Like many others, Zumba has changed my life in so many ways……. 

My name is Lynne Ayers and and I turn 56 in September of 2010. My husband and I moved to Camano Island 4 years ago…..one of the best decisions of our lives.  In February 2009, I had a doctor’s appt that jump started my quest to improve my health and well being and a year-long focus on regaining control of my life…..mind, body and soul.  I was 60 lbs over my healthy body weight, had trouble doing any physical activities due to knee and hip issues (I could barely climb up our stairs in our home), chronic pain & limited range of motion from palindromic rheumatism, and I was sick and tired of feeling crummy.  My neighbor asked me to attend a “Zumba” class on Camano Island and there we met Juanita Kolbeck, Zumba Fitness Professional.  My journey truly started.

I was hooked on Zumba.  There was a freedom and joy to the class due to the music, movement and the passion that Juanita brought to each and every session.    An hour of moving to the driving beats, laughing, shaking my hips, and sweating left me wanting more.  I had never felt this good while exercising.  I added a third class to my repertoire and noticed some changes in my body.  Suddenly, I was shedding weight, feeling better, getting stronger and realizing that I really could get healthy and feel alive again.  Over 16 months, I've lost 57 pounds & my bodyfat is now 17% (down from 33%), decreased my pant size from 14/16 to 6/8, decreased and stopped taking most of my medications (28 pills/day to 2), developed a more positive outlook, and can now climb my stairs at home without pain. 

 I never thought that I could participate in a group fitness regimen again until I took Zumba.  You see, I was a Fitness Professional for 19 years before leaving my students, classes and the “best job I ever had” due to health issues.  I’ve been out of the fitness world since 2001 and never dreamed that I would come back as an instructor again.  I was a Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, and Instructor Trainer for land and water classes traveling from Mexico to Canada training other instructors and students.

During the Camano Island Senior Center Auction Gala in September 2009, I ran into a former student of mine from Mercer Island.  She asked me why I wasn’t teaching fitness classes.  I just laughed.  She continued to hound me several times during the evening and told me that I needed to teach again.  Suddenly, I thought that it might be possible.  It took me a few more weeks to truly believe that I could do it. 

I am thrilled to be a Zumba Instructor.  I have a new appreciation and passion for teaching.  There is nothing better than to be in a room with students, new and seasoned, and experience their joy, energy, and success.   Life is very good.  I am honored to partner with the other members of the Camano Island Zumba Fitness Team (Juanita, Lara, Justy, and Marcia) in creating a dynamic and fun Zumba program.  Please join the party and learn why Zumba may be the only fitness program that you’ll really love.  We are constantly adding new classes and times to the schedule so check back often . I look forward to seeing you in class.