Hi! My name is Christy Wooten, and I love Shazzy! My fitness journey began at a very young age. I am originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee. I grew up eating southern cooking and watching television a lot after school. I was a latchkey kid, so I just grabbed whatever I wanted from the pantry to eat. I also hid inside the house all afternoon, afraid to go outside alone. I sat around eating junk food every day. I was extremely overweight. People often made fun of me, and it broke my heart. Inside, I felt like another person. I dreamed of being a beautiful dancer or cheerleader, but people told me that I could never do it. I was too big and not beautiful enough.

I first tried daily exercise in the sixth grade. I was a ladies size 20, so it wasn’t easy! I woke up at 5AM and worked out to Mousercise on the Disney Channel. Later, my aunt gave me some workout records with instructions. I started eating a little better. In seventh grade I moved to the country and stayed outside a lot more. I began singing in our church choir, praying more and asking God to help me with my weight.

In the ninth grade, I decided that I was going to try out for cheerleading. I was down to about a size 9 and although I knew I had a lot to learn, I went for it! I went to clinics with girls who had been cheerleaders since they were four years old. I was almost fourteen and didn’t know a single cheer. I worked hard and made it! I practiced that summer for hours a day in front of the mirror. When it came time to step on that field for the first time, I was so nervous. I prayed so hard for the courage to dance and cheer for a crowd. God not only blessed me with the moves, but He gave me the feeling that I belonged there. I soon became the loudest and bounciest girl on the squad! ☺

Many years have passed since those days, yet I love dance and fitness more than ever. I’ve tried many dance workouts, and at times I’ve felt the Lord asking me to walk away. The dance I was doing was dishonoring my relationship with Him. Those times were hard, because I loved both God and dance. I felt like I had to choose. I found Shazzy around the time that I moved to a new part of town and left my old gym. I was searching YouTube for Christian dance workouts. Shazzy popped up. I went onto Amazon and ordered the DVDs. I loved it from the start. I loved the fast-paced high-energy routines. I loved the music, which made my kids run into the room and join in. Most of all, I loved that the moves were not suggestive and were honoring to God.

I am a homeschool Mom and teach painting at our church’s homeschool co-op. Next year, I plan to begin a Christian dance workout class for teens and a life group for the ladies at my church. I love my church! I attend Real Life Clermont, which is the head location of the largest church in Orlando, Florida. We have nine church locations. We have the coolest people and the coolest pastor! Pray for me, as I learn the choreography and set these plans into actions! God is good!

God bless you all!

Love, Christy Wooten