Zumba and Zumba Gold
Zumba Gold
I am almost 63 years old and grandma to 2 beautiful children. I have exercised all my life up until 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I stopped exercising because it became too painful for me. Every time I tried I would just stop again and not do it for a long time. I joined Zumba Gold about 6 months ago and it has changed my life. I am back to exercising because of course it's not exercise if you are having a good time. There are days when the pain can keep me from doing just about anything, but it doesn't keep me from going to Zumba and once I get to class and start dancing I immediately start to feel better. It has made me feel better emotionally and physically. Dancing is the key to feeling better it just makes you feel good all over. I love to dance and now I get to do it twice a week with some great new friends and family. Ladies get off your butt and do Zumba you will not regret it. You will feel sexy and luscious, it will lift your spirits, you'll feel younger and you will be doing something great for yourself. Of course the class wouldn't be anything without a great instructor such as Maria. She brings enthusiasm, spunk and lots of joy, she makes it all fun. Thank you Maria for being as great as you are. Let's go Zumba......
Lydia
Zumba
How has Zumba changed my life? I met one of the most intersting, fun, caring, compassionate instructor I could have ever wanted to meet. It is because of you, Maria, that I continue to do Zumba. After working all day all I want to do is come home and flop down on the sofa and relax, then I think about you and your energy and just can't allow myself to be out done. Although you will always out do me at Zumba! You drive me (crazy) to workout hard and I absolutely love it. Someday I will keep up with you. I haven't lost weight but I really didn't need to. I am working on tightening up what is heading south. I am getting back the shape I used to have. My friends have noticed and commented that I am getting tighter. I love my social hour with the ladies. What a great class we have. If I had the time and you had the classes I would Zumba with you every day. You bring a lot of smiles and joy in to my life and that I thank you for. With much love, Amy
Zumba
After years of going to the gym and not really keeping up with a routine, I found Zumba. I have now been going for over 3 years in a consistent basis and still love it. It does help that instructor is such a great instructor.... Maria keeps us smiling, and makes exercising fun. Not only do I get a great work out, but I also made a great friend. For those out there that are thinking of taking Zumba...... do not think just do it. You will love it. Carmen
Zumba
Zumba has been the happiest two hours of my weeks for nearly a year. I decided last summer that I wanted to start taking better care of myself and drop the last of the baby weight from my third pregnancy. So I made the commitment to start exercising more which began with cardio on the elliptical. While that was fine I knew I needed the motivation of a group fitness class and I'd heard great things about Zumba so I looked for a class and found Maria. I dragged a friend with me and I remember that first class so vividly. While it was nearly impossible for me to get all the steps right that first night it was so much fun and Maria infused it with so much energy I couldn't stop smiling! I immediately knew I'd found not only an excellent group fitness class but a biweekly party with family. Faithfully attending and throwing myself into the routines I've been able to lose and keep off 25 pounds! I'm a smaller size than I was in high school but the mental and emotional benefits almost outweigh any weight loss achievements. Zumba just makes me happy and I know too it's because of Maria that I love it as much as I do. I was very blessed the day I found Maria and her Zumba classes!
Love you Maria thanks for letting me share!
Zumba hugs!!
Becky
Zumba
I joined Lifestyle Family Fitness in Tampa Palms in February 2010. I wanted to “spice up” my workout routine. In April 2009 I was at my heaviest weight. I was diagnosed with a breast tumor in May 2007 and the treatment lasted for 6 months. That treatment, coupled with my profession at the time, brought stress and a lack of desire to work out. I began my journey to lose weight with a boot camp in South Tampa. I also began running again. I became bored with this routine. I found that Lifestyles offered Zumba and I was eager to try something fun and different. I remember my first class with Maria, it ROCKED. I knew I was going to love this class and the people in it. I remember how loud everyone was and thought to myself I could never be this loud. To my surprise, I love to scream and get loud with everyone else…sometimes louder. The best part of Zumba is the way you feel after. If you go in to a Zumba class, especially Maria’s J, and think that it is just a dance class and will be so easy, your legs will tell you otherwise. There are some nights my legs are burning before class even ends. Zumba is a fantastic, fun, funky workout. I am back down to the weight that I was in high school, and thanks to Maria, I will stay that way or maybe even salsa my way to an even sexier woman.
Amanda
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Zumba
I LOVE ZUMBA and all Maria;s classes .....
Zumba changed my life and I've never liked exercise and, Zumba is a way to exercise without getting bored . It helped me emotionally a lot as, I was going through a bad depression and, the classes helped me to keep on going.
I have meet many happy people in your classes
I feel super-sexy and sensual in the classroom ....
Zumba changed my life and I've never liked exercise and, Zumba is a way to exercise without getting bored . It helped me emotionally a lot as, I was going through a bad depression and, the classes helped me to keep on going.
I have meet many happy people in your classes
I feel super-sexy and sensual in the classroom ....
I love ZUMBA!!
Taty
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Zumba
Hi Maria,
Your class is so much fun! And you really keep me motivated, which is exactly what I need to lose these last 50 pounds!
In 2009 I weighed 367lbs. I had gastric bypass surgery in July 2009 and lost 125 pounds within 6 months, but then the weight loss slowed down and I noticed that I wasn't losing as much weight as I wanted. Plus, I really needed help to tone up my body after losing so much weight so fast. I was tired of doing the elliptical and treadmill and was looking for a more fun way to exercise, tone up, and keep me motivated to continue to lose weight after the surgery. I started Zumba in Columbus last year. As of today I've lost 180 pounds, but most importantly I'm much healthier. My blood pressure has gone from 145/90 to 117/80. My sleep apnea is gone. I was a borderline diabetic, but now that's gone too.
I like Zumba because it doesn't feel like exercise. It's a dance party where you meet up with friends and dance your heart out for an hour:) Plus it works my abs without a single sit-up!
Your class is so much fun! And you really keep me motivated, which is exactly what I need to lose these last 50 pounds!
Maria, I did read your website story. That's actually why I chose your class, because you lost so much weight, so I figured you must be really good...and you are:) You are crazy, but I love that. Stay that way! :)
Thank you so much:)
Gladys
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Zumba
When I started Zumba almost a year ago I was very nervous about doing something extremely new to me.But after the first class I had so much fun I knew it was something I would be doing for as long as I can shake my bootie!
I have lost some inches and feel a little firmer,but mostly I just feel better! My husband thinks I look great!
Maria is a great teacher and she makes the class super fun,lots of smiles and laughs.Love Zumba!
Zumba Lover
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Zumba
Well here is My story,I love Zumba it makes me smile and laugh and I so enjoy the time with the girls.At home Zumba adds smile also...XOXOXO .. Reverse!!..turn and stay!!! Z U M B A !!! 
Gotta love it! Jean
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Zumba
I love Zumba and you are a great teacher. Seeing your passion for what you are doing and your wonderful people personality has truly been a blessing!
Thank you Maria
Damonique
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Zumba
Maria,
I knew I should have been exercising, but just couldn't get myself to do it. Several ladies from work started going to your zumba class and one of them invited me to try it. I really enjoyed it and it was a great workout. I keep coming back because I feel like I am doing something good for myself and I am enjoying it at the same time! Leslie
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Zumba Gold
I love Zumba Gold because it is a lot of fun, it is not too, too difficult or strenuous, BUT, at the same time, we know we are getting a great aerobic workout. (Just look at how we are sweating at the end of the class!!)
Also, and maybe most importantly, our instructor is motivating and makes every class a party! Her love for Zumba is contagious!
I absolutely feel healthier. I know I am doing something that is going to give me a better quality of life, and lots more energy ........................ all while having fun ...... and being with great people. I would recommend it to everyone - beginners and seniors alike.
Thank you for the experience. We are truly enjoying it.
Pat
P.S. We love Maria, too!!
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Zumba Gold
Zumba makes me feel happy! Dancing has always made me happy. While dancing in Zumba class, I do not really notice that I am also EXERCISING!
Besides having great fun in class and making new girlfriends, I do believe my stamina and balance have increased. Sometimes the Zumba music and steps make me feel oh so sexy, sometimes elegant; sometimes I feel like a Rockette dancer. Sometimes I trip over my own feet, but nobody even notices!
Just as soon as I have a moment, I plan to purchase tassels for my Zumba buddies to sew, tape, or otherwise attach to their backsides so they can shake it all up!
Mary
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Zumba Gold
Maria:
It really is a challenge to express how very much I enjoy your Zumba Gold class on Tuesday and Thursday. I only hope there will be a time that you can hold the 3rd class for us "Zumba Gold" gals.
You are an inspiration to all of us, and make us all feel young and sexy again. I wasn't joking when I said that I had forgotten how to move my body. Your happiness and high spirit is contagious and more than one of the women has expressed the same joy when discussing your class; the benefits have been more physical than I could have imagined. Remember, I had so much pain in my right knee? Not any longer, thanks to Zumba.
Getting older isn't as painful as I thought it would be, mentally or physically, and I believe attending your classes has lifted my spirit and self esteem. I haven't lost more than a few pounds, however my clothes fit better and are more confortable. Vanity will always be my middle name.
Your enthusiasm makes your classes special. Thank you, Maria, for bringing the joy of exercise back to me.
Madi
Madi
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Zumba Gold
Maria...I started a journey last August with Jenny Craig and lost 20 pounds....my blood work...colesterol etc. has improved tremendously....I was also walking ...my sister had started a Zumba class and mentioned it to me....thought I would give it a try because the buddy system really helps...it gets old walking alone....Zumba to my surprise has been alot of fun....love the music and I like to dance....makes me feel younger and sexy.....that's a plus at 64....but most of all it's the activity that helps me try to keep my weight down and be healthy!!!!!At my age healthy is the key......I also needed to use other parts of my body while keeping active and Zumba does that for me...Thanks Maria.....Sharon
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Zumba Gold
Yes Zumba has changed my life, I've only been in Florida 6 months and even though they say this is the Sunshine State, I needed something to do. I had foot surgery many many years ago. Which made me cater to my knee and my left side thur all those years. Now they say I have degeneration in my lower back so you know the rest on and on. Since I've found your beginners class for active adults. I find myself more agile and emotionally happier. Knowing that I'm not getting stiffer, and I'm moving parts that I haven't moved in a long time without bening afraid to move. I'm having fun doing it as well , I've been wanting to ZUMBA for so long.. Being unemployed / retired now for 2 years and in a new location. I've found weman to interact with, tone my muscles, enjoy the Latin music, which I've always enjoyed, and I've notice that my waist line is not just a memory.
The pass 2 years of my life has been an adventure and I'm certainly glad that I found ZUMBA With Maria
Lisa
Lisa
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Zumba Gold
I love Zumba!! I've tried all forms of exercise but none can compare.
Maria is a fabulous instructor and keeps the class exciting and forever changing. I haven't lost any weight yet but healthier for sure. When class is over, I feel wonderful and can't wait for the next one. The music is great, the ladies are a blast and what's more, we laugh a lot. I have to keep practicing to get my sexy on. Everyone should give it a try!! Randy
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Zumba Gold
Attention all women who hate to exercise!
I am a sixty year old grandmother who was out of shape and hated exercise. I like to look good so I always tried but never kept up any regular exercise regimen. Then one day my sister talked me into going to a Zumba Gold Class. I was hooked from day one. I can't wait to go and hate when it's over. The music is great. I always loved to dance but the opportunities were few and far between. Now I go to Zumba twice a week and dance my butt off and love every minute. It is just plain fun and the best thing I have done for myself in years. I feel great, lost a dress size WITHOUT DIETING! Doesn't get any better than that. Do something for yourself. Try Zumba. You will be glad you did.
Mary Ann
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