How did you find Springs Salsa and Dance Fitness?
I was staffing a booth at the Women's Expo a couple year's ago for another organization, and all weekend I heard music playing and people whooping and stomping.  Every time I walked by they were having fun and working out and I thought, "Now that is something I can really get into!"  I had been dancing at a few places around town but wasn't reaching my fitness goals.  I decided to give Springs Salsa a try and found that I love Zumba®!

Why do you like the studio?
Springs Salsa is classy.  The atmosphere is colorful and welcoming.  They pay attention to the small details that make you feel like you are valued.  If you forget a hair tie they've got one for you, when you get sweaty they've got towels for you, when you're gone for awhile they miss you, and when you're FINALLY starting to feel fit and sexy they notice!

What's your story?
I have been a very active person since I was a child, but while I was in college I struggled to maintain an exercise regime that helped me to stay fit and healthy. This was compounded by a severe ankle injury that had me effectively "benched" for at least 6 months. By the end of that time I realized that I had gained more weight than I was happy with, but a bigger problem was that my back was developing chronic pain issues. I finally decided that I needed to make some changes.

At Springs Salsa I dedicated myself to Zumba classes 3-4 times per week as well as the abs and arms strengthening classes. In a year's time I lost 20 pounds (returned to my pre-college weight!), and strengthened my core to the point that my back pain has been completely eliminated. I know that this kind of exercise works, it is fun and easier to stick with than traditional gym routines, and now I try to share my love of dance fitness with other people who want to make positive changes in their bodies and lives!

About you
I grew up in Denver and moved to Colorado Springs to go to Colorado College. I love to travel and learn about new cultures so while I was in school I studied abroad in China and Mongolia. During my time there I studied the languages and experienced some very different ways of life. In Mongolia I spent a month living with nomadic families in one room, herding cattle from horseback and seeing some incredible expanses of pristine land. I love international music and art, and if you put my Ipod on shuffle you may come across some unusual sounds. After those experiences The Masala Bhangra Workout™ was a natural fit with its upbeat Indian music and unique reflection of Indian culture. When I'm not at the studio dancing I can often be found riding horses with a friend or curled up reading a good book.