WHAT OUR ZUMBAers ARE SAYING ABOUT ZUMBA......
"What makes her great is her heart," as she turned to me and said
"You give your heart to us every time you teach." that was from Monica, Zumba Gold
Brain Tumor, Zumba and Me!
My name is Debbie Neal and I am in Katherine “Kat” Davis Zumba Gold Class. It’s a Zumba class for seniors. I had a seizure last June at work, and they had to rush me to the Hospital. Long story short. Brain Tumor…Astrocytoma Grade 2…malignant… Had “Toby” removed, (that’s right I named it, because life is short so may as well have some fun), anyway, I was home for 3 months and gained a whole lot of weight. Had nothing to do but eat….(God, I love food), anyway, when I went back to work in Sept of 09’ I was still consuming various amounts of food. I was on the “see food diet”…you know that one I’m sure… Went for my first MRI and it was clear, went back this July and it was still clear. See, a grade 2 Astrocytoma is usually prevalent in young adults, not old women. Fortunately I’m young at heart….so, I thought before I went for my MRI this time I was going to loose weight. That’s when I decided to join Weight Watchers and Zumba…. When I told my Dr. (I go to The City of Hope) that I was taking Zumba, he said to tell my instructor “THANK YOU and to give her a big hug” . When I asked him if I could do Zumba he gave me the thumbs up because he explained that exercise is extremely good for the brain. It gets all those endorphins going and also helps any numerous other malfunctions we get as we get older. I told him that “Kat” worked our booty’s off. I don’t think I’ve been in this good of shape since the Roller Derby Days. Yep, that’s right, I used to roller skate at the Olympic auditorium from 1969 to 1979…could be that’s where I got “Toby”. If you like to dance, exercise, are concerned about your weight, or just want to have fun and are of the Grey haired set, then trust me, you will absolutely love Zumba. You might not understand the words, but then who needs to. All you have to do is understand “music”, and shake what your mama gave you! We are all going to miss Kat when she leaves us, but who knows, maybe she will pop in from time to time to lead us in a class….sure hope so! THANK YOU, KAT for helping me, or should I say US!!
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Mr. Big Rig: Franklin Munoz, Truck Driver, Age 39
In the beginning I was a little skeptical especially being the only man in the class but I am so happy that I joined. I joined Kat’s Zumba Toning class around Christmas and since then I’ve lost 19 lbs. My friends and family tell me how different I look. I feel so happy and I have a lot of energy that I've never had before. Kat’s class has given me the desire to do other healthy things like riding my bicycle which I have not done in years and I even started eating healthy. I work all week driving a big rig; my job doesn’t give me the time to exercise so I look forward to my Zumba class on Saturdays. I am not perfect at it but I enjoy my class tremendously. If you are looking to feel and look better and be healthier, joining a class is the way to go, it is so much easier and fun than working out by yourself “Zumbathon was two hours of heart pounding, sweaty fun, And for a good cause. Great mix of instructors, And one cool Kat that put a good time together. ” Cathy Not having Zumba and Kat in my schedule for the past week was so sad. I felt lumpy, fat and irritable and tired with no energy. Last night was a dance! I just love Zumba, and I love the instructor. She knows what we need and want like Arnold said in the movies. Speaking of movies she provides the motivation with great music. Thanks so much Kat." Mari It's a fun way to burn calories and we are being taught Kat who is an expert fitness trainer! My goal is to keep working at it until my body looks like hers! Oh well, a girl can always dream while having a great time! Arie I started taking Zumba classes in February 2008. At that time, I was a size 20 pants and shirt 2 to 3x. I felt depressed and my self confidence was very low. Zumba has changed my life I'm now a size 14 and shirt large. I feel so good and I thank God and Kat for Zumba. ~Ana “I've known Kat for about 6 months and her Zumba classes are more fun than a barrel of monkeys! The Latin rhythms are exhilarating and you always leave the sessions feeling 'picked up'. Beginners catch on to the steps quickly and can always participate at 'their own pace'. I've noticed that her 'Zumba Kidz' absolutely love her. That's always a good sign when you get a child's approval! Kat is very professional and well qualified to teach. Personally, I would be willing to travel a good distance just to be in 'her' Zumba sessions. Join us; you'll have lots of fun and definitely feel good about yourself.” ~Kathleen Kat Johnson is an inspiration to all seniors who want to get in shape and be in good health. Her exuberance in teaching her class is evident in the way she gives us our lessons. We have so much fun while keeping our cardiovascular rate up and our high blood pressure down. I looked forward to attending her classes which is something I never did. Before Kat started teaching Zumba at the Senior Ctr. I always went to the classes because I needed to, NOT because I wanted to. Kat has a style all her own and it is so easy to get caught up with the excitement of the class. I don’t even feel like I’m exercising. I feel like I’m just dancing to the music. Anyone would be very lucky to have Kat as an instructor. Tish Glover I have to say that she is one of the most devoted and experienced instructors I have ever encountered. She knows the physiology of the senior body and can accommodate them to the utmost. I have become a Zumba addict and it was “Kat” that motivated me. Her instruction skills are awesome and her customer service skills are beyond reproach. I feel that she definitely would be an asset to any corporation she works for. We miss her terribly here in California , not only me, but our whole class! - Deb Neal For the fun of dancing and the health of it. Kat is a great presence. ~Amy |
A ZUMBA TESTIMONY - 72 and lovin' it! I'm feeling good about myself because this year I started Zumba Gold with Kat in Rancho Cucamonga. I've never been able to do sports, fitness training or ride a bike since I was a little girl. The one thing that I like is dancing to all kinds of music. Since I met Kat, I've been a regular every week, made friends and lost inches, so that means new clothes. But mostly, Kat provides an atmosphere of fun, unconditional acceptance and inspiration along with giving us permission to be who we are spiritually and emotionally. She allows us to be who we never got to be and also who we can become in the future. At 72, I hope to be more of whatever is good. God keep Kat and may all she touches turn to gold! Adelina Adams Ontario, CA
"Its fun...and what exercise is fun?? Zumba is.” ~Karen “This is a totally exhilarating whole body workout that feels like a mix between a cool dance class and dancing in the sultry Brazilian Carnival streets surrounded by palm trees, tiki torches, and bright stars! Kat's energizing music and moves will leave you refreshed and invigorated! And trust me, that night you'll have the best night's sleep ever! :)” ~Diana "This was sooooo much fun! Just what I needed to help shake up a mundane gym workout!” ~Kenyetta “Gone are the days of the same ole' boring exercise routines. With Zumba, not only are you guaranteed a great workout...you are guaranteed great fun! Whether you are a dancer, beginner to exercise, advanced in your exercise regime, Zumba provides an outlet for anyone and everyone to enjoy. And the best part is that my 5 year old loves it too, as this is something special we share together. I believe that Zumba represents the most comprehensive package: healthy lifestyle, healthy attitude, healthy body and great fun” ~Lisa Coping with Stress - the Endorphin High: I have always had a lot of stress in my life - high stress level jobs, dealing with my son who is schizophrenic (currently in a locked treatment program), but September was a nightmare. First I was laid-off after 15 years with the same company but I was coping fairly well when the totally unexpected happened, my mother suffered a terminal hemorrhagic stroke. I was at the hospital night and day for several days helping to care for her and when she was released home on hospice, I was practically by her side the whole time. Within a week of her stroke, she passed away in the early morning hours with me in the room, then came the task of informing relatives, dealing with mortuaries, planning a memorial service, etc. This may seem like the item that would just put someone over the edge but it doesn't have to be that way, and I resorted to the one sure fire thing that I could do that would not only alleviate my stress, take my mind off my troubles, promoted health, and actually provide me with some fun - exercise especially Zumba. I've done many exercise programs in the past, some I enjoyed and others not so much, but Zumba I LOVE! Other than the regular benefits that exercise brings, the best way I can describe how I feel with Zumba would be to describe how I felt yesterday - it was definitely a low day for me and I spent the majority of it moping around the house and finding excuses not to do anything but feel sorry for myself. I even Twittered how lazy I had been but that I knew Zumba would turn me around and that it did. It is impossible to mope while doing the Salsa or Merengue. You can't dwell on your problems and maintain the beat. In fact, your greatest worry is did I hit the ChaCha step on time and where is my water - lol. After class I felt relaxed and happy. I slept extremely well, and woke up at 6 AM full of energy and ready to not only face the day but to start submitting job applications. Cyndi |
