For those of you who dont know, my highway to fitness has been a tumultuous one which is STILL under HEAVY construction... Id like to share my story with you... I had grown up as a, well, lets just say a very husky child. I was raised by a single parent, with multiple chronic illnesses and not only was money and opportunity scarce, but so was education in proper eating, nutrition and exercise. I was raised with poor eating habits, and an even poorer emphasis on how to truly take care of myself By 2010, at the age of 22, I had had enough, and made a conscious decision to become a healthier and happier me. Through 10 very strict months of eating right, and attending Zumba classes regularly, I had lost over 100 pounds. In November of 2010, I became a certified Zumba instructor and began teaching regularly in my home town of Ocala, Florida. I felt fulfilled, I felt accomplished, and most of all, I felt happy, thus, the story of fat boy to fit boy ends happily ever after.... Or does it? 2011 became the year of heartache, and proved to be an example of how life can quickly take you from your highest of highs to your lowest of lows. In 2011 I lost my grandparents back to back, and by years end there was yet another death in the family. The most important person in my life, a truly devastating one; my Mom. 2012 was filled with grief, depression, unexpected life plot twists, and a regression into eating horrible and simply not taking care of myself. By January of 2013 I had gained about 80 pounds of the 100 that I had originally lost. In March of 2013, I relocated to Los Angeles to pursue my entertainment dreams. However, upon arriving, I was crippled with, insecurity, fear and doubt over my weight gain and overall sense of lost. In January of 2014 I had an epiphany... This journey and 4 year weight struggle is not a war Im waging alone! I have an obligation and a responsibility to share my struggles if it will provide the opportunity to help at least one individuals with theirs. For years I was embarrassed; mortified at times to show my face and weight gain in public, as I feared that Id be met with ridicule and mockery since I had become the fat boy who got skinny and got fat again... But not any more. Over the last 6 months Ive not only taken my own health and wellness seriously, but Im taking the opportunity to help others health and wellness serious as well. I have again lost almost all of the weight Ive gained back and have a renewed sense of self and purpose in life. I take Zumba so seriously because it has been a life changing entity within my world. It wasnt a band wagon craze, or a money making opportunity, or even just some little hobby, it is something that has truly helped saved my life! I am excited to help people through my Zumba classes because not only do I have a passion for musicality, dance and truly enjoy it, but I, as an instructor, empathize and sympathize with my students on a level that many other instructors cannot. Health and fitness is something I struggle to maintain each and everyday, and if I can help just one person through my story and struggle, then I feel as though Ive done my job... So... Lets sweat.
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 23:12:36 +0000
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