Zumba has become one of the biggest fitness names in the world right now. It certainly has the marmite effect – You will either love it or hate it. For many it is a release, where they can forget what is going on in their life & be happy for that hour. 

Beto Perez came up with Zumba when he forgot his music tape in his aerobics class over 11 years ago and just used the tape he had in his car. He created Zumba so anyone can do it, and this is so true. They have instructors from teenagers up to those in there 90s, disabled instructors and those who never thought they ever teach a fitness class but got the Zumba bug by attending classes as a participant.

It has changed so many lives, from giving people hope in losing weight, boosting confidence, overcoming health / mental conditions, giving them a purpose in life and giving many a career they love. 

I got in to Zumba as I saw a TV interview with Beto when it first came to the UK and instantly I wanted to try it. As someone with a physical disability I found it was the first fitness class I was able to do. I could easily adapt it. I was overweight and through attending a class, I started to lose weight. I loved it & I quite literally forgot everything that was going on in my life. I loved the music and for the first time in years I started to get the real me back. Some of my friends did not understand why I loved it & why it became a big part of my life. It was only when I walked away from an abusive relationship that it clicked and they worked out why. I wanted to do the instructor training but my ex would not let me. Saying I couldn’t do it as I was disabled. 

At this point, when I had walked, I started to rebuild my life. I had lost half a stone in weight with a fair amount to go, was still lacking confidence despite me slowly gaining some! I Still was depressed and having panic attacks. Through the break up, I went to many more classes and over time I got the real me back. I had the support from my closest friends, some I had met in a Zumba class. Some had been through what I was going through, and we still best of friends today 6.5 years on…..

In all I lost over 2 stone, and I was trying to find a job that truly suited me. After I cracked a bone in my shoulder joint, I got in the gym & worked with a PT friend who got me doing things the physio could not do. After a year of physio, hydrotherapy and the gym 3/4 times a week, my shoulder is 90% back to normal. I was told I should do it as a job and that I could inspire so many people mainly those with disabilities. 

I found a level 2 gym course through Instructability, a funded programme to train up disabled people to become gym instructors. I applied got on & completed my level 2 gym instructor & my level 3 exercise & disability qualifications. 

I was told by my tutors to get myself booked on the Zumba instructor training. Which I did. Loved it and soon after got my first class. 3 years later I’m still teaching that class and love it. It is my favourite class as i not only Love the ladies but it’s the 1 class I am attached too. I have built it up from nothing to a popular class. I also go into schools and teach children aged 4-18 with physical or learning disabilities across all schools in my area. 

I have gone on to work for my local council & for the past 3.5 years I have worked on the exercise referral gym sessions, and for the last 2 years I have been the lead instructor on the inclusion teams gym sessions for adults with physical & learning disabilities. I am also lead coach on other sports sessions they run. 

Many people will never get the fun, happiness that people feel when they do Zumba. It’s a feeling, a connection not to just dance or the music but with the people you meet through it. 

Zumba have provided me with many opportunities including dancing on stage with Beto, to being a ZCOM volunteer (Zumba community council!) which I love. I love all the events I go too and love the academies every July when Beto comes to the UK. I still yet to and would love a session at the Zumba Convention on the power of Zumba with disabled clients and how to adapt. Yes, everyone knows I love Beto (including Beto himself!) but I love him for many reasons, yes he is good looking, has the body etc etc but he is the kindest, politest, most humble down to earth and thoughtful guy you will ever meet. Not only has he created something I can do, but given me hope, confidence, friendships and most of all a career I love, which has gone on to provide many opportunities outside from Zumba. I have become the first UK disabled fitness presenter & I have worked with some fab, amazing people. This I cannot thank him enough for. If it wasn’t for me watching that interview with him & trying a class I have no idea what I be doing now…

My memories of the many times I met Beto 

Next time you think of saying to someone why do you love Zumba so much…. Take a step back and think of what you love doing and imagine them saying that to you…… For many Zumba Is their therapy like it was for me.

 I have done a lot of thinking and reflecting this past week or so and I have realised how important Zumba is in my life. It has connected with my heart and that cannot be broken. 

Zumba – the dance, the music is a feeling and connection that some people get and when they do its magical. 

So Thank you Beto for creating your ‘baby’ and giving so many people worldwide so much enjoyment out of it. 

Launching the #ZumbaLove campaign with my fellow UK ZCOM Volunteers at this years UK Academy. 

To find a Zumba class near you, please go to Zumba.com