor or at themselves. Yes. Trust me.
So just MOVE, DANCE, SWEAT and most of all HAVE FUN!!!