Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Zugell.
Melissa Zugell has been dancing ever since she could remember moving her feet. Her early dance education included Jazz, Ballet, Ballroom and Slovenian Folk dance (her family’s heritage). Throughout the years, she discovered that what she truly enjoyed most was sharing her passion for dance and fitness with others. Melissa’s next level of dance evolution involved pursuing innovative and effective techniques for training purposes, becoming highly experienced in a variety of fitness practices. She is an AFAA certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer; a successful and accredited Zumba™ Fitness instructor of 13+ years; a certified PlyoJam instructor; and she trained for and completed the Red Velvet™ aerial dance fitness course. She enjoys training her clients 1:1 while helping them transform and maintain accountability. Melissa also has numerous credits in television and fitness DVDs (global distribution) including Zumba™ Exhilarate, Dance Off the Inches™ Latin Cardio Party, Get Out!™ TV segment for Santa Monica, Lionsgate “Be Fit” Zumba™ Fitness segment featuring “Star Fit” with Kym Johnson, The Biggest Loser on NBC, and Guiliana & Bill on E! Entertainment. Melissa’s firm belief is that there is nothing more wonderful in the world than helping people achieve what they thought was impossible – and having FUN while doing it! Her boundless positive energy is contagious, takes the “work” out of working out, and pours her heart and soul into every movement. Melissa’s aim is to inspire the amateur, challenge the expert, and unite all through an energetic cardio dance workout that transforms you from the inside out!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While it’s been a great ride, there have been challenges along the way. One such instance was when I had to take months off from teaching and exercising while I recovered and healed from surgical procedures. I had to adapt to the change not only physically but also mentally as dance and fitness provided a much needed overall mental and stress relief. This challenge allowed me to appreciate the gift of dance, movement, and exercise all the more once I was able to get back to it. It allowed me to experience first-hand what physical limitations can truly feel like and how to make the best of a setback.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My professional life has been very diverse. I’ve maintained a day job as a Recruiter and Client Partnership Manager for various recruiting agencies, alongside Business Development/Marketing and Visual Merchandising too! I love all things that spark my creativity and passion for artistic expression. My truest passion and enthusiasm has always been in the arts – music, dance, beauty, and fitness! When I discovered Zumba and started teaching group fitness classes, my life was forever changed. It was then that I found I could combine all my zest into a fitness class, and sharing that with others was the cherry on top. Being able to grow and create a dance community alongside my day career was/is a feat that I’m most proud of. I am proud of my fortitude and energy to balance and create all of my professions thus far. What sets me apart is that I truly aim to inspire the novice, challenge the expert, and unite all through an energetic and transformational workout. I feel my best when I see others feeling their best during and after my dance classes or workout sessions. It truly inspires me to see others feel good from my classes and workout sessions.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe in hard work and making things happen for yourself. If I get lucky along the way, then that is great too!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.blondemoxiefitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blondemoxiefitness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mzugell
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlondeMoxie412
Image Credits
ZBest Foto Kathy Schuh
