Sue Baker
About two years ago I found myself at 220 pounds. I was mildly active but when I realized I would not be able to keep up with my twin grandsons who I watched full time during the school year, it was time for a change. I began with Curves and experienced my first Zumba class and I was hooked! I started doing more and more and am now up to 4 classes a week. After 6 months I added in a toning class once a week. We were presented a challenge to meet the recommended daily water intake of 64 ounces. After success with this challenge I did a personal challenge and gave up chocolate. Chocolate!! Melinda and her daughters gave up chocolate the next month so I joined them and am proud to say I am still chocolate free.
In the summer of 2012 I decided exercise needed to be a part of my daily life so I biked, swam and of course, lots of Zumba. I also added in lots of core work. I have so much less wiggle in the middle! In the fall I took a free class with an Essentia dietician who taught us to how to read labels and understand food in general.
Every month I give myself a new challenge. This month is literally 'an apple a day'. For every day I accomplish my goal I 'pay' myself $1. If I complete a month perfectly, I pay myself $100! This is the best I have felt in 20+ years. I have so much more energy and I feel good about myself. I am hoping my story inspires others to make 2013 a healthier, happier year!
My words of wisdom~
-Be patient, use baby steps and enjoy your success
-Increase your cardio to at least three times a week For me, it's Zumba!
-Include strength training. Sure it's not as much of a party as Zumba, but it is so
important for bone density and maintaining your muscles and core strength.
-Enjoy the journey!
If you have any questions you can find me at Dream Dance and Bayview. I'm the crazy Zumbaholic with ribbons on my pants!
Melinda's Notes: I cannot believe Sue's physical transformation even in the time I have known her and she continues to look healthier and younger! Some of you may know Sue is now certified in Zumba and plans to instruct classes in 2013. Sue has helped me many times when my Zumba schedule is kicking my butt and I need to break for a song or two. Sue has such a wonderful, positive attitude and is focused without taking it to the extreme, a great balance!
Sarah, participant 1 1/2 years
My weight loss journey started a couple of years ago at 240 pounds. My first step was just getting myself to move more. I started at home with exercise DVD's. I came across a Zumba DVD which I could not 'get' at all so I put it to the side. As exercise became more consistent I reexamined my eating habits. The most important step was eating breakfast every day! After a year I lost 50 pounds.
A dear friend told me about 'Zumba on the Beach', a free class offered every Saturday down on Park Point. My first experience with the Zumba DVD was less than stellar so I declined. She convinced me there was no pressure and lots of fun so I eventually made my way down there. Everyone was having so much fun, the energy was amazing and even though I had no clue what I was doing I worked up a sweat and felt great! I attended several more classes that summer and it was beginning to grow on me.
I was passing Dream Dance one day and saw a sign for Zumba classes and decided to try the class. I did not know a soul which actually made it better so I found a spot in the back row and went for it! Next thing I knew an hour had flown by and I was dripping in sweat. I had found my new Zumba 'home'.
I have been attending classes for a year and a half and love it!! I don't think I'm particularly coordinated but I give it my best. I love the variety of music and moves. Zumba is the perfect activity for all body types and fitness levels. It is all about what you put into it-some days I have a LOT to give, some days I take it down a notch. Remember we are all learning together and no one is there to judge you.
Zumba along with eating better, and doing other activities like Yoga and Strength Training has enabled me to keep my attitude up and my weight down............70 pounds gone!!
Thanks Melinda for pushing me out of my comfort zone and being part of my journey!
Melinda's notes: I have only known Sarah in her lighter weight so I was surprised to see the 'before' picture from a couple of years ago. In the beginning she was worried about getting the moves right and my philosophy is 'movement is movement' meaning anything is better than sitting on the couch with the remote. Zumba is a fantastic calorie burn and a great escape for an hour. If you make it part of your life along with reasonable eating and other activities, you will find yourself happier and healthier in the new year.
I love having Sarah in class because she gives it all she has for that hour and now she knows no one, including me, get all the moves right all the time : ).
Movement is movement..................find activities you love that will make you sweat and make it part of your life!!
About two years ago I found myself at 220 pounds. I was mildly active but when I realized I would not be able to keep up with my twin grandsons who I watched full time during the school year, it was time for a change. I began with Curves and experienced my first Zumba class and I was hooked! I started doing more and more and am now up to 4 classes a week. After 6 months I added in a toning class once a week. We were presented a challenge to meet the recommended daily water intake of 64 ounces. After success with this challenge I did a personal challenge and gave up chocolate. Chocolate!! Melinda and her daughters gave up chocolate the next month so I joined them and am proud to say I am still chocolate free.
In the summer of 2012 I decided exercise needed to be a part of my daily life so I biked, swam and of course, lots of Zumba. I also added in lots of core work. I have so much less wiggle in the middle! In the fall I took a free class with an Essentia dietician who taught us to how to read labels and understand food in general.
Every month I give myself a new challenge. This month is literally 'an apple a day'. For every day I accomplish my goal I 'pay' myself $1. If I complete a month perfectly, I pay myself $100! This is the best I have felt in 20+ years. I have so much more energy and I feel good about myself. I am hoping my story inspires others to make 2013 a healthier, happier year!
My words of wisdom~
-Be patient, use baby steps and enjoy your success
-Increase your cardio to at least three times a week For me, it's Zumba!
-Include strength training. Sure it's not as much of a party as Zumba, but it is so
important for bone density and maintaining your muscles and core strength.
-Enjoy the journey!
If you have any questions you can find me at Dream Dance and Bayview. I'm the crazy Zumbaholic with ribbons on my pants!
Melinda's Notes: I cannot believe Sue's physical transformation even in the time I have known her and she continues to look healthier and younger! Some of you may know Sue is now certified in Zumba and plans to instruct classes in 2013. Sue has helped me many times when my Zumba schedule is kicking my butt and I need to break for a song or two. Sue has such a wonderful, positive attitude and is focused without taking it to the extreme, a great balance!
Sarah, participant 1 1/2 years
My weight loss journey started a couple of years ago at 240 pounds. My first step was just getting myself to move more. I started at home with exercise DVD's. I came across a Zumba DVD which I could not 'get' at all so I put it to the side. As exercise became more consistent I reexamined my eating habits. The most important step was eating breakfast every day! After a year I lost 50 pounds.
A dear friend told me about 'Zumba on the Beach', a free class offered every Saturday down on Park Point. My first experience with the Zumba DVD was less than stellar so I declined. She convinced me there was no pressure and lots of fun so I eventually made my way down there. Everyone was having so much fun, the energy was amazing and even though I had no clue what I was doing I worked up a sweat and felt great! I attended several more classes that summer and it was beginning to grow on me.
I was passing Dream Dance one day and saw a sign for Zumba classes and decided to try the class. I did not know a soul which actually made it better so I found a spot in the back row and went for it! Next thing I knew an hour had flown by and I was dripping in sweat. I had found my new Zumba 'home'.
I have been attending classes for a year and a half and love it!! I don't think I'm particularly coordinated but I give it my best. I love the variety of music and moves. Zumba is the perfect activity for all body types and fitness levels. It is all about what you put into it-some days I have a LOT to give, some days I take it down a notch. Remember we are all learning together and no one is there to judge you.
Zumba along with eating better, and doing other activities like Yoga and Strength Training has enabled me to keep my attitude up and my weight down............70 pounds gone!!
Thanks Melinda for pushing me out of my comfort zone and being part of my journey!
Melinda's notes: I have only known Sarah in her lighter weight so I was surprised to see the 'before' picture from a couple of years ago. In the beginning she was worried about getting the moves right and my philosophy is 'movement is movement' meaning anything is better than sitting on the couch with the remote. Zumba is a fantastic calorie burn and a great escape for an hour. If you make it part of your life along with reasonable eating and other activities, you will find yourself happier and healthier in the new year.
I love having Sarah in class because she gives it all she has for that hour and now she knows no one, including me, get all the moves right all the time : ).
Movement is movement..................find activities you love that will make you sweat and make it part of your life!!
