Zumba Yourself Better

You might think you can't do it. Debbie Nabulsi could have you dancing otherwise.

It wasn't long ago that Debbie had that mindset. A work-at-home mother to a blended family of seven, she was struggling with depression and her weight. Her husband, Nimer, encouraged her to attend her first Zumba class with him because he thought she would like it.

"I wore his T-shirt, big sweats and stood in the back, five steps away from the door, so I could bail out if I needed."

She didn't bail. Debbie kept going back with Nimer, inspired by how it made her feel. She says not only did Zumba help her health, the music and style of dancing made her feel closer to her south Florida hometown. It also gave her the amazing feeling of accomplishment when she decided to push herself and get certified to teach.

"I wanted that achievement at 41 years old."

It would be months before she taught her first class though, and it came right when she needed it most.

"I had hurt my back and my depression was at its worst."

Then, someone searched zumba.com for a class in Bethlehem and she got the e-mail. Armed with her smile, certification, a small speaker and the playlist on her phone, people finally got to see how special Debbie's Zumba class is.

Many of Debbie's students say they love her classes because she's real. She has curves, wears "last night's hair" to class and is "just like us." Chris Hurd says, "It's her spirit."

Chris loved Debbie's Zumba class so much she helped her find a steady location to teach at several times a week. Now, an average of 25 to 30 people show up for each class. All ages. All weights. All there to feel better.

"Teaching others makes me feel like a million bucks. I love to see people not give up and stick it out. When they don't wear their husband's T-shirts anymore and invest in themselves. This is our happy hour. This is our night. Zumba connects us."

Debbie means that in more ways than one, too. She's also used Zumba to help give back to the community. Her first fundraiser, Salsa around the Christmas Tree, raised money for Barrow Holiday Connections to help children in need. Her next fundraiser will help Winder First United Methodist Church's Kenya mission trip to help orphans. It's set for 6:30 p.m. March 23 at the church.

She also gives back by letting elementary school age children take her class for free. Middle and high schoolers get a discount.

"I don't want to impose a burden on a family. If a mother and child can be here together, that's bonding."

For Debbie, it's all about feeling better.

"It's a huge accomplishment to say I am stronger than I thought I was. I can do it."

• Read my personal experience and inspiration for writing this post