A Different Kind of Student
2012
At a Curves gym in South Florida, the woman at the head of the Zumba class oozes so much confidence, energy and optimism that her students are in awe. Class participants regularly approach her afterward and marvel at her energy, asking where she gets it. “I look at them and say, ‘I can’t begin to tell you … I appreciate the compliment, but you too can feel this energy.’”
This is a moment when Tamara Kodner, a licensed Zumba instructor, might pull out the photograph that she constantly carries with her: an image of her taken a few years earlier, leaning on a cane.
For the past 10 years, the Hollywood, Fla., resident has suffered from multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and a vision disorder called trigeminal neuralgia — as well as the mental and emotional turmoil that accompanies such conditions — but you’d never know it. She hasn’t needed that cane since 2009, and says she owes it all to Zumba Fitness. “This is the best I have felt in my entire life,” she says.
Kodner isn’t alone. People across the globe are discovering the mental and physical benefits of Zumba classes on conditions ranging from disabilities such as blindness, Down syndrome and even paraplegia to diseases like Parkinson’s, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. But it’s not just in the steps. The fact that Zumba fitness is a highly social form of exercise with a built-in support system makes it a great outlet for people dealing with special issues, say experts. Furthermore, the free-flowing, low-pressure classes provide the perfect environment for students who prefer a group setting but need to move at their own pace.
Just ask Beth Hochstein. In 2007, the podiatrist and mother of two sat in her car after leaving her neurologist’s office and wept until she couldn’t breathe. She had just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Shortly afterward, the Great Neck, N.Y., resident discovered a local Zumba class and gave it a shot. “I was instantly hooked. Zumba classes gave me strength and courage, and I lost myself, and my illness, in the great music and moves. I was officially a Zumba fitness addict.”
Hochstein says that some of the top physical benefits of Zumba workouts for PD patients and others are that it improves cognitive functioning and memory, helps with focus and concentration, decreases rigidity and improves posture, reduces tremors and slowness of gait, and improves fine and gross motor skills.
She has since become licensed and is active in passing on the message that life with PD doesn’t have to be unlivable. Hochstein teaches a “Zumba for PD” class specifically for fellow sufferers, and she recently organized two Parkinson’s Zumbathon events to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation. But the true benefit, she says, is the feedback she receives from her classes.
“Even though I am helping others overcome their difficulties, my students help me, too,” she says. “Seeing the happiness on their faces at the end of class and the ease of their movement when they leave makes teaching rewarding to me!”
By Chelsea Greenwood / Photograph by Tami Wilkes
Excerpted from the Z-LIFE Winter 2012 issue.
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This was an excellent article. It may inspire some people who don’t think they can attempt a physical activity like Zumba Fitness to give it a go. Very inspiring and well done to all the students and Zumba instructors.
I was the heaviest I have ever been and was diagnosed with diabetes. A few weeks later a few friends took me to a Zumba Party and I haven’t stopped. I lost weight and the diabetes is gone. I have met many new friends and we all support each other. It’s not only exercise, its a way of life!
I was diagnosed with MS in 2008 at the age of 43. I had problems with balance, dizziness and numbness. In June of 2011, a friend took me to a Zumba class. Even though I thought I’d never be able to do it, I stuck with it and have been attending faithfully 3 to 4 times a week since then. My balance is so much better as well as my other symptoms. I am so grateful to Tami, Iris, Fatime and Grady (our wonderful Zumba instructors!) who have given me back my mobility and a new love of life. I will never be able to thank them enough for the love and support they give and how they have changed my life. Zumba love really works!
I am 68 years young and do high impact zumba twice a week at 24 Hour fitness in Annapolis, MD. I’ve been in many exercise programs over the years. I started in aerobic dance and danced for 8 years. It became “out of fashon”. I was thrilled that another dance program came along. The highlight of my week are my Zumba “days”. The average age of our class would probably be early 40′s. Most of the younger woman can’t can’t keep up with me. I lost 16 lbs pounds last spring and am now a size two. After 30 years of physical fitness I will tell you I’ve never had endorphins liberated like they do with Zumba. I feel wonderful, look great and having way too much fun to call Zumba exercise.
I can attest to the health benefits of Zumba. In July of 2011, I had 2 strokes. They left me exhausted, & not feeling like myself; I wondered if I’d ever feel ” normal” again! I’m happy to say that, since returning to my Zumba classes, I rarely think of my recent health crisis. I feel GREAT, & hope to feel that way for a long, long time. I’m feeling 58 years “young”.
That is so true! It benefits me physically, mentally and emotionally. Zumba has literally saved me from suicide in my battle with Depression and General Anxiety Disorder.
wow what an article,you certainly give me hope i also have fibromyalgia and m.e i would so love to have the energy n motivation you have god bless ya huni n thank you soo much xxx
I was really inspired by Tamara story, I was diagnosed 12 years ago and have no energy. I used to love to walk for exercise and now I do nothing but because of Tamara and Beth am going to try a Zumba class and would love to stay in touch with both of them.