We were lucky to catch up with Heba Azer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Heba, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
“When I decided to become a Zumba instructor 13 and a half years ago, many people advised me not to pursue it. They said that, because I wasn’t an athlete and had struggled with being overweight, I wouldn’t be successful in this field. But I didn’t let that deter me. I followed my passion and completed my training, and now, I’m teaching Zumba at three gyms.
The key to my persistence has been surrounding myself with supportive people who believe in me and constantly encourage me to push forward. I’ve learned that the journey is just as important as the destination, and by staying focused on my goals, I’ve been able to prove to myself—and to others—that I am capable of achieving what I set out to do.”
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
“I’ve been teaching Zumba for over 13 years, and it’s been a transformative journey for me both personally and professionally. After having my first child, I struggled with weight loss. I tried everything—walking, running, machines—but nothing seemed to work. Then one day, I saw a Zumba Fitness infomercial on TV. The Latin music instantly caught my attention because I’ve always loved music and dancing.
I decided to give it a try, and by October 2010, I was taking my first Zumba class. I immediately fell in love with the combination of high-energy music and fitness, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that Zumba was not just a workout—it was a party. In fact, the joy I felt during class made me forget I was even working out!
Over the next year, I lost 40 pounds, and by October 2011, I became licensed to teach Zumba. It’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. Zumba gave me confidence in my own skin and showed me that fitness can be fun and exciting.
What’s truly special about Zumba, though, is the sense of community. My students and I have become like family—supporting, motivating, and celebrating each other’s successes. Zumba isn’t just about fitness; it’s about creating a space where people can be themselves, enjoy the music, and feel empowered.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding my reach and helping even more people find their confidence through dance and fitness. Whether it’s through new classes, workshops, or events, my goal is to inspire others to embrace fitness in a way that’s fun, inclusive, and life-changing.”
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
“Looking back on my journey, I would say the three qualities that have had the biggest impact are resilience, passion, and community-building.
Resilience: The ability to push through challenges has been essential. There were plenty of times I faced setbacks or doubts—whether it was struggling with weight loss or being unsure if I could actually teach Zumba. But staying resilient, learning from failures, and always getting back up helped me build the confidence I needed to keep going.
Advice: For those just starting, understand that challenges are part of the process. You will face obstacles, but don’t let them define you. Embrace them as learning opportunities, and stay consistent. Resilience is built over time through persistence and the willingness to keep moving forward, even when things get tough.
Passion: My love for dance and fitness has been the driving force behind everything I do. Passion is what makes the journey enjoyable and sustainable. Without it, it’s easy to burn out. The moment I realized that fitness could be something fun and exciting for me was the moment my life changed.
Advice: Identify what excites you, and let that passion fuel your work. Whether it’s dance, health, or another area, find something that brings you joy. Passion will keep you going through the difficult moments and will make the hard work feel worth it.
Community-Building: One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been the community I’ve built. Zumba isn’t just about the workout; it’s about the connections and the support system we create together. It’s helped me stay motivated and also helped my students stay committed to their fitness journeys.
Advice: Whether you’re starting a business, a fitness journey, or anything else, never underestimate the power of community. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and be someone who lifts others up. Build relationships that go beyond just the work or activity itself—it will enrich your experience and help you grow in ways you might not expect.
To those early in their journey: focus on developing these qualities. Stay resilient, follow your passion, and build a supportive network. Over time, these foundations will support you as you navigate your path and reach new heights.”
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been expanding my social media presence. While I’ve always focused on in-person teaching, I realized that social media provides an amazing opportunity to connect with a wider audience and build a stronger community. I’ve dedicated more time to sharing fitness tips, motivational content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my journey.
Through this process, I’ve learned how to engage with my followers, create content that resonates, and build meaningful relationships online. It’s been exciting to see how my social media platforms have allowed me to reach new people, inspire them, and provide support on their own fitness journeys.
Moving forward, I’m excited to continue growing my online presence and exploring new ways to connect and inspire others through these platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zumba.com/p/Heba-Azer/347896
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egyptian.zumba.queen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hebazumba
