Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1044521
26 WAC Magazine | wac.net living fit Exercise of the month / instructor insights Instructor insights Amanda Ramsey | Zumba Kitsap County native Amanda Ramsey grew up participating in all kinds of sports. Her mom, a black-belt in karate, and her dad, an avid biker and runner, encouraged Amanda to try whatever athletic endeavors her heart desired. During her time at Olympic College, Amanda found another passion—photography. Her love for the camera brought Amanda to Seattle, where she received a $ne arts degree from the University of Washington. A#er working as a professional photographer for 10 years, Amanda felt like something needed to change. "I was in the worst shape of my life," she says. "I felt stuck in an unhappy relationship, and I was depressed." Amanda started taking Zumba classes in an attempt to feel more at peace. It worked. "I fell in love with the format," she explains. "Something came over me and I knew I needed to teach." A#er receiving her Zumba teaching certi$cation on her 33rd birthday, Amanda auditioned for local gyms, landing a number of jobs, including one at the WAC in 2011. Since then, Amanda has been teaching Zumba to a crowd of regulars on Monday evenings at 5:30 pm. "I love putting a smile on my students' faces," she says. "And I love sharing my passion for dance—Zumba saved my life, a#er all." Exercise of the month Standing Staff Exercise C E C I L I A T R E M A I N E N E L S O N Equipment: A long staff or bar Pilates Instructor Scott Miller demonstrates a standing staff exercise. This exercise stretches the fascia, the fibrous connective tissue that surrounds your muscles, bones and tendons. Stand with your legs slightly wider than your shoulders. Place exercise staff over your shoulders with arms outstretched and palms on top of staff, facing downward. Rotate your left hand down toward the floor, bending at the side while you stretch your right hand toward the sky. Look up across your right shoulder toward your skyward hand. Return to starting position and repeat on the other side. Complete 8–10 repetitions on each side. A N I TA N O W A C K A Thanksgiving Day fitness uEarn that second slice of pie! Burn some serious calories before your feast this year with WAC instructor-led classes on Thanksgiving morning. Choose from boot camp, spin, Zumba, dance cardio, and yoga flow. Turkey Burn begins at 8 am on Thursday, November 22. Complimentary for members and their guests. Register on the 4th Floor or contact coed@wac.net or 206.464.3098.