Testimonials

Trim in 12
This program has already worked for several of our students -
see their pictures and read their stories . . .

 Check out our new STUDIO Students section and get to know many of the couples that work out at STUDIO Zumba® Fitness!

Our Secret!

Most people ask us if we are sisters, we are not.

Although we may not share the same parents, we do have a secret, we share the same primarily age-related disease process, Osteoporosis. As you are probably aware, Osteoporosis is a "thinning" of the bones, which causes them to become brittle and break easily.

We will track, over the next two years, what we are doing to try to stop the progression of this disease. We will share with you the results of our Dexa-scans (a non-invasive test to diagnose Osteoporosis), as well as other life-style changes and information relating to this potentially debilitating diagnosis.

"We wish we would have known 2 years ago what we know now about the importance of strength training," says Christi.

Sharon has been on meds (Actonel) for 1 year. Christi's doctor has recommended she start meds immediately. Christi is researching her options.

Sharon, age 59
Christi, age 50
Both are residents of Vandalia & regular attendees of the Zumba® for Medium Level class.

For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer.  -Arnold Schwarzenegger

Dedicated. Determined. Disciplined.
These are all words that people have used to describe me. I think that these words can be used to describe all of us in some way. We all have our priorities. Over the last three years my main priority has been fitness. Sure, I do have other priorities, but to me exercise is like brushing my teeth. I wouldn’t go a day without brushing them, so why would I go a day without exercise? Fitness is now a way of life for me. It is routine. It is my hobby. It is my passion.

I think the key in sticking with something is finding something you enjoy. I love to dance and I love upbeat music, so Zumba has been wonderful for me! I am so very thankful for Studio Zumba Fitness. After three years the excitement and joy of taking a Zumba class is stronger than ever!

As most people at the Studio know, I have lost over 60 lbs just doing Zumba. I then lost an additional 20lbs after starting Pump! (formerly known as Pump You Up) within one year. I never had my body fat tested before I started Zumba, but after about a year it was 21%. After 2 years I reached 17%. Now, 3 years later, my body fat is 13%! I have gone from buying clothes in the 22-26 size range to currently in the 4-6 range.

The studio’s weight training class, Pump! is where I was introduced to lifting weights. I was a pure beginner since I didn’t even know what a rep or a set was! In that class Doug taught me the importance of proper form and technique. I regularly attended Pump! three times a week for 2 ½ years. I always encourage people to take Pump! I certainly would not be at the level of fitness that I am now if I hadn't taken it. I now lift weights on my own 6 days a week isolating each muscle group intensely. For me the real magic of getting the body that I want begins in the weight room.

Now that I have built up endurance through Zumba and gained enough strength through weight training I have completed three races, the last one being The Arnold Classic 5K Pump and Run this last March. In that race I had to bench press 70% of my weight and then run 3 miles. In October I started to bench press with Doug and could hardly bench 100lbs for even 1 rep. Pretty pathetic! While working on my benching I would often think of a quote by Arnold Schwarzenegger “The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent.” After 5 months of training not only my body, but also my mind, I benched 100lbs for 15 reps on race day!

Nutrition has been a very important factor in losing weight and keeping the weight off. I have learned so much and am continuing to learn. One of the most important aspects that I have learned about nutrition is you have to eat!! I expect my body to work for me at 100% all day everyday, especially when I’m working out, so in return, I feed it! Every 2-4 hours I eat lean protein and complex carbohydrate. I eat before and after a workout and an hour before bed. I still have my favorites~Mexican, pizza, kung pao chicken and of course peppermint patties, but I have learned to make these dishes in a healthy way at home (except for the peppermint patties, I buy them :-]). Deprivation and starvation only lead to binging and being skinny fat! I want to be healthy, muscular, feminine and enjoy food!

So, what’s next? More races? Get involved in a sport? Martial arts? A physique competition? As my mom would say, “We’ll see”. I do know that I will continue to add classes to my swipe card at the STUDIO and lift weights with even more vigor. I suppose my ultimate goal is to create as many weaknesses in my physique as I can with the intention of having the best physique possible.

Angela Cade
Age 33
Troy, Ohio
Critical Care Nurse, RN

Women Must Exercise an Hour Each Day to Stay Lean, Study Says   “Wouldn’t it be better to prevent the weight gain in the first place, so you don’t have to subsequently lose weight and maintain that weight loss?” said Lee, an associate professor at Brigham and Woman’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, in a March 19 telephone interview. “If you’re a healthy weight and you want to prevent weight gain over time, you need to be physically active at least 60 minutes a day.”  Read the full article...

Barbara Harbor Evert, MD and Vice President / Chief Medical Officer
at the Upper Valley Medical Center in Troy, OH says
"An hour a day at STUDIO Zumba® Fitness is the prescription!"

When asked why I drive from Springfield to The STUDIO in Vandalia, my answer is always the same, why wouldn't I. If your goals are to better your health, lose some weight and just to have fun, then this IS the place. With all the different styles of Zumba, strength/toning classes, personal training, Masala Bhangra, Yoga/Pilates Fusion classes to choose from it is an easy choice to make each day. To call the Yoga/Pilates Fusion class and instructor Velvet exceptional would be an understatement. I have been personal training in yoga with Velvet for several months. She has helped me to grow in ways I did not think were possible. Her classes are so necessary and important for the development of core strength and balance which helps in all areas of life. Combined with the cardio of Zumba and Bhangra I have a very well rounded program. They compliment each other so well and Bhangra is amazing in its own right.

Much of my success I contribute to the thorough knowledge, dedication and encouragement of the whole team of instructors. The enthusiasm that they bring to each class is unmatched. One thing that I always say about The STUDIO is that you are treated on your hundredth visit the same as you were treated on your first. Doug and Joan's devotion to their clients, The STUDIO and their staff is exceptional and rare. With all that they offer, regular classes and so many special events it is accessible to most anyone, whatever your needs. I also feel compelled to mention the other clients of the studio, I have rarely met a more friendly group of people, always willing to be helpful or just to offer a smile. It would also be remiss of me if I did not mention Locolicious Juice and Coffee Bar, it is the after workout treat that brings it all together for me.

~ Dottie J. Clark, Springfield
   CPhT

Special thanks to Dottie: Doug & Joan and the entire staff appreciate all your kind words. We are thankful for YOU!
 

 Pump You Up Instructor Kris, Holiday Express in 8 program winner Tara,
Pump You Up Instructor Doug

STUDIO Zumba Fitness is absolutely amazing and has changed my life! I have attended classes at STUDIO Zumba Fitness for nearly a year and enjoy every instructor's intense workouts. The instructors exhibit high levels of energy, are friendly, willing to help you with dance moves or proper form for weight lifting, and have all inspired me to want to workout on a daily basis. In order to see maximum results, they have encouraged me to incorporate both cardio and weight training classes into my workout routine.

In November of 2009, I decided to take part in the STUDIO Zumba Fitness program "Holiday Express in 8." I joined the program with some of the teachers I teach with and they made a great support system! For eight weeks I attended both cardio and strength training classes with a variety of instructors. This gave me the opportunity to attend new classes, classes I did not think I had an interest in, but now I do! It also gave me the chance to experience new instructors and learn new routines and dance moves. The program helped me maintain my weight throughout the holiday season. More importantly, I feel healthier. I can see a difference in my body and I feel stronger. Attending the classes regularly helped me build up my endurance level.

The owners of STUDIO Zumba Fitness, Doug and Joan, are sensational! They both teach classes and I enjoy working out with them. They run a very successful studio, have the highest quality instructors working for them, and will once again be voted the Best Fitness Center in Dayton in 2010 like they were in 2009!

Winning the drawing for the "Holiday Express in 8" program was awesome! I love the fact that I can attend any class I want for the next two weeks. However, I was a winner the first time I came to STUDIO Zumba Fitness. I won the opportunity to workout with some of the finest instructors as well as excellent men and women who attend the classes!!! STUDIO Zumba Fitness has the friendliest owners, instructors, and participants!

~Tara Judge

Susan, Tara - Holiday Express in 8 program winner and Amanda

THANKS!

STUDIO Zumba® Fitness is pleased to announce that $1,300 was raised today for
the Haiti Earthquake Relief!  Thanks to everyone who attended and donated, and a very special THANKS to the ZES mystery guest - Maria Browning!

All donations are being sent to the American Red Cross.
See the pictures!

As a health care provider, I understand the important role that diet and exercise play in a healthy lifestyle. Studio Zumba Fitness classes, personal training with Doug and the great -tasting nutritious smoothies and juices from Locolicious Natural Juice & Coffee Bar keep me looking and feeling my best. All this at an affordable price too!

~ Angela Rothstein

I love Zumba® Fitness and decided I wanted to open a Fitness Center here in Southern California that would focus primarily on Zumba® Fitness Classes. I found STUDIO Zumba® Fitness online and contacted Joan to inquire if we could arrange a visit to see what their STUDIO was like. Joan and Doug were very gracious and even though they were having a special event which was sold out, they invited us to come and see them. Their STUDIO Zumba® Fitness is amazing, it is welcoming, comfortable and a great place to go workout. This visit solidified that my idea could work. I hope we can make it as good as STUDIO Zumba®  Fitness and that people will love to come to our center as much as they do Joan and Doug’s Studio.

~ Diane and Steve Kapitan
Southern California

WOW!!!! After losing 180 lbs. . .ZUMBA® has taught me how to safely keep in great sculpted shape, motivated & enjoy the camaraderie of all the classmates.  Thank you, Doug & Joan.

P.S.  Maddie will be joining us on the STUDIO Zumba® Fitness cruise!

~ Maddie
 

"Before"	"After" (-85 lbs!)

I discovered Zumba® at the perfect time in my life. I have always loved to dance and exercise, but prior to 2007, I had been unable to do anything involving music since I taught aerobics nearly 20 years ago. I was born with a progressive neurological hearing loss, relying primarily on lip-reading for communication as hearing aids became less effective. In April 2007 I underwent cochlear implant surgery, with the hope of gaining back a large portion of my hearing. After several months of “learning” how to hear again, I was able to enjoy music. In October 2007 I attended my first Zumba® class and instantly fell in love! I received my instructor training with Beto five weeks later. I obtained Basic Steps Level II and Zumba® Toning training in 2008.

In 2006, I lost 70 lbs through diet and exercise, but I was really burned out on the treadmill and elliptical. I haven’t been on either machine since I attended my first Zumba® class! Through Zumba® and continued training with light weights, my total weight loss shot up to 85 lbs. Zumba® strengthened my core muscles more effectively than any other exercise, relieving years of back pain due to compressed discs and scoliosis. The combination of fitness and dancing in Zumba® classes provide total body toning, resulting in loss of inches as well. Zumba® has helped me maintain permanent healthy lifestyle changes. I am happy to share experiences about my journey; it helps if we support and inspire one another through challenging endeavors.

In my “spare time” I am a registered nurse, writer, wife, and Bichon Frise mom. I now look forward to the new SZ sponsored cruises as my yearly vacation with friends. My wonderful husband of 16 years endorses the bumper sticker “Zumba® Changed My Wife!”

~ Rhonda

I have been taking Zumba® classes occasionally along with weight training, elliptical, and jogging off and on for 3 years. However, I just started taking classes at STUDIO Zumba® Fitness for just over 12 weeks. This is definitely my favorite place to work out and I actually look forward to the classes.

Doug, Joan and Angie, and the other instructors make it fun and REALLY know what they are doing. The Trim in 12 program gave me the incentive to step it up a notch. I did and I lost 4.3% body fat during this program. My clothes fit better and I had a great time during my workouts.

~ Shannon Flynn

Dear Joan, Doug, Studio Zumba® Instructors, Students and Friends...
I just want to share with you all my added success with the Trim in 12 program. As you know I was already working out regularly doing Pump You Up and Zumba® several times a week before the program and I lost several pounds and many inches.... And I didn't really have a whole lot more to lose but...Doing the Trim in 12 program kept me on track and I am happy to report that my weight is now fluctuating between 118 and 121 and I lost 2% more of body fat.

I don't do any "diet" but I certainly try to be more conscious of what I am nibbling on.
I have 2 more percentage points of body fat to lose to get to my "goal" and I have no doubt that the Trimmer in 12 XTREME will keep me on track!

Thanks to all of you and I mean "ALL" of you, including fellow students who have encouraged me and noticed that I am getting more toned and looking "buff". Your support and words of encouragement mean the world to me!

Your Zumba® Friend Forever,
Chris

Let me start off by giving a big thanks to Doug, Joan, and everyone else involved at STUDIO Zumba® Fitness. When I started Zumba® in September of 2008, I did not feel like I was seeing the results I wanted because I was not dedicating myself to it. When the Trim in 12 came along, it pushed me to work out every single week, 3 times a week. It made me become more motivated and by the second week, I knew that it was going to work. Not only did I work out, but I also ate better. About 5 weeks ago, I started a healthy eating program online because I needed to eat healthier and could not seem to do that by myself. Many people think that is a diet, but I have to disagree. I still eat everything that I want to, I just don't eat as much. I've cut out most fast food (because it doesn't taste good anymore), and stopped eating late at night. Don't let me fool you though because I still pig out on the weekends! I can say that being on the healthy eating plan has helped me, but there is absolutely NO way that I would be where I am without being a part of STUDIO Zumba® Fitness. I was not very heavy to start with, but I still had insecurities and going to Zumba® has really boosted my self-esteem. Also, working out at other gyms has not felt the same for me as going to STUDIO Zumba® Fitness has. When I heard all the hype about it before I started, I was so nervous that everyone would look at me and I would feel weird "dancing" while working out. The amazing thing about that is, I do not feel weird at all! Everyone is there for the same purpose and no one cares how you fit into your clothes, or how silly you may look while you dance! Everyone I have met while attending has been extremely genuine and so happy with each others accomplishments. The mix between the people, atmosphere and work outs have made me feel comfortable with myself. If you are not seeing results, keep doing it and NEVER let it get you down. I realized that each body changes at a different pace and if you stay with it long enough, you will be very happy with yourself. So far I have lost 14 pounds and 6% body fat and plan on losing more with the newest Xtreme Trim in 12 program. I still cannot explain how happy ( and shocked) I was when Angie gave me my results. I am more than glad that I am able to share my story with everyone and I truly hope that someone else will benefit from my success.

~ Desiree

Saturday night was the BEST time that I've had this year! It was like a gift and I loved it! You and Doug are absolutely fabulous and Studio Zumba® Fitness is the BEST fitness facility I've ever trained with. All I can say about Loibel is that she is a STAR! It was an HONOR training with her - I'm humbled and extremely thankful for the opportunity!!

I've been very active in the fitness community for over 20 years - be it running, yoga, and/or many aerobics/fitness classes. I've never seen anybody of that caliber -she is truly special.

You and Doug are first class!

~ Donna :-)

For just over one year now, I have taken advantage of the weight training and Zumba classes offered at STUDIO Zumba® Fitness. While the combination of weights and Zumba has made such a profound effect in life (in terms of weight loss and body sculpting), personal training at STUDIO Zumba® Fitness helped me in an even more profound way…

In October of 2008, I had major abdominal surgery and a 6 week convalescent period thereafter. Prior to my surgery (and up to two nights before the procedure), I was partaking in 9-12 Zumba classes and 2-3 weight training classes a week So naturally, I was more than ready to jump back in to my fitness routine after clearance from my doctor. My spirit was ready to fly, but my body was not quite as exuberant.

I decided to take some personal training sessions with Angie, an Exercise Physiologist and a Health/Fitness instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine. In my sessions, Angie made me work on some abdominal rehabilitation exercises, but even more importantly, she was able to assess my numbers in hand held weights. I knew that within my 6 week recovery period, my numbers would drop. With Angie’s expertise I was able to determine where to begin again after my surgery. She also showed me how to make modifications on the abdominal exercises. So when I came back to a “Pump You Up” class, I was ready! I knew my post-surgery numbers and what modifications to incorporate.

I do have a side note to my story:
Being in excellent shape prior to my surgery was an added bonus to the ease of the surgery, the excellent (no complications) recovery period and the will to get back in to my fitness routine.

~ Marianne Pitts

In this day and age where most people you meet are only concerned about themselves; where most places you go just want to get you in and out - it is nice to find a place like STUDIO Zumba® Fitness.

STUDIO Zumba® Fitness is like a breath of fresh air. As soon as you walk in the bright colors and cheerful atmosphere greet you happily. The appreciation for your time and business is sincere and genuine.

You’ll be able to see that there is a lot of time and thought put into the class schedules, there is a lot of attention to the quality of instructors. All is done to give you the best experience possible. A fun and joyful experience. You will want to return!!!
You might even crave it like some us do ;-)

I don’t go to STUDIO Zumba® Fitness JUST to get a good workout to help my weight loss goals. I go to STUDIO Zumba® Fitness to refresh my attitude, to renew my spirit and to get the best Zumba workout in the area.

My motto: Zumba & STUDIO Zumba® Fitness go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. And BOTH are good for the mind, body and soul.

~ Tammy Karnehm

"Pond Orthodontics supports staff fitness through STUDIO Zumba® Fitness. Not only is it great cardio, it's actually fun! We
provide our staff with free punch cards and encourage participation in
Get Your TEAM ON. The reward for
our teams in the top 10 will be to join
STUDIO Zumba® Fitness on the
February cruise!" 
~Dr. Liza Pond, DDS, MSD

Springtime…another season of change and thanks to STUDIO Zumba® Fitness, my waistline isn’t another size bigger. You will never know how many seasons would change along with the uncertainty of what size I would be this season.

All of that changed when I really became committed to Zumba® and started watching my portions. I really started seeing results when I added the Zumba® Toning classes into my schedule. They really made a huge difference with how my clothes fit and my overall health. I think the key to my success is REALLY being committed. When going to Zumba® became a commitment rather than just something fun that I liked to do once in a while, I really started to see results. I am now down about 2 pant sizes and over 20lbs. I feel great and have more energy to keep up with my children.

My name is Jenn Kroeker and most of you know me as the “holla out” girl in the Zumba® class. I am a wife and mother and like most people on the planet, have a very full life. Zumba® has been a wonderful outlet for me to have fun and do something for myself. I give to my family all day long and I find that doing something for yourself is very important to your overall health. Schedule time for yourself--put your name down on the family calendar and let everyone know…I am going to Zumba®.

I am so thankful to Doug and Joan for opening up SZ and for having so many classes available. They make it so easy to find time for “ME”…to get my Zumba® Groove on!!

See you in class!

~ Jenn Kroeker

I’m a 43-year-old mother of two teenagers who has spent the greatest majority of my life believing that “exercise” was a four-letter word. And “organized exercise” – classes where groups of people look like they are actually having fun while getting in shape – unfortunately, that’s not really for me, either. I’m not anti-social. . .just on the shy side and I don’t always feel very comfortable in group settings. Especially when it comes to something that I lack confidence in, like having the coordination and strength for certain exercise activities. . .that is why I absolutely LOVE my Personal Training sessions with Doug.

Not only is it great having one-on-one sessions with someone very knowledgeable about health and fitness, but I don’t have to worry about anyone (other than Doug!) watching or critiquing me. I get personalized attention so that I maintain proper form while strength training and encouragement when I feel like quitting.

I’ve been working out about three times a week since early April, and I am amazed at the changes I already see and feel in my body. I feel stronger, I see muscle definition that I’ve never had before, and even more amazing. . .I look forward to my sessions. I can’t tell you how many excuses I have used in the past to avoid working out. . .now I find ways to justify fitting it into my very busy schedule. The flexibility is wonderful – if my normal day/time won’t work for a session, Doug reschedules it so that I can still get my basic routines in a week.

While group classes certainly work for the greatest majority of people, I encourage anyone who has hesitated to start an exercise program because of the “fear factor” to consider giving Personal Training sessions a try. It makes you more accountable and it gets you into a set routine quickly. I really look forward to continuing with this fitness regiment for a long time. . .and luckily it never gets boring, as Angie also helps Doug come up with new routines and exercises. I’m receiving the benefits of two very qualified professionals, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

~ PC Paula

We are very fortunate to be living in Dayton, Ohio. Some people may not agree with that statement in terms of the loss of industry or other factors. What we have unique to our community that is the envy of many cities even larger is STUDIO Zumba® Fitness in Vandalia. I’ve been taking Zumba® for more than two years and coming to SZ since its inception. I only wish I would have had access to the option of beginner classes and “Pump You Up” that are now offered. The instructors are extremely accommodating and take the time to talk with me before or after class if I have questions about techniques and choreography. As someone who experienced chronic knee issues after doing fifteen years of step aerobics, I’m thankful for the wood flooring not available at many other venues in the community. I’m also very appreciative of having been exposed to the special events that have taken place such as Zumba® founder Beto coming to Dayton along with Tony Witt from Kansas City in addition to “Men’s Night” and the “Zumba Exposed” program. It’s been fascinating to take classes from most of these certified professionals to gain insight into how each class is different in terms of the music and choreography. My special thanks to Doug and Joan, Stephanie and Heather for whipping this 48-year-old man into the best shape of my life. Inspiration leads to perspiration and for me lots of it.

~ Barney