Nine months on, and I’m still as keen.
Honestly, I haven’t enjoyed exercise as much since the 80’s when I was a young twenty something pounding it out in my trendy fluorescent lycra & Reeboks at ‘step’ classes!
I’ve increased my Dance Forever sessions from two to three per week (PiYo, Zumba Toning & Fitsteps) and if for any reason I can’t attend these, no problem…….. I know I can keep up the intensity by joining one of the many other weekly sessions Sveta offers.
By far, the class I enjoy most is PiYo at the Pavillion in Bagshot. Come Monday mornings, often after an indulgent foodie/wine weekend I’m practically chomping at the bit to get there. It is only a 45 minute class but it’s the one I find the most strenuous of all. It’s a great body workout with an emphasis on stretches, toning & balance.
Sveta also demonstrates many ‘step up’ levels from the basic moves for those wanting to push just a little bit more. It definitely sets me up physically for the rest of the week, I LOVE it and would happily attend two classes per week.
I am proof to the many benefits of this type of exercise – my long term frozen shoulder has improved immensely, so much that there is hardly any noticeable restricted movement and absolutely no pain, for that I am truly thankful.
As I’m sure you’re all aware, during classes Sveta regularly tells us to engage our core muscles. I’ve become aware that this group of muscles are often the key to alleviating many aches & pains we feel as we age. It’s true. Although I am not yet ripped with washboard toned tummy muscles, there are definitely some firmer ones lurking there which will hopefully become even more developed.
I am aiming to overcome a reoccurring problem with acid reflux, to date it has been kicked into touch by my recently toned tummy muscles! This is great news, it means I can reduce the amount of medication I take and also occasionally enjoy some of the foods I previously had to avoid.
Friday ‘Fitsteps’ is the first class I joined. I continue to enjoy these sessions along with all the regular group of lovely, lively ladies I’ve met (you know who you are). There is always a buzz of friendly chatter at the start before we begin the serious stuff & again after cool down at the end as we all catch our breath & mop our brows. I’m mostly in step throughout the routines now. When I hear the music changes, my feet seem to know where to go and I can even work the arms in too and still manage to keep up – that’s progress for me! I would definitely recommend this class for anyone like me wanting to get back into fitness, it’s a good starter class especially if you enjoy dancing.
For anyone wanting something a bit different, I suggest trying Svetas Zumba Toning classes. It’s all the fun of a Zumba workout which also incorporates light weight hand held batons that double up as rhythmic shakers. I love the intoxicating rhythms of world music which get me in the mood for a great workout, & I’m making music too – LOL! The shaker/batons are not meant to be used as traditional hand weights, but are used to grip onto during specific arm exercises. I certainly feel my arm muscles have a more intense workout and it will also hopefully keep any future ‘bingo wings’ at bay!
Finally, I am in no doubt, that it is lovely Sveta who keeps many of us coming back to her classes. Unlike some other fitness instructors, I always feel encouraged in her classes. She guides us through the routines, giving lots of cues so we can follow the steps & moves. Her obvious dedication, enthusiasm, and positive energy are inspirational. Thank you Sveta.
