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After giving birth to two children, Cheryl Cubol needed to lose some baby weight. Like some moms, she was OK with her appearance but noticed her weight gain affected quality
time with her children.
Her daughter scampered around the house. Her son learned to crawl. Cubol, a Yigo, Guam, native, found that chasing after them was difficult. Fear of health problems now and as her children grew older, motivated her to take control and find tools to reach her goals. She needed a lifestyle adjustment.
“I realized I couldn’t keep up with both of them, and I felt bad that I couldn’t play with my daughter,” Cubol said. “I felt I needed to make a change.”
But she despised going to the gym. Treadmills and elliptical machines seemed boring. A friend suggested Zumba, and that changed her life forever.
Zumba is a dance fitness program used by approximately 14 million people weekly across the world. It combines fast-paced music and dance moves to achieve an intense workout. Cubol decided to give it a try.
“When I lost the first 10 pounds, I was so proud of myself. It was like an addiction,” she said. “I fell deeply in love with Zumba. I was dancing and getting a great workout at the same time.”
She noticed a change and so did her friends — many of whom joined her. After an outpouring of positive feedback, she decided to become a certified instructor.
“I lost the weight for myself. Little did I know I would soon start to inspire my friends to also lose weight,” Cubol said. “I received so many messages saying ‘Thank you.’”
Cheryl’s husband, Air Force Staff Sgt. Verrick M. Cubol, said he appreciates Cheryl’s hard work and the example she sets for their children.
“When kids see their parents being fit and healthy, it motivates them to go outside and be physically active as well,” he said. “I’m very proud of my wife. She has come a long way. Now she is also motivating a group of ladies to stay healthy and to live a more active lifestyle.”
The classes usually consist of Army and Air Force spouses who find a way to work together on similar fitness goals and strengthen their resiliency. A healthy mind and body are equally important for the mothers who may also need to overcome adversity with the changes in today’s military.
“The class is a one hour escape from all the chaos these moms have to deal with daily,” Cubol said. “They can come to class, let loose and relax.”
Many enjoy this family oriented class, where children are permitted to enjoy fitness with their mothers. Some children are learning the dance moves alongside their moms.
“It’s a relief when you’re able to bring the children and not have to worry about hourly care or a baby sitter,” said Christine Rush, an Army spouse who attends Zumba.
“Cheryl has been really helpful and accommodating to moms who have young children,” Rush said. “I recommend this class for other moms, and it’s a great way to connect with others.”
Cubol said helping moms get through their week really makes her feel like she’s doing the right thing.
“The job doesn’t pay well, but I get so much in return,” she said.
