Hi, my name is Pamela and I’ve been a part of the Pulse community for over six years. Can’t believe it’s been that long but I can’t imagine what I’d do without the energy, the fun and the friendships I’ve made along the way!
I started out taking Zumba classes in a gym before I found PulsePDX, but when one of my favorite instructors moved away I found myself in search of something new. I tried a lot of different classes with a lot of different instructors but couldn’t find one I connected with so I started searching online, which is where I found PulsePDX. The idea of Zumba in a nightclub environment sounded like so much fun! My very first Pulse experience was a Zumba masterclass in a nightclub downtown. The teachers were amazing, the energy of the crowd was off the charts and it was an exercise class unlike anything I’d ever experienced! I knew I wanted more, so I signed up for several drop-in classes and every time I went I was blown away by the instructors and the friendly community of people. I also loved the music, the lighting and not having mirrors! I felt like I could really get into my workout and not be concerned with that reflection staring back at me, and I was sweating more than ever before!
Everyone at Pulse made me feel welcome and included and I couldn’t get enough of the the fun, electric atmosphere, so when they started adding more Zumba classes and other strength and dance formats, I signed up for as many as I could. The first Burn demo class, the first willPower&Grace class, Bollywood, Hot Hula, Strength & Stability, Fusion, Pound, POP Pilates and Zumba, Zumba, Zumba! I was willing to try anything, and I couldn’t get enough! All those classes and many inspiring people led me to a new way of thinking about eating and exercise and I found myself losing weight that I hadn’t been able to shed for years. Granted that wasn’t necessarily my goal, but I did want to be healthier and to be a more active person all around. Losing over 70 pounds, and losing the back, knee and foot pain that I had had for years were added benefits!
When I’m not at Pulse, I love spending time with my family, including my husband Michael (who also attends classes at Pulse), my step-daughter, two sisters, a brother and my parents. My husband and I love finding unique things to do around Portland, including festivals, performances, car shows, and of course we love exploring the outdoors. We have a pet rabbit named Izzy who we’ve had for about a year, and she is still like a toddler, so we spend a lot of evenings chasing her around the house making sure she doesn’t eat everything! During the day I have a full-time job working in accounting where I sit for hours at a time so it’s a relief to come shake it out at Pulse at the end of the day! I also had the privilege of working at Pulse full-time a couple of years ago (which I loved!) and still fill in with shifts here and there, so you may see me behind the desk from time to time.
To explain what Pulse means to me in just a few paragraphs is almost impossible, it has literally changed my life. From the day I walked through those doors I knew it was going to be different, but I had no idea that years later, after so many classes, special events, Rock the Boats, Party in Pinks, Rock the Mics, masterclasses, etc…..that I’d still be wanting more and still be loving it! I cannot put into words how I feel about Pulse, Jennifer, all of my fitness instructors (past and present) and everyone that I have met…so many of you have made such a lasting impact on my life. I have made great friendships with amazing, caring, intelligent souls and am so happy to call PulsePDX my fitness home! See you in class soon! ~Pamela