About Pat Thompson:

Married with one son and 2 stepdaughters.  I live in Wichita and my husband and I own an Automotive Shop in downtown Wichita.  My interests include: dancing, snowskiing and traveling.

 

Started Zumba in January of 2009

 

How did you hear about the Zumba Classes?  After my Kidney transplant I was looking for a dance aerobic class.  Care to Dance demonstrated a Zumba Class at the Womens Fair.  I was unsure but tried anyway.. now i'm hooked!

 

What keeps you coming back?  Zumba is not only a blast, but a total workout.  Gina keeps it fun and has sparked interest for me and my husband to learn more about dancing.

 

What results have you seen?  I have lost 12 lbs and several inches since i started Zumba and i feel really good.  It's definitely helped my overall health and appearance.

 

What types of songs or rhythms do you like best?  I like Reggae, salsa, & hip hop.

 

What makes these classes different than working out at the gym, healthclub, etc?  I like working out at the gym also, i get great fitness benefits at the studio with Zumba AS WELL as a fun social outing!

You don't have to be an expert dancer.  It's just like follow the leader and everyone has their own special style.- Pat Thompson

 

 Mother and Daughter Zumba Team!  Jodi and Sherri!

 

 Both started Zumba Classes with Gina February 2010

 

 

 

 

 

About Jodi Lower:  An identical twin, who is yet to be married or have any kids. I work as a paraeducator for USD 259 which I love, but oddly enough have a degree in business. I’m also currently pursuing a Masters degree. I enjoy dancing, live music and traveling when time and money allow.

 

About Sherri Lower:

 

 

Mother of now grown identical twin daughters and married for 40 years. I retired from Wesley hospital after I went legally blind in 2008. Luckily, enough of my vision was spared that I can do Zumba independently as long as I’m at the front of the class. When I can’t see what’s going on at the front, one of the great things about Zumba is no cares if I’m doing it right as long as I’m having fun! Since I’ve started Zumba, my balance has improved significantly. Zumba has also given me back the confidence to know that I can still do things that I use to do before I lost my vision.

 

 

How did you hear about the Zumba Classes? 

Jodi- I had a Zumba video years ago. It was the only exercise video I had ever tried that I looked forward to doing but then managed to lose it. I went on a quest to find another way to experience Zumba and finally found Gina at the Women’s fair.

 

What results have you seen? 

Jodi-I think I have lost about 20lbs since starting Zumba. I love that my friends at work are calling me “skinny” now! More importantly, when I first started Zumba I had a rough time because I have an arrhythmia. I frequently had moments during Zumba and other physical activities where I would get very breathless or come close to passing out. By doing Zumba, I have finally conditioned my body to be able to handle physical exertion much better! I no longer fear passing out.

 

Sherri-I have lost 30 lbs since I started doing Zumba. I’ve also improved my balance which was a huge problem and I have much better confidence. I have also gained a new passion.

 

What makes these classes different than working out at a gym or healthclub?

What keeps you coming back?

Jodi and Sherri-

We love that Gina is always so energetic and that she keeps the class fresh and fun. It’s great to be in a class that’s all about having a good time. We never feel like we are being judged on how well we do any of the moves and if we do mess up, people truly are laughing with you and not at you. Also we’ve made a lot of really great friends in Gina’s class.

I started on a mission Jan. 1, 2007 to lose weight and get into shape. So far I've dropped almost 90 lbs and over 62 inches! I have changed my lifestyle -

About Pamela Mendoza:

Mother of two beautiful daughters and grandma to a precious grandson. I have a  wonderful man in my life, who supports me 100%, including Zumba.  I also love children.  I work as a Paraeducator for USD 259.  I love my job very much. 

I am more active than i have been the past 4 years. Before,  i didn't want to go out in public for fear of people staring and probably talking abut how fat I am.  Now I just don't care what people think.  I like going places now.  Zumba has given me my confidence back!

Started Zumba in January 2009

What keeps you coming back?  Gina and the others keep me coming back. Plus, it is sooooooo much fun. I have told EVERYONE i know about it.

What results have you seen?  I'm not sure how much I have lost cause I have not weighed myself. But I feel it. It has affected me in a positive way. I feel better about myself. I do NOT have low self esteem anymore. I love myself.

What  makes these classes different than working out at the gym, healthclub, etc?  The difference is that I have fun cause you make it fun. People at gyms/healthclubs are so serious. Most important is that exercise has NEVER been more fun for me. It's an addiction and this is my fix. Plus, I have made many friends. You & zUmBa cReW at C2D are my 2nd family! I love you guys! Yay!

-Pamela Mendoza

 About Lisa Slape:  Married with two young kids.  I live in Andover, Kansas.  My interests is anything dancing, working out, listening to all kinds of music – music for every mood, going to Zumba, spending time with my friends and family, and going on vacation.  My hobbies are reading and jewelry making.  I am a part-time officemanager at Slape & Howard, Chtd baby-sit part-time.

Started Zumba in February 2008
 
How did you hear about the Zumba classes?  I saw a story in the paper and looked it up on-line.  I found out that Zumba was being taught at Care to Dance.
 
What do you like the most about the classes, including Hip Hop Hustle?  I like Zumba because it is not like you are working out, even though you are.  I love the music and the dance steps.  It is a lot of fun.  I like Hip Hop because I like all the new music and I like to put the dance steps together for one whole dance.  
 
What keeps you coming back?  I’m addicted.  It didn’t take very long.  I love Gina’s classes.  She always has a smile on her face and makes it fun for everyone.  It’s inspiring.
 
Recommend to friends?  I have actually brought some new people to class.  I recommended it to lots of people, men and women.  I have even recommended this class to someone in Kansas City.
 
What results have you seen/noticed since coming to class?  I have noticed a change in my waistline and my hips.  My jeans are getting too big.  When I started going to Zumba, I wore clothes that didn’t show my figure much.  I was too embarrassed to do so.  Now, I feel more confident with my body, that I actually started wearing clothes that were more fun and daring.
 
How has it affected other areas of your life?  I just feel great.  I think I am much happier.  I love to dance and I can do that now, and get a work out.  Now that I am more confident in some of the steps, it makes me want to learn more.   I feel like I have made new friends in Zumba.  I feel like it is a part of my life now.
 
What types of songs or rhythms do you like best when participating in Zumba?   Salsa, Cha-cha, hip hop, tango.