ZUMBA® and the Zumba Fitness logos are trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC, used under license. www.zumba.com

Friday, December 21, 2012

New Year's Party, December 29!



NEW YEAR'S ZUMBA PARTY at Orem Friendship Center, Dec. 29, 7:30-9:30. $5 entry.

The first 24 people in the door get a Zumba jingle bracelet to "ring in the new year." These are rare items! And we will have a drawing for prizes throughout the night and you get to PICK your favorite from the prize table--tank tops, t-shirts, and other ZumbaWear. You should not miss it! Meet our new instructors, Kristi and Mikayla, as well as dance favorites with Shelly, Marquita, and Nina.

This is a great time to bring friends who have been thinking of trying Zumba. Help them get a headstart on their New Year's resolutions! Invite them with the event link below (and then carpool to the event together!):

https://www.facebook.com/events/304729722979900/

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Build strength, metabolism, attitude (but not "bulk") by lifting weights!


Here you are at the end of the year. You've done GREAT! If you're considering what you might want to add to your fitness routine, consider lifting weights. It's SOOO good for you. Here are a number of reasons why:

http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/8-reasons-why-you-should-lift-heavier-weights

And remember, you're only as strong to the degree that you can MOVE those muscles, so be sure to stretch after you lift.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

It's all about perspective

I shared with you awhile ago about how easy it was for me to let go of ice cream when I realized it was making me sick (lactose). Instead of feeling like I was being denied ice cream, I felt in control by making the choice not to have it so I could avoid the negative effects later.

A great woman from our class shared this post from another blog with a similar sentiment and I thought I'd share it with you as well. You might enjoy the rest of this blog. It's loaded with good thoughts and recipes from a person who has lost 135 pounds and maintained it. She knows both worlds quite well. You'll have something in common no matter what. Check it out:

http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/2012/09/24/i-cant-eat-that/

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Lights On! Event for Orem City


Thanksgiving is coming! Celebrate at the City of Orem's Lights On! event, Monday, November 19 at 6pm on the west side of the City offices (State Street and Center). I am chairman of this event this year and I'm hoping it will be our best one ever! The event is focused on the children of our city, and trying to get them to be a "light" in the lives of others during the holiday season through service. So much of Christmas is "gimme, gimme, gimme" so this starts the season off with a nice warm perspective. 

See details here, and please come with all the children in your life on Monday night! Dress warm. The program will be only 30 minutes. 

Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe Collection

I collected some recipes on a Pinterest board that may give you some ideas for cooking a full course Thanksgiving meal without loads of calories. So many recipes for these traditional meals are handed down from previous generations, and those generations typically didn't think twice about throwing in a stick of butter or a tub of sour cream into just about everything. The meal will still be BIG, because there are so many courses, but these recipes will help. I think if you make as many things as possible on the lighter side, you can feel good about splurging on ONE thing that is your favorite. Take it easy the day before and the day after, drinking plenty of water and you'll be fine.

http://pinterest.com/sewparcell/thanksgiving-dinner-healthier-options/

If you have other healthier recipes you'd like to share, email them to me and I'll add them to the board.

Here are some I've received from you:

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

2 large sweet potatoes
1 T. Olive oil
fresh thyme and rosemary, or Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper

Cut potatoes into cubes or wedges. Place in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Toss in desired seasoning and salt and pepper. Place potato wedges in a pan and roast at 425 degrees for 35-45 minutes. 


Crustless Pumpkin Pie
6 servings @ 2 PointsPlus per serving

1 can (15oz) pumpkin – not pumpkin pie mix
1 can evaporated skim milk (12 oz)
3 egg whites ½ tsp. salt
1 t. cinnamon
½ t. ginger
¼ t. cloves
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup Splenda
                           Combine ingredients and mix until smooth.  Pour into a 9” pie pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes than at 325 for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.  



CRANBERRY/RASPBERRY HOLIDAY SALAD
2 (3oz,) pkg. raspberry sugar free Jell-0
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1/2 c.  sugar free ginger ale
1 (10 oz.  Pkg. Frozen raspberries
1 (10 oz.) pkg. Frozen cranberry/orange relish – make your own
Juice and zest of one lemon
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. chopped celery

Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water to which ginger ale has been added.  Stir in frozen raspberries and relish.  Stir slowly until melted.  Add juice and zest and nuts and celery.   Pour into an oiled 6-cup mold or bowl.  Cover and refrigerate until firm.  Can use a ring mold and fill center with whipped cream.




Pumpkin Muffins
1 Spice Cake Mix
1 can pumpkin
¾ cup water
1 tsp. baking soda
Mix all ingredients and divide evenly into 24 paper-lined muffin tins.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. May add 1/4 cup raisins.

2 points each

Lemon Bars
1 1lb box one step Angel food Cake Mix
1 can Lemon pie filling
Mix together and put in 9x13 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until done – using the toothpick test.  Dust with a little powdered sugar if desired.

24 servings @ 3 PointsPlus each


Low Fat Chex Party Mix
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
1-cup pretzels
1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
3 cups Rice Chex® cereal
3 cups Corn Chex® cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
1-cup garlic-flavor bite-size fat-free bagel chips or regular-size fat-free bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons margarine or butter (not tub products)
½ teaspoon onion powder
Heat oven to 250 degrees.  Melt margarine in large roasting pan in the oven.  Stir in seasonings.  Gradually stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated.  Bake 1 hour, stirring every fifteen minutes.  Spread on paper towels to cool.  Store in airtight container or freeze.


And don't forget to check out my all-time favorite recipe for using leftover turkey. It's on my Recipes page, and it's almost all the way at the bottom. Cranberry Turkey Enchiladas! YUM!

Monday, November 5, 2012

You are people

I've been thinking about something lately. This "Zumba Instructor" culture is full of lots of extremes. I can't begin to explain it to you. But every time it starts to "get to me" I come back to some core feelings that I do hope you understand.

I love our time together. You are not "clients" or "customers" or even "students" to me. You are people. You all have your own stories and struggles and talents and for some reason you come to my classes. I try to treat you right and I'm willing to offer you anything I can to send you off with a smile on your face and a happy feeling in your heart so you can do all those other things in life that you need to.

You are my friends. And I'm so grateful to know you. Thank you for supporting ME, because I need the smile and happy feeling, too, and sometimes YOU are the only way to make that happen!


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Pumpkin Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies

These are SO good! And good for you! Only 75 calories per cookie. Woo hoo! I adapted these from a recipe from www.twopeasandtheirpod.com. They have loads of good recipes, just not all of them healthy. So I tweaked it. Love them!

Here's the shocking part--I Use cooked, mashed LIMA BEANS, in place of butter in cookies! Calorie count for a stick of butter=814. Calories in 1/2 cup lima beans=108. Plus you get 6g fiber and 7g protein with the beans! Lima beans can also be bought in a can. They will probably be called butter beans and have added salt. So don't add any additional salt to your cookie recipe if you use canned beans. TRUST ME!


Pumpkin Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon all ground allspice

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup coconut oil
½ c cooked, mashed butter beans (yes, butter beans--a.k.a. Lima beans*)
7/8 cup packed light brown sugar
 (that's 1 cup minus 2 Tablespoons)
7/8 cup granulated sugar

1 cup pure pumpkin puree

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups old-fashioned oats

3/4 cup white chocolate chips

1 cup dried cranberries

Bake at 350° for 12 minutes. 

If you don't want to use the coconut oil and butter beans, you can use 1 cup butter instead, but that's going to change the total calorie count.

*Butter beans can be bought from a can, but I prefer to make my own and keep them in 1/2 cup portions in the freezer. Buy dry lima beans, cook in a crockpot until very soft and mushy. Mash them. If you use the ones from the can, I'd cut the salt in the recipe in half.

Check out my other recipes on the tab above or by clicking here.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

FREE Ladies Night at the Orem Rec--BLACKLIGHT ZUMBA!

October 27
7:30-9:30
FREE ADMISSION!!
Orem Fitness Center
165 South 580 West, east of Mountain View High School

Blacklight Zumba Party!
7:45-9:15
This includes a kickoff performance of the 
Thriller Dance by Tanya's Thriller class.
(starts at 7:30)

Also Introductory classes in:
Yoga (8:15-9:00)
Spin (7:30-8:00, and 8:00-8:30)
Weight Training (HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS! 7:30-8:30)

Seriously, this is a night and an opportunity not to miss. Zumba will be a blast, but if you've ever wanted to try one of the other formats, this is a safe environment to test them out. Bring your friends for a free night of fun that you won't regret on Monday morning. :)


Friday, October 19, 2012

Current Songs for Orem Rec--SHUFFLE NIGHT

I've been promising this for awhile. Here you go! Get yourself some low-calorie treats for Halloween!

And...what? We need a shuffle night? Why, YES! We do! Let's do that Thursday, November 1. Email your favorite songs to me. I will put them on a playlist and hit "shuffle" during class. We'll just play it as it comes! Well, I will monitor the current heart rate and rearrange if we are about to pass out! You guys always pick the fastest ones!

Don't see your favorite? There is another list from February here. Maybe it's on that list. There are probably some lost in the middle so ask me in class if you want a title. I can usually figure it out from the dance moves if you remember them.

Acuyuye D.L.G. salsa
Ai Se Eu Te Pego Michel Teló axé/cumbia
Baila Mi Son Ensamble salsa
Balans - Caribbean Hip-Hop K-Liber4life caribbean
Bang Bang David Bustamante flamenco
Bang Bang K'naan & Adam Levine
Brokenhearted Karmin warmup
Bulería David Bisbal flamenco
Chori Chori - Bhangra Zumba Fitness Bhangra
Como Has Logrado Vicente Garcia bachata
Delirious [Edit] Prince toning
Despicable Me clip Despicable Me Soundtrack
Do Wah Diddy Soca Boys
Don't Stop The Party Pitbull featuring TJR
El Diablo Anda Suelto Rey Ruiz cha cha
Enamórate Grupo Treo merengue
Everybody Wants You Billy Squier abs
Fragilidad Rhythms Del Mundo stretching
Gangnam Style Psy kpop
Good Feeling Flo Rida warmup
Good Time (Feat. Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen) Owl City warmup
Hasta Que Salga el Sol Don Omar samba/batucada
Iko Iko Captain Jack calypso
Its Like This And Like That Soundchek merengue/reggaeton
Just a Dream
Karamu (tweaked) John P. Kee & The New Life Community Choir african
La Dieta Quebradita
La Dueña del Swing Los Hermanos Rosario merengue
Lagartija Azul Fonseca cumbia
Lipgloss Lil' Mama abs
Love on Top, Final
Marcha Re Terra Samba Samba
Meniando La Cola salsa
Pasarela Daddy Yankee merengue/pop
Pégate - Merengue Grupo Treo merengue
Peponi (ft. Alex Boye) The Piano Guys (ft. Alex Boye) stretching
Play That Funky Music Wild Cherry
Sadi Gali Lehmber Hussainpuri bhangra
Stronger Glee Cast
Sweet Girl - Merengue House Zumba Fitness merengue
Todo Duro Ceceu Muniz axe
Trai La Bulla Zumba Fitness Cumbia/Merengue
Udd Udd Dabaang Lalit Pandit bollywood
ULA - ULA FABIO EL DUEÑO DE LA MELODIA samba
Un Poco de Swing Watatah swing
Vamos Pa' La Pista Zumba Fitness salsa
Verano Solido Merengue Mega Mix 30 Merengue
What Makes You Beautiful One Direction
Witchy Woman Kristin Chenoweth tango/cha cha

Songs for BYU class

Treats for Halloween: Long overdue. Here is the list of songs so far for Fall BYU class.

Ai Se Eu Te Pego Michel Teló axé/cumbia
Baila Mi Son Ensamble salsa
Balans K-Liber4life caribbean
Bang Bang David Bustamante flamenco
Bang Bang K'naan & Adam Levine 30%
Brokenhearted Karmin warmup
Bulería David Bisbal flamenco
Chori Chori - Bhangra Zumba Fitness Bhangra
Como Has Logrado Vicente Garcia stretching
Delirious [Edit] Prince toning
Descarga de la Luz Orquesta de La Luz salsa
Don't Stop The Party Pitbull featuring TJR warmup
Enamórate Grupo Treo merengue
Este-Party-Esta-Prendio Zumba Fitness merengue
Everybody Wants You Billy Squier abs
Feliz Navidad Tito El Bambino calypso
Fragilidad Rhythms Del Mundo salsa
Funky Monkey "Rio" Soundtrack brazilian funk
Gangnam Style Psy kpop
Get On Fay-Ann Lyons Alvarez soca
Good Feeling Flo Rida warmup
Good Time Owl City warmup
Hasta Que Salga el Sol Don Omar samba/batucada
Hot Chocolate Tom Hanks 30%, swing
Just a Dream 30%, abs
Karamu (tweaked) John P. Kee & The New Life Community Choir african
La Dieta Zumba Fitness Quebradita
La Dueña del Swing Los Hermanos Rosario merengue
La Velita Arcangel cumbia/reggaeton
Lagartija Azul Fonseca cumbia
Lipgloss Lil' Mama abs
Love on Top Beyonce 30%
Lovumba (Prestige) Daddy Yankee reggaeton
Marcha Re Terra Samba Samba
Mr. Grinch The Whirling Dervishes 30%
No Me Dejes Solo Kema bachata
Ojos Asi Shakira belly dance
Pa' BailarBajofondo tango
Pasarela Daddy Yankee merengue/pop
Peponi (ft. Alex Boye) The Piano Guys stretching
Play That Funky Music Wild Cherry 30%
Real Gone Sheryl Crow 30%
Sadi Gali Lehmber Hussainpuri bollywood
Salome Zumba Fitness salsa
Salsaton (Salsa) El Rubio Loco salsaton
Sweet Girl Zumba Fitness merengue
Tengo la Voz• Nortec Collective latin
Udd Udd Dabaang Lalit Pandit bollywood
ULA - ULA FABIO EL DUEÑO DE LA MELODIA samba
Un Poco de Swing Watatah swing
Vamos Pa' La Pista Zumba Fitness salsa
Verano Solido Merengue Mega Mix 30 Merengue
Waka Waka Shakira african
What Makes You Beautiful One Direction 30%, rock
Yeah, Usher Remix, samba/batucada
Zoomer Les Jumo african/french

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Zumba PARTY this Friday!

Paige is leaving the OFC and Orem. :( We're going to send her away with a heart pumping, beat thumping, fun jumping PARTY! It's THIS Friday at SCERA Center for the Arts (downstairs studio). We'll have party lights and blacklights and glow bracelets. Admission is $5. THIS will be the event not to miss!

Zumba PARTY!
Friday, October 19
8:30 p.m.
SCERA Center for the Arts
745 South State Street

Make your way downstairs. Follow the music. It will be SO FUN!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Need some inspiration to get going? This should do it!

What an amazing attitude! She needed help, though, and it took ANOTHER person with an equally positive attitude. We ALL need each other. Bring your positive energy to everything and everyone and miracles can happen!


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Heartfelt, good advice.

This woman's message touches on SEVERAL things I've mentioned in the past. "You are more than a number on the scale." And "watch what you say about yourself and others"--your children are listening!

This is worth 4 minutes. Fabulous.


Monday, September 24, 2012

Just in case you didn't know...

Here is the official announcement:


This won't change our fun! I'm still teaching and Zumba keeps me going! I feel my absolute best in class! If you feel Zumba is too much for you, well, follow the pregnant lady and you'll be fine!

By the way, here is my "response" to the above news:


He, he! Still getting used to it!

Friday, August 24, 2012

We're on for Saturday at 8:30pm!

ZUUUUUUUMBAAAAA! IT'S ON! Yes it's last minute and yes maybe only 5 of you will come but I don't care! We'll do it because you are all going to go insane if you don't get your Zumba. I couldn't get the room for Saturday morning, which is a nice normal time to work out on a weekend, but you'll just have to put on your party mood at NIGHT. I have a BBQ I must attend so we gotta settle our dinners and meet at 8:30pm at SCERA. Downstairs in their awesome studio. I love those people there. Are you IN?!

$3 a person, or whatever you can bring. Help me spread the word. Everyone bring a friend! We'll have a blast!

Friday, August 17, 2012

Orem Rec closing for 2 weeks, shall we find a place to dance?

The Orem Rec is closing August 20-Sept 3. This will mean almost THREE WEEKS for our classes. This is extremely detrimental to your fitness habits! I have only been able to find time at a studio on Saturday, August 25, to rent space. Cost would be $3, but I'm only going to do it if I hear from enough of you to cover rental cost. I will try to get the black lights again and it will be SO FUN. Let me know! Email me, or leave a comment here.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

We know Zumba® is FUN, but is it effective?

Check out the details of this study by the American Council on Exercise.



Find the print article of this report HERE.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Great Post-workout snack

When we workout late at night, you probably should have a little snack to help you recover so you don't wake up drained and exhausted. Here is a snack I like. It has a load of protein, as well as a few carbohydrates to restore my body. And I don't go to bed feeling stuffed.


1/2 c cottage cheese
1/4 fresh or frozen berries (raspberries or blueberries)
1/4 cup granola

You can find this and MANY more recipes on the "Recipes" tab above. I hope you enjoy them!

Monday, April 30, 2012

More benefits to exercise

You've heard me say there are many more benefits to exercise than weight loss. Remind yourself what a good thing you are doing by reviewing this article from Parade Magazine.

http://www.parade.com/health/stay-healthy/2012/04/29-secrets-to-a-better-smarter-workout.html

I especially liked the part about how music can make you work harder without realizing it. That's exactly what we do in Zumba class! See you there!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Blacklight Zumba is the BOMB!

I can't believe how fun that party was! Thanks to all of you that came! I didn't take a ton of pics so please share on the facebook group if you have some to share.

LOVE YOU ALL!











Monday, April 9, 2012

BYU Winter Semester Songs

Here are the songs we've enjoyed. WOW! A lot of different rhythms--I counted 18! You are world dancers now! Send me your favorites and we'll do as many as possible on our last day. :( Have a great summer and find a Zumba class wherever you go at www.zumba.com.


Song Title Artist Rhythm
Aña Pa Mi Tambor La Excelencia salsa
Bang Bang K'naan & Adam Levine
Brokenhearted Karmin pop
Bulería David Bisbal flamenco
Cachondea Fruko y Sus Tesos salsa
Cumbia Arabe  Zumba Fitness cumbia
Danca Da Maozinha
Axe
El Amor
cumbia
El Diablo Anda Suelto Rey Ruiz cha cha
El Marciano Merengue
Enamórate Grupo Treo merengue
Estamos Calienticos Zumba Fitness samba
Forget You Glee Cast
Fragilidad Rhythms Del Mundo stretching
Fuego A La Jicotea Zumba Fitness salsa
Game On Pitbull, Tkzee & Dario G soca
Girls Just Wanna Dance! Robin Skouteris mashup
Give It to You Eve ft. Sean Paul hip hop
Good Feeling Flo Rida
Hella Decale DJ Mam bhangra, cumbia
Hokey Pokey The Puppies
Hola My Friend Zumba Fitness Tahitian
Hold My Hand (with Akon) Michael Jackson
Iko Iko Captain Jack calypso
Its Like This And Like That Soundchek merengue/reggaeton
Jump (Soca) Zumba Fitness soca
Kiss Kiss Tarkan Belly Dance
La Dieta
Quebradita
La Dueña del Swing Los Hermanos Rosario merengue
La Fiesta de Pilito
salsa
La Gota Fria Carlos Vives cumbia
La Piragua Carlos Vives cumbia
Ladies' Choice Zac Efron
Lovumba (Prestige) Daddy Yankee reggaeton
Mambo Bandoleros flamenca
Marcha Re Terra Samba Samba
Matador
samba
Meniando La Cola
salsa
Miss Behave Fay-Ann-Lyons soca
MoveYourBody Beyonce
Papi (Mixin Marc & Tony Svedja Radio) Jennifer Lopez
Party Rock LMFAO
Pégate Grupo Treo merengue
Peponi (ft. Alex Boye) The Piano Guys
Quedate Mas Los Super Reyes cumbia
Quiebra
quebradita
Ritmo Caliente Zumba Fitness soca
Salsaton El Rubio Loco salsaton
Sigue Gozando Con Zumba Zumba Fitness salsa
Sol do Sul Daniela Mercury
Trai La Bulla Zumba Fitness Cumbia/Merengue
Tunak Tunak Tun Zumba Fitness Bhangra
Turbo Polka Atomik Harmonik polka
What Makes You Beautiful One Direction
Why Wait Rascal Flatts country line dance
Zoomer Les Jumo african

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Don't drink the calories. Wash them away with water.



'nuff said.

Except: Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are something to be cautious of, and using them continues to develop your habit of needing something sweetened. The BEST plan is plain water.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Room to MOVE! Classes now in the gym.

I don't know why we waited so long. After 90+ people this week, we finally decided for safety reasons we had to move the Tuesday/Thursday class to the gym. We worried about sound, we worried about fans, but in the end, the risk of getting smacked in the head by a fellow dancer was the most important factor. Limiting the size of the class was the other option and no one wants to do that!

It turns out, it was AWESOME! The sound was fine, and opening the gym doors helped cool things off quite a bit. We'll try to get some fans to blow the air around.

I, for one, loved it! If you've been away for awhile, it's time to join us! Plenty of room! And the energy from the class was great! They were all smiles.

Not sure about Saturday classes, yet.

This is REALLY good advice.

With my "survey" last week on the things you hear people say about their bodies, I hope we've all realized that we are SIGNIFICANTLY INFLUENCED by other people more than we notice. We need to choose which voices we listen to and start thinking more proactively and positively, instead of just reacting to the negativity. So a really smart lady in my Zumba Gold class sent me this picture that pretty much sums it all up. LOVE IT!


Friday, March 23, 2012

Don't forget to Dance!

Yep, there's things you just gotta do. Might as well make them fun.

Here's what I noticed: Though the music is the same, everyone danced with their own style. And you know what? It's ALL great!


Saturday, March 17, 2012

Zumbaversary Celebration!

Friday the 13th. 


April 13.


Blacklight Zumba Party!

FREE!

I want to celebrate my Zumbaversary with all of you! Well, about 50 of you. I have rented the studio at SCERA and have arranged to have BLACKLIGHTS to make it really fun! I can't wait!

It's true there is no charge, but I would love if you could bring a donation to SCERA. SCERA is a non-profit organization providing good quality productions for the community at a very reasonable price. They have family friendly movies showing all the time, and summer movie series for kids at a rock-bottom rate. They have all kinds of classes for everything from film production to ballroom dance (taught by fellow Zumba enthusiast, Shawn Mortensen). 

Please, hear me out:

When my daughters were in the elementary school plays I first thought it was a lot of work and was a little over the top. But I volunteered to take backstage footage and make a video for all the cast to keep. While I was backstage (a lot) I saw what that production did for those kids. They had gained confidence, friendships, and had learned to work hard together. I even saw a group of them walking together with elbows linked, singing at the top of their lungs, "Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match!" Can you believe? Not a silly teeny-bopper song. I was sold on the value of theater for both the audience and the production team. 

So, sometimes we only think of charities as giving out food and clothing to those in need. Those are important, but I hope you'll consider the charity of SCERA as one that proactively builds strong and capable citizens for our community by the work they do. And it is SO nice for my family to go see their productions and have a great time together--affordably. Check them out at www.scera.org.

Currently, the wood floor in the studio is badly in need of refinishing. I'd love to help them get that done. If you know of someone who would be willing to donate materials, time or labor to this project please call the SCERA: 801-225-ARTS and ask for April.

Please bring a donation for SCERA to the AWESOME FUN BLACKLIGHT ZUMBA PARTY on Friday, April 13th. All of your donations are tax-deductible. If you bring a check, make it out directly to SCERA.

And I'm worried about running out of space, so email me if you plan to come! And everyone will need to have a signed waiver. If you could print this out and bring it with you, it would save a lot of time when everyone arrives. Thanks!

The party will be 8-9:30 p.m. Woo hoo!

THANK YOU!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

My Zumbaversary is Coming! This means fun for YOU!

I first got the courage to try Zumba on April 14, of 2009. I was under a lot of stress and needed the outlet. I was so nervous of what people would think of me trying to dance those latin dances. The teacher, Melissa, asked at the beginning, "is anyone here for the first time?" and I was instantly put at ease because I realized it was okay if I was new.

I did get lost a few times. But I had SO MUCH FUN! I made it a priority to keep going because it brought a ray of joy to my life when I needed it.*

I have celebrated this "Zumbaversary" each year since to remember the good it did for me, and for what I am now able to do for others. It helps me remember what it's like for the new person. I'm teaching the morning of April 14, at 9am. I want to extend a special invitation for anyone who has never tried Zumba. It would mean a lot to me to introduce you to the fun of Zumba on my Zumbaversary! I'll try extra hard that day to make it first-time-user-friendly.

ALSO, I'm working on celebrating my Zumbaversary in a super fun way with all of you that have been coming to my classes already. Stay tuned for details. Until then... share with me what your first time in a Zumba class was like, and what is it that keeps you still coming. Send me an email or post your comments below.

Thank you for being a part of my class. I really am so happy that we can share the fun together.

*read more about my first time in Zumba here.

UPDATE: Details on the BLACKLIGHT ZUMBA® PARTY here:
http://zumbaspot.blogspot.com/2012/03/zumbaversary-celebration.html

Friday, March 2, 2012

Be Happy! Here's how:

Winter gets me down a bit. You, too?

I thought this was a great article. Pick one item and make a little change. Let me know how it works for you.

http://www.marcandangel.com/2012/03/01/10-ways-happy-people-choose-happiness/

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Recent Songs

I hope I'm not leaving out your favorite, but here are songs we've done recently. Enjoy, but don't get sick of them!
Song Title Artist
Bailando Con Lola Various Artists
Bomba Camara Various Artists
Cachondea Fruko y Sus Tesos
Cause I Said So Ne-Yo
Enamórate Grupo Treo
Estamos Calienticos Zumba Fitness
Feeling Good Michael Bublé
Fire Burning Sean Kingston
Funky Monkey Rio Soundtrack
Good Feeling Flo Rida
Hey Pachuco!
Its Like This And Like That Soundchek
Just a Dream
La Dueña del Swing Los Hermanos Rosario
La Gota Fria Carlos Vivos
La Temperatura Zumba Fitness
Ladies' Choice Zac Efron
Mambo - Rumba Flamenca Bandoleros
Meniando La Cola - Salsa Zumba Fitness
Mi Con Con - Latin Hip Hop Zumba Fitness
Miss Behave Fay-Ann-Lyons
Na Ponta Do Pe Zumba Fitness
Peponi
Play That Funky Music Wild Cherry
Push Back Square One
Ritmo Caliente  Zumba Fitness
Sacudelo Willy Chirino 
Salsaton El Rubio Loco
Save the Last Dance for Me Michael Bublé
Sigue Gozando Con Zumba Zumba Fitness
Sobreviviré (I Will Survive) Azucar Moreno
Sol do Sul Daniela Mercury
Taboo Don Omar
Trai La Bulla Zumba Fitness
Zoomer Les Jumo
Zumba Samba Karmin Shiff 

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

What exercise does for your brain

I'm not the only one telling ya that exercise benefits much more than your waistline.

Check out this short article from Shape Magazine:

http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/your-brain-exercise

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Rule of Three: Keep those good habits going!

New Year's gives us a new determination to start fresh with our good habits. Keep in mind The Rule of Three: it takes three weeks to establish a good habit. But guess how long it takes to break it? Only three DAYS. Thinking about skipping out on your new schedule? Choose carefully! In just three days you can slow your momentum. A body in motion stays in motion. Keep it up! You're doing great!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Find Your Thing

What's the best form of exercise? You've heard me say this before, "The one you like." You're a bagillion times more likely to stick with it. So I like this video that illustrates that point. I love Zumba®. I also love to run and do some weight training. What's your thing? Whatever it is, stick with it until you find it!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Why is everyone else better at this than me?

Are you new to Zumba®? I want you to know three things:

1) Zumba is designed to be easy to follow and fun. Some songs are easier than others. I try to offer a variety of rhythms, music, and dance styles. This variety is good for your body, too.

2) Everyone else that has been coming regularly knows *most* of the routines pretty well, so each class they only have to learn the one or two new songs that I bring. But at your first class, ALL the songs are new, so give yourself a break if you seem to not be "getting it" like everyone else. When I first came to a Zumba class, I got so lost on one song that I completely stopped moving just to watch the instructor for a minute and try to figure out what was going on. It's okay!

3) Give it at least three chances before you decide you can't do it! You'll be surprised how quickly you get used to the basic steps, you'll get used to the routines, and you're body will adjust to feeling all those new muscles you didn't know you had! And you'll relax enough to recognize how much you are SMILING and having a great time!


Tuesday, January 3, 2012

What to expect at your first class

My friend Shannon Robinson teaches Zumba in Springville. She posted a great summary of what to expect your first time. She's a smart girl! Thanks, Shannon.

http://springvillezumba.com/what-to-know-your-first-class/

I asked my class members to post comments about what their first Zumba class was like. You might like to read their comments here. http://zumbaspot.blogspot.com/2012/03/zumbaversary.html

Also, check the "FAQs" tab above to see other Frequently Asked Questions.