Melissa Vaughn

I began my fitness journey after the birth of my first son.  I lost a lot of weight shortly after his birth but after the first year I fell into a rut of no sleep and bad eating habits.  I went to my first Zumba fitness class at the suggestion of some of the other moms in a Moms group I belonged to and that was all it took.  I became a regular going to a class every night.  I received my Zumba license to teach a few months later and the rest is history.  I thoroughly enjoy helping people....even if it's only for an hour when they are in my class.  I firmly believe that having fun while working out is the key to success.  I am an entertainer by nature so I love making people laugh and feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations.  After teaching Zumba for adults I realized that there are a lot of adults who would say things like "I just can't keep up", or "my knees/back/hips hurt too much for that" which is when I decided to get my license in Aqua Zumba (water based dance aerobics) and Zumba in the Circuit.  As many young women do I lost a lot of weight and then fell pregnant again....and then again.  With back to back pregnancies I put on about half the weight that I lost but have managed to make the time to take the time for my health and well being.  I taught my classes which average about 1100 calories/hour up until I was ready to deliver with my last two pregnancies and also was a staple in the gym lifting weights.  Older and wiser I have learned that my body is a machine and my mind is stronger now than ever.  I have struggled with my weight as I am not built to be a supermodel but that fact coupled with my ability to provide safe, energetic workouts that always end in smiles are what have kept me going for the last 9 years.  I am now a working, dancing mom of 3 ready to spread the fun of fitness outside of my hometown.