Mt. Kisco Mom drops 150 in Zumba Class

Mt. Kisco Mom drops 150 in Zumba Class: When Alena Shifrin moved to Mt. Kisco six years ago she weighed 300 pounds. Her cholesterol was dangerously high and she was pre-diabetic. Her doctor told her if she didn’t do something about her weight she might not be around to care for her two beautiful daughters. Within a week she was taking her first Zumba class at the Saw Mill Club. Three years later she was down to a muscular 150 and leading classes at the club where she works, you guessed it, as a Zumba instructor. We sat down with Alena so she could tell you how she did it in her own words.

 Why Zumba?

The membership specialist at the Saw Mill Club suggested I try Zumba. I had never even heard of it. But he told me that it’s the kind of class that anyone can do well in.

So you gave it a try …

Well, at first I just watched. Actually I watched two classes before I joined in. I was really scared. I didn’t think I could finish a class. The instructor was so amazing that I didn’t think I could keep up with her. But everyone looked like they were having so much fun so I gave it a try.

And by the end of the first class?

I was in love with it. And I went back the next day. I was tired and sore but it wasn’t overwhelming. And it was fun. I figured I would be tired and sore if I worked out on the treadmill so I might as well be dancing.

What is Zumba?

It’s a Latin inspired dance fitness program. And as they told me, it really is something that everyone can feel successful at. No matter what age or ability you can come in enjoy the music, get your body moving and feel amazing. You see all kinds of people doing it. From very fit to, well, people like me. Kids, 80-year olds, people in wheelchairs. It’s amazing and it changed my life.

So how fast did you ramp up?

In the beginning I went three times a week and worked my way up to five times a week after a few months. I lost ten pounds that first week and I never looked back. At the Saw Mill Club I could go to different instructors so it was a new experience every time. And all the instructors mix it up for each class to keep things fresh.

Did you have a main instructor? 

Shahida. She was my biggest inspiration and cheerleader. I was trying to hide in her class in the back but she moved me up front and let me lead some songs. She said, “Don’t hide.” That made me feel really good and made me want to go back.

And the pounds just melted off?

At first. I lost 70 pounds the first year just doing Zumba and then I hit a wall. I went three months without losing any weight. I even gained a few back. I was feeling very frustrated because I still weighed 230 pounds and I thought I would never get to a healthy weight. So I went to see a nutritionist.

You mean you’d been doing this without a diet?

Yeah, I didn’t kick in with the diet until after 18 months. This was like stage two. I read The South Beach Diet and started learning about food. And I started some strength training with a personal instructor for variety. Her name was Bente Hansen and she taught me how to control my mind when I felt I couldn’t go on. And then I started losing again.

What did the nutritionist tell you?

She helped me with portion control and carbohydrate control –“healthy carbs in moderation.” Stay away from the white menace! I cut out all white carbs and started eating moderate portions of whole grain carbs: whole wheat bread (one slice), brown rice or whole-wheat pasta – half a cup. She also taught me to drink a glass of calorie free liquid before you eat. Then eat the protein and veggies first to fill up before you eat your carbs. She didn’t spell everything out for me. You have to learn how to do it on your own. But I got serious about nutrition at that point.

And now?

Well I’ve developed some really great habits. And now I can enjoy a glass of wine when I go out (one glass) or a small dessert every now and then – but not every weekend. I still weigh and measure my carbs. But it’s a lifestyle now.

And when did you become a Zumba instructor?

I became a Zumba instructor in April 2013 after three years. It was the best feeling to get my Zumba certification. There’s an 8- hour training course. When I brought my certificate home it was one of my crowning moments. I’m teaching Zumba on a Carnival Cruise next week. It’s the second time I’ve done that. I teach kids and all ages. I teach 6 classes a week. I also work out to keep fit for class. I work out 3 to 4 classes a week. It’s harder being a Zumba instructor than it was losing 150 lbs. But I feel motivated because I know it is going to make me a better instructor.

Anything else?

I want people to know that the journey is hard but it is worth it. So keep it up when you have setbacks. You have to choose what kind of hard you want? Going to the gym is hard. But being overweight is hard too. The trade off is one hour of hard work for feeling great the other 23 hours a day. And the Saw Mill Club rocks. It’s the best gym.

How can someone sign up for your Zumba class?

Well you have to be a member first. But you can just call up the Saw Mill Club and a membership specialist will give you a tour and an orientation. Once you’re in you can sign up for my class or Shashida’s or anyone else’s.

(Saw Mill Club, 77 Kensico Dr., Mt. Kisco, 914.241.0797; www.sawmillclub.com)

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