Monday, September 8, 2014

ZINspiration Mondays: Ana Moreno

This week's ZINspiration comes from Ana Moreno, who lives in Long Island, NY and has been licensed to teach Zumba since December 2011.  Ana was overweight as a child and through her college years. She realized her potential and lost weight with a lot of hard work, and is now a fitness and wellness coach for others. Here is her story.

The Z Beat: How has Zumba impacted you?

Ana: Zumba has impacted my life in SO MANY WAYS. Before I became an instructor, I took Zumba classes and had a personal trainer, and lost 70+lbs! I felt more confident and I was always in the front row during class and would dream about how amazing it would feel to teach, so in 2011 I decided to become Zumba licensed. Ever since getting my license, my life has been blessed in SO many ways. I have met so many friends through my classes, and as an instructor I was forced to be more outgoing and social, which I was not for so many years. I used to have really bad anxiety and public speaking was terrifying, but now I teach a class full of women (sometimes over 60!), and I am anxiety free! I love what I do! You meet wonderful people and are also able to impact the lives of others... and HAVE A GREAT TIME all at once. 

The Z Beat: What are your three favorite songs to use in class right now?
Ana: 1. Revolution by Diplo; 2. I’m Into You by Jennifer Lopez; and 3. Hasta Abajo by Don Omar

The Z Beat: What was the funniest thing that ever happened while teaching a class?

Ana: Realizing halfway through the class that I had a hole in my pants, ON MY BUTT! No one wanted to tell me to keep me from embarrassment, but as I did a turn I caught a glimpse of the rip... and the look on my face was priceless! I lost my place in the music and my class had to continue the routine as I stood there for a second thinking about all the moves I did that might have made the rip worse. Luckily it was only a group of women and they were all like "It's okay, we're all women here!" ...So embarrassing.

The Z Beat: What is your best advice for new ZINs?

Ana: You are unique and have your own style and way of teaching. Never compare yourself to other ZINs. Not everyone is going to like you... and don’t ever take that personally! There will even be times where you will have students walk out of class. I used to be a Zumba student and remember when a sub was covering for the permanent instructor… there were times when people would walk out of the room! You will attract students that love your style. So remember... BE YOURSELF, DANCE YOUR HEART OUT, and don’t EVER get offended - you will have your own following who will LOVE YOU FOR YOU and your own awesome, unique ways.

The Z Beat: What else should we know about you?

Ana: I teach at the following locations:
  • New York Sports Club: Long Beach, NY Wednesday 6:30pm & Sunday 10:00am
  • New York Sports Club: Garden City, NY Thursday 9:30am
  • Lucille Roberts Rockville Centre, NY Saturday 9:30am

You can learn more about me here:
www.facebook.com/fitnesswithanamoreno and www.anamoreno.zumba.com.


 

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