Namita Nayyar
For a person you tried to end her life with overdose of depression pills to become a role model as of today calls for tremendous courage & strength. Share what all contributed to help you become an inspirational fitness role model
Sucheta Pal
When you have witnessed so closely what you can lose you want to hold on to it for dear life(pun intended). I was battling social anxiety for the longest time and when a turn of events took place in my life I knew I had to grab on to it with both my hands, my legs and any extra limbs I could find. I had never imagined that I would be presented with such opportunities one day but I strongly believe that these opportunities came my way as I had the courage to follow my calling and my passion irrespective of the challenges.
Quitting a corporate job was the first step and it was scary. Trying to not go broke at 25 by hustling in 3 part time jobs in Mumbai was brutal. And then training as a professional dancer at age 25 with young teenagers was tough and stressful. I had started late. But those struggles paved the way forward and doors opened.
But my biggest lesson in life has been what do we do when doors open. We can either doubt ourselves or think we are not good enough or we can hustle to prove that we deserve it. So when I was offered to teach in various studios in Connecticut,US I was unsure of my own capabilities but never said no. I hustled hard to be up to international fitness standards. And instead of one studio within months I was being offered several studios to teach in a foreign country. It felt very reassuring.
And when I was called to audition at the brand’s Miami headquarters to be India’s first Zumba Education Specialist I almost said no out of sheer fear of failing. But thank goodness I mustered the courage to say yes and here I am. But most importantly I owe whoever I am in my professional capacity to my family and friends who stood by me through thick and thin. Whether it was when I was a struggling dancer or a new instructor or when I am an Ambassador, they were there at every step.
I work harder each day as I owe it to them. Gratitude is my biggest motivation.
Namita Nayyar
To begin with, how did you land in the first Zumba Class? Share the experience that changed your life for good.
Sucheta Pal
When my husband and I moved to the US back in 2009, I chanced upon a fitness studio one day which was offering Zumba sessions. I was really curious and enrolled myself just to give it a try. I remember it was a cold winter morning, pretty early 7am class and as I entered the studio I saw 80 people waiting before me.
There was this happy vibrant vibe and I remember wondering why. I was answered very soon, as this Zumba instructor entered and from the happy vibe the atmosphere went all out carnival mode. The music started, the instructor jumped on stage and the class kicked off. I was hooked from the word go.
The music was insanely good, the moves were inspired from dance styles from across the world from Flamenco to Reggaeton to our desi Bollywood to Samba and there were people of all sizes, shape and age moving and grooving together.
The best part was that we were smiling as we were sweating and huffing and puffing. That was my first taste of Zumba and I was in love.
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
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