Total Fitness celebrates 2nd year

[March 15, 2013]  EMDEN -- Total Fitness by Janell recently celebrated two years of bringing the fun and exciting Latin-based fitness program to Logan County. Owner Janell Woolard "opened her Zumba doors" at the Emden Community House on March 11, 2011.

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.

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 [e-mail].

[By JANELL WOOLARD]