Review of Fit Me Studio’s Zumba and Insanity Classes in Louisville, KY

To help you on your healthier lifestyle journey, I recently had a chance to check-out FitMe Studio’s Zumba and Insanity Classes. The studio is located off of Bayberry and Wesport, right next to Jennifer’s Academy of Dance.

As I entered FitMe Studio for the first time with all my nervousness and anxiousness, I was greeted by the very friendly and energetic, Jennifer O’Brien, the owner and teacher for the Zumba class. I asked where a good place for the newbies to stand, and she suggested in the middle, so there I waited for the start of the class. Fortunately, a fellow student, Laura, and a few others greeted me and calmed my nerves about the workout and my 2 left feet for Zumba.

Before long, Jennifer started up the music and we were off. Jennifer mentioned at the beginning to water breaks often, modify the moves as needed (which she showed throughout the class), and to have fun. Zumba is a total body workout completed in an easy to follow dance routine. Jennifer’s Zumba is more fitness based (we did BURPBEES!), but with plenty of dancing. I enjoyed how there was a dance routine for each song. I can see how if you become a regular, you can be comfortable with the choreograph and push yourself a little harder. Jennifer did a fantastic job leading the dance workout to know the next step coming. I was able to watch a few of the regulars too, to stay with the group with the moves. Jennifer was also very enthusiast throughout the whole workout encouraging us to keep pushing ourselves. Before, I knew it, the lights were turned off for the cool-down songs.

The other class I checked out was Insanity. Wikipedia describes Insanity as “a method of exercising during which one works out strenuously for 3–4 minutes and then rests or “cools down” for approximately 30 seconds before starting the whole process over again.” In this class, taught by Heath, we did 4 segments, repeating each of the segment 3 times. Each segment had about 4 exercises or movements. The last segment was my favorite. There were 6 stations in which you stayed there for 60 seconds. You can do anything for 60 seconds, right?

Heath, the instructor, is what I will lovingly refer to as Insanity’s Energizer Bunny. He was everywhere! With the music starting, Heath started the class off telling us to move at your own pace, do not worry about what your neighbor is doing (which who had time to even look around?), and drink water as needed. He did a fantastic job of showing how to do each exercise and the modified version proving that this class is for EVERYONE! If you are new to working out, each time you come, you push yourself a little more, and eventually you will be seeing yourself doing less modified versions. If you are more fit, Heath will push to get your knees higher than you thought possible in high knees. (I had no idea that knees could go that high, Heath!) Heath moved around while doing the exercises so everyone could see how to do them and encouraged us by name. We listened to the horn in the music to know when to switch exercises so it was easy to follow, especially with Heath constantly demonstrating the moves. I highly recommend wearing a tech wicking shirt versus a cotton one with the amount of sweat produced in this class- not even my sweaty band could stay in place.

Zumba and Insanity is for EVERYONE – every fitness level, male, female, and all sizes. I definitely feel like I got a great workout from both classes. It was great cross training from my normal jogs. On the FitMe website, it describes itself as a fun and laidback atmosphere. I definitely got this feel when I was there for the first time. It was almost like a Cheers feeling where everyone knew your name. Having a fitness family, I think, is a key to be successful in your fitness journey. Having the instructors know who you are and the other students in the class knowing you are pushing yourself encourages them to work hard too.

What I love about FitMe Studio is there are NO distractions. They have a bathroom, towels to wipe your sweat, and a drinking fountain. For about an hour, you are focused on working out. No phones, computers, or kids to interrupt your workout for 60 minutes – which is not easy to find at home! The classes are very affordable with drop-in class for only $8 , buy a 5 class pass for $30, or a monthly pass for $45 – even discounts for students and military. There is also a Black Light Zumba class that is offered once a month for only $3! FitMe Studio also offers R.I.P.P.E.D. and W.I.C.K.E.D. Follow FitMe Studio on Facebook to stay up to date on classes and reminded about the Black Light Zumba.

And if anyone wants to meet up there to try it out, let me know and I will join you!

Jennifer also owns Jennifer’s Academy of Dance. On Mondays – Wednesdays evenings, your kids can take a dance class while you take a class next door at FitMe Studio. Now that is using your time wisely!

By guest contributor: Jeanette