We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Barbara Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Barbara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?
I first attended a Zumba ®️ Fitness class when I moved to Canton , GA 16 years ago ! I had never heard of this format but I fell in love with it. The music is upbeat and catchy , I met lots of friends and thoroughly enjoyed the class . Zumba®️ Fitness feels like just fun dancing and not exercise ! You’re burning mega calories , as well as getting in an excellent cardio interval workout .
After attending classes for a year or so , I decided to get license to teach the format ! The training consist of one day of fun , high energy and learning the Basics 1 rhythms which are Merengue , Cumbia , Salsa and Reggaeton .
About a month after becoming a licensed Zumba Instructor , I picked up my first class at a Ymca followed by Bally Total Fitness . I’ve since moved on to teach for Forsyth County Parks and Recreation where I teach 10 classes , morning and evening ! I also teach at a Senior apartment complex and a Senior Recreation Center where by popular demand I was asked to add on another Zumba Gold/Toning class which is primarily for Senior Adults .
A majority of my classes are Zumba ®️ Gold , Zumba®️ Toning and Mixxed Fitt®️ which is another dance fitness format but more of a Hitt style class !
So, to make a longer story a little shorter , I would say Zumba®️ Fitness has changed my life in a positive way ! I’ve lost 65-70 lbs recently , now maintaining my weight ! Zumba ®️ has become my antidepressant , my saving go to exercise for the day !
As a Zumba®️ Instructor for almost 16 years , I’ve met many people and I’ve changed lives as well as my life changing !
After 3 years of instructing , I decided to apply to be a Zumba ®️ Jammer which is a Choreography Specialist who selects songs , choreographs and teaches original choreography to Zumba ®️ instructors to teach in their classes ! I’ve been a Zumba ®️ Jammer for almost 13 years !
So in closing , I would like to say I’ve probably saved many lives through weight loss , mental health and more ! The fact that I teach Zumba®️ Fitness to my students and it’s a great passion of mine because I know I am enriching lives , including my own !
Barbara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I basically got into the fitness industry by being a student myself ! I wanted a workout that was fun and didn’t feel like working out !
Zumba ®️ Is good for the mind , body and soul !
When you have a student who comes up to you and tell you how much they appreciate your class , it’s heart -warming !
I feel my purpose in life is to help people become healthier , happier and achieve a lot of personal goals in life !
I want people to know I am humble and giving and give 💯 percent commitment to make their first class experience or Choreo Zin ®️ Jam Session the best
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I truly have a passion for what I do ! I’ve been told personally how Zumba has helped them feel and look better and have better self confidence . It has definitely built up my self confidence because I’ve been so shy all my life and had low esteem !
I smile in class and make an effort to get to know my students which helps me!
Every Friday we go for donuts and fellowship , have annual birthday celebrations and more !
People know I’m “real” and show my passion !
I always tell a first time student when attending my class , no wrong moves.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I’ve been resilient every since I gained 60-70 lbs during the beginning of the Pandemic ! I was determined to lose weight , fit back into my old zumba clothes and summer clothes ! Summer is my favorite season .
Also , 4 years ago , I lost my son in a tragic car crash ! Many times it was hard to get up out of bed and go teach ! Well , with the help /support of friends , I pushed through classes , fundraisers etc .
I know my son would want me doing what I love and helping others !
Contact Info:
- Instagram: zjbarbara
- Facebook: Facebook/zumbalady
- Linkedin: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-kay-smith-50224548