In a sea of Zumba® dancers, one couple sporting matching bandanas stands out from the rest. This dynamic duo is Cindy and Johnny Rodriguez, loyal Fit Family Challenge participants.
San Antonio Sports Fit Family Challenge presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is designed to encourage families to learn about health and fitness, eat right and stay active. The free weekly Zumba and Kid Fit classes are offered at eight locations, along with great prizes and cash incentives.
Cindy started Fit Family Challenge back in 2010. After Cindy began to feel more comfortable in class, she challenged her husband to attend with her. But, Johnny wasn’t easy to convince.
After several attempts, Johnny finally decided to go with Cindy and try a class for himself. He picked up the concept quickly and was soon attending Fit Family Challenge every day with his wife.
For the couple, Zumba is now their preferred way of getting healthy and staying active.
Through the program, Cindy has lost well over 50 pounds, has been able to get off most of her medications, lowered her blood pressure and has even dropped two dress sizes.
For Johnny, the cardio offered in Zumba is what keeps him on track. He makes goals and pushes himself to give his all in every class, recognizing that he gets out of the workout what he puts in.
“I know that the routines are very effective, as much as the student will put in. I know it works for me,” Johnny says.
Both Cindy and Johnny say that working out together motivates them to keep attending classes and they push each other to lead a healthier lifestyle.
But they have another significant motivator, their grandson, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, a disorder that causes a series of movement disabilities, with symptoms that include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles and tremors. Their grandson is virtually paralyzed, and Johnny can now carry him with the regained health that he has attained from attending Zumba classes at Fit Family Challenge.
The Rodriguezes are a shining example of the many participants who have seen Fit Family Challenge change their lives for the better.
After so many years of participation, what keeps them coming back?
The family.
Cindy explains, “We’ve met a lot of friends. It’s not just coming to Zumba, it’s a family thing. We look forward to seeing everybody, so it’s a lot of fun.”
With this fitness community comes accountability. The Rodriguezes know that if they miss a class, their Fit Family friends will be sure to ask where they were and tell them they were missed. For Cindy and Johnny, the friends they have made within the program help them stay on track and make them feel welcomed at every class or Big Event they attend.
The Rodriguezes are on their fitness journey as a team, inspiring those around them to keep working hard for what they want.
We look forward to seeing them, and their bandanas, at Fit Family Challenge for years to come.
To learn more about Fit Family Challenge, visit www.fitfamilychallenge.com.
Grace Hodo, San Antonio Sports communications intern, Baylor University