Inspiration to many, Gloria Sanut Tarrer is a Zumba Fitness Expert. With a flair for dancing, she has motivated thousands of people to stay fit and enjoy exercising. She is licensed to instruct Aqua Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, Zumbatomic. Apart from Zumba, she is also trained in other exercise forms like Absolution, Body Chisel, Bodyworks, Aquatic Fitness, Cardio Kickboxing, Body Combat and Senior Fitness. An Institution in herself, she’s touching people’s life left and right with her Zumba power. Her energy is unbeatable and her moves, contagious. Those who participate in her classes cannot resist coming back for more. She believes in making people GLOW from the inside and out. It would be apt to call her “GLOWria”.
Here, I speak with the fitness enthusiast about how she got involved in this career, what a good workout means to her and why her unique fitness philosophy works more than others.
Tell us a bit about yourself – your background, education and organizations/initiatives you are involved with?
I was born in Chicago and graduated from Columbia College with a BA in Broadcast Journalism. I have been a lifelong volunteer with several organizations and I am very passionate about education, holistic health, fitness, children, natural parenting and Spirituality.
How did you first become involved with Zumba? What made you choose being a trainer over other professions?
In my twenties, I was a professional dancer with a couple of internationally renowned African dance companies. After giving birth to 4 of 5 children and gaining a LOT of weight, I joined a gym that offered Zumba Fitness classes and I was hooked the first class. I became an instructor just a few months after my first class. And after I lost 132 lbs, many people wanted to know my secrets and workout with me, so I became a personal trainer. I have always enjoyed dance and fitness, even as a child. I was an avid athlete in elementary and high school and even college sports. I do not hold a position with Zumba Fitness as a trainer; I conduct choreography sessions at this time.
What are the different forms of Zumba? Do you provide training in other fitness forms as well?
I have trained in and taught various Zumba specialties, including Aqua Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, Zumba Kids and other specialties I have not taught include Zumba Sentao and Zumba Step.
What do you love most about being Zumba Instructor?
I love that I get to help others smile and work toward their health and fitness goals. I enjoy connecting with others and helping them to rediscover the joy of dance.
What are the challenges you face as a Zumba Instructor?
The challenges I face are keeping my class fun, fresh and physically challenging. I have to take very good care of my body to keep up with the physical challenges of teaching 7 Zumba classes a week, in addition to 2 kickboxing classes. I also have to maintain balance in my home with a very busy husband and 5 children.
Gloria Sanut
Do you have any tips for someone who is aspiring to be a Zumba Instructor?
The drive to visualize and realize your dreams is a very strong motivator. And with a team which is equally passionate and committed to it, there is no scope for a burn out. Every day at work is fun and happening.
What are your future goals, dreams and plans?
I plan to open my own studio in the VERY near future. I also plan to travel more with my Zumba Jammer (choreographer) job; I would LOVE to hold sessions in Africa, India and Europe.
Shalini Khare
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- Meet Gloria Sanut Tarrer – “The Powerhouse Zumba Queen” – April 3, 2014
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