Bits of Her - Rita Campbell

Rita Campbell  

Born in Mississauga Ontario, Rita now calls both Prince Edward Island and Playa Del Carmen (Mexico) home. She has been teaching fitness classes for the last three decades and continues to teach classes online and in-person today.   

She is someone who loves what she does for a living and shares her love of fitness by motivating others to get moving!    

In 2009, a coworker invited me to join her at a local fitness class because she was sure I would love it. Off we went to try this new ‘Zumba’ class and OMG was my coworker ever right. It was the best type of workout to ever be invented! The instructor was this infectious ball of energy who transformed a regular fitness class into a full-blown dance party.   

This instructor was Rita and she was so welcoming and personable from the minute I walked in the door. Little did I know by attending her class that day, I would not only become a Zumba instructor because of her, but she would also invite me to Mexico to teach classes with her! While my Zumba teaching years may have been short lived, our friendship is the kind that will last a lifetime.

Fourteen years later, Rita still inspires me with her can-do attitude. Even when she is in Mexico, we still manage to stay connected daily through our Golden Gals group chats.

She does not sit still for too long and be sure to pack your sneakers if you visit her in Mexico because you will need them. Visitors beware, you will walk everywhere and she will never admit the distance to your destination. The bonus behind those steps is that it does help cancel out all the food and drinks you will consume.    

Rita always fashions the most beautiful and brightest colours - and that also applies to her make-up selection. She loves make-up and her must haves include tinted moisturizer with SPF and lipstick.

As an instructor, she may not always wear make-up, but she enjoys how it creates confidence when she does. Make-up or not, her main tip would be to keep it simple.   

A mother of four beautiful humans, Rita says that her proudest accomplishment in life would be her children. Over the years, she has said how she hopes her kids will see that if you follow what you love, it will never seem like work.   

Physical activity has always been another important aspect of her life, one she hopes is passed on to her kids. She explains, “it’s great to be in shape physically for your health but it’s really your mind that benefits the most from it more often than not.”   

One thing I did not know about Rita is that she is an introvert.

“Most people do not realize that being outgoing does not come naturally to me. I must step outside of my comfort zone to be more extroverted.”

You would never know it if you were attending one of her classes because she certainly shines as an instructor in every way.    

When the conversation turned to how she felt about growing older, she expressed how it is not so much about the number as it is about staying healthy.

“Aging doesn’t scare me but being unhealthy and aging terrifies me,” she admitted. “Being alive is a reward because many people leave us way too early in life.”     

“My friends are my lifeline,” Rita noted.

The same can be said by those of us who call her friend. Each one of us in our friend group has gone through our own challenging times over the years, but when you have one another to lean on, it makes it a lot more bearable.  

It is such a blessing to have that level of support surrounding you and loving you no matter what happens. It is also comforting to know they will always find ways to make you laugh and feel lighter.   

During her tougher days, she has always found exercise helps immensely.

“It was and still is what keeps me on my path forward. I have also found that I pray more often when I am experiencing the rougher patches in life. It helps restore my faith and keeps me grounded.”      

“I am glad I inherited some good traits from the two women who have influenced me the most in my life,” she said. “Both my grandmother and my mother were/are strong, independent women. I admire those qualities in them – maybe more now than ever before.”    

As we age, there are many lessons in life we learn along the way. Rita shares one that reminds her to embrace the beauty in life, especially the little things.

“Cherish the small moments as they often add up to be the most precious ones,” she stated.

"A few years ago I was driving to Halifax with my kids to take one of my sons to his cancer treatment. It was a hard time for our family but during that drive we all started singing together. In that moment, we forgot about our worries as we belted out the tunes. Seems so simple but it became a special memory that I continue to hold close to my heart today."

The last question I asked was about her younger self and what she would say to her now. She replied, “I would tell her that the road may be bumpy at times, but you have the tools to persevere and know you are greatly loved.”   

In closing, I need to take a moment to extend my sincere thanks to you, Rita. Thank you for all the motivation you have granted me over the years. Talk about ‘women supporting women’ – you are the QUEEN of it!

You pushed me out of my comfort zone and I am so grateful for the ‘Zumba’ years I had because of you and your encouraging support. I know there are many others who could say the same.

The memories we made from here to Mexico and back are some of my favourite. We were so busy having fun, we almost forgot it was work!   

There is no one else I would rather jump in some random truckers' cab with to hitch a ride to Moncton for a flight to Mexico than you!

I am so glad to have you in my corner! I cannot wait to see what else is in store for us as we age.  

If anyone is looking for a rockstar fitness instructor, look no further than Rita Campbell. She offers a range of classes including weights, cardio, yoga, and seniors’ chair exercises. She can help you get through the colder months and beyond with her inspiring and supportive style of teaching!

Bits of Jules Lightening Round 

List three things you are grateful: Kids, health, career.  

Biggest accomplishment: Kids for sure but also my fitness career. Love it still every day and all it has blessed me with.  

Three words to describe yourself: Happy, energetic and forgiving.  

Lipgloss or lipstick and shade? I am loving bright pinks because of being in Mexico-  it makes me smile.  

One piece of advice you live by: You never know what someone is going through. It is not our place to judge.