From Shy Newbie to Dancing Queen 👑

Colleen went from a nervous gym newbie to a total boss on the Zumba floor, and her journey is proof that with a little courage and a community like no other, anything is possible.

Facing the Fear of the Weights
Like many of us, Colleen spent years letting her fear of the weight room hold her back. She had some unwelcoming experiences in the past at other gyms so she wasn't sure what to expect or if she'd fit in.

Coming from doing years of cardio, the transition to lifting weights was daunting, but she knew she wanted to try it, and now she's absolutely hooked. 

Answering Destiny's Call
In 2013, one of our OG instructors, Patria, needed to take some time off for surgery. Colleen, with her freshly minted Zumba certification, stepped up to the plate to lead the class. An absolute baptism by fire moment.

But even though she might have been shaking in her dance shoes, you all had her back.

"The students were so welcoming. They allowed me to work through my nerves and still smiled back at me during class."

You made her fall in love with teaching. Now, she's a star instructor, helping members move and feel great. She's been dancing with some of you since 2013!

Kicking Hashimoto's Booty
Outside of the gym, Colleen has been going through quite the health journey. In 2017, she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism which quickly became Hashimoto's disease. Suddenly, everything she thought she knew about eating right and working out went out the window.

But that didn't hold her back. She got curious, started experimenting, and learned that strength training and counting macros were the key to feeling her best. Now, she's crushing her health goals and inspiring all of us to do the same.

Be a Lady Who Lifts
Colleen is on a mission to get more women in the weight room, and she's got some words of wisdom for anyone who's nervous about getting started:

"Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Ask someone to spot, check your form, or simply just go with you. Also - you can lift more than you realize."

Whether you need a spotter, a form check, or just a friendly face to work out with, your WCF team has got you. Colleen is living proof that with a little support and a lot of determination, you can totally transform your health and your confidence.

Whatever stage you're at in your health and fitness journey, know that you've got a whole crew of people who believe in you and are ready to cheer you on.

Here's to you, Colleen, and all the strong, kickass women in our community! You inspire us.

We're all in this together,
West Coast Fitness Family