 Since that opening night, which Woolard admits was the "very first
Zumba class I ever taught and of course most nerve-wracking," there
have been well over 1,000 participants in her program. "I would just
like to say how grateful I am that people even returned for my next
class!" she said. There were 37 in attendance at her very first
class.On March 11 this year, 74 participants enjoyed an hour and
a half of Zumba fitness while "glowing in the dark" for a
special-edition party to commemorate the second anniversary. DJ
Holly Payne-Moore provided the sound and much of the lighting
effects.
"I cannot explain the joy it brings to me to watch so many people
having the time of their life while working out!" Woolard exclaims.
"It is the testimonies of my clients that truly fuel my fire to keep
going."
These are testimonies of how clients' lives have been changed
through regular participation in the classes and especially with the
fellowship among the participants. "We're a family full of
encouragement, love and support, and we're always opening our arms
to new ones," Woolard says.
"And I still have my 'board of directors' who I keep close by for
accountability and the constructive criticism I need." She adds with
a grin: "I may not always like to hear it, but I need to hear it.
They are honest. And I love them for it."
In the past year, Woolard added two more instructors to her team.
Bethany Rea, of Lincoln, was certified in February 2012, and Beth
"Liz" Staton, also of Lincoln, was certified in December 2012.
Rea predominantly instructs the classes at the Freedom Hall Event
Center (VFW) on Fifth Street in Lincoln. Both of the additional
instructors also serve as substitutes to greatly minimize the
possibility of having to cancel a class.
"I want to ensure as many class opportunities as possible for my
clients," says Woolard, "In doing that, I needed extra instructors
to minimize life-conflicts with the schedule as much as I possibly
can."
Woolard explains that the two additional instructors bring with
them their own "flavor," and it creates a great variety in the
classes.
[to top of second column] |
Five regularly scheduled Zumba classes are taught each week in
three Logan County locations: the Emden Community House, Lincoln
Christian University's Laughlin Center gymnasium and the Freedom
Hall Event Center.
"My goal has always been to bring convenience and easy
accessibility to my clients," says Woolard.
After a strong demand for an additional Lincoln class and
location, Woolard opened her Tuesday night class at the Freedom Hall
Event Center last October. After having to close a short-lived
Atlanta location due to location conflicts, "Bethany was, of course,
ecstatic to start up classes again," said Woolard. "She is an
excellent instructor and an important part of this team.
"The people of the VFW Post 1756 have been so accommodating to
our class," she continued. "They are excited to have our crazy dance
party there every week, and it has been wonderful to have an extra
Lincoln class during the week."
Janell Woolard is a licensed Zumba Fitness instructor holding
licenses for Zumba Basic, Zumba Toning and Zumba Gold. In addition,
Woolard holds a Personal Fitness Trainer certification from the
Aerobics & Fitness Association of America. She currently lives in
Emden with her husband, Tim, and their two children.
Woolard's full class
schedule of times and locations can be found
at
www.janellwoolard.zumba.com, and she can be contacted via email
at janell.zumba@gmail.com.
[By JANELL WOOLARD] |
