Local ExerciseI got into the world of fitness 16 yrs ago after attending and falling in love with an aerobics class at my local gym, and was encouraged to take my Level 2 OCR Exercise To Music course by a friend. During my training, my tutors frequently commented on my fun, relaxed personality and style of teaching – and after passing the course I was flattered and honoured to be asked back 2 years in a row to demonstrate a class to new students who were beginning the practical stage of the same course!
I was then invited by the gym owner to take part in an Intensive Level 2 Matwork Pilates training course that they were hosting. I loved and began teaching Pilates immediately after qualifying, and progressed to Level 3 a couple of years later. I now teach Pilates for a local Government Charity Organisation.
I discovered Zumba classes 10yrs ago, and was asked to book onto the training by a good friend who wanted company during the certification day- I just HAD to say yes. Since then, we have been co-teaching Zumba twice a week whilst we both also hold our own solo Zumba and Zumba Gold classes.
Because of my past experience in teaching seniors Aerobics and Pilates, I was very keen to train to become a Zumba Gold instructor, which is a lower impact and less intense style of Zumba. It was originally designed for the older adult, but is ideal for those who are new to exercise, injured, pregnant or post-natal. In fact I have had quite a few babies in carriers jigging about in class with their mums!
My style of teaching is FUN! I am known as ‘Smily Jo’ by my participants and other local instructors – exercise does not necessarily need to be serious and hard core, and that is certainly not my style! Apart from delivering relaxed classes, I am a lover of dress-up, fun themes, charity classes, cheesy tunes and props (whipping scarves around, shaking maracas etc..) – it’s all about the vitality and buzz of a class, providing exercise in disguise.
And THAT’S why I love teaching. Bringing joy and fun, whilst getting people moving, is key – and if it involves a wig, a carefully chosen themed playlist, a feather boa, maracas, and charity fundraising – then I am even happier!
Zumba B1 Certification, Zumba B2 Certification, Zumba Gold Certification, Zumba Kids and Zumba Kids Junior Certification
Level 3 Matwork Pilates
Pay what you can: Suggested cost of £2.50 whilst online
Each class I teach is different – I react to the participants, and provide whatever I feel they prefer within a class. My Saturday morning gang prefer a more chilled start to the weekend with happy tunes, my routines, battles, and lots of lively music. My Zumba Gold gang definitely have less inhibitions and it can get a little saucy! But I like to make sure that we have a good laugh with an interesting mix of music and the odd quirky track. People can expect to relax and enjoy it – there are no hard rules, no criticisms, no perfection required. In fact, two left feet and no sense of direction is a common theme and adds to the fun!
All of the classes are friendly, welcoming and inclusive. We are like a big ever-expanding family!
10.30 – 11.15 am
10:30am-11:15am
10:30am-11:15am
6.15pm – 7pm
10:30am – 11.15am
9.30am – 10.15am
Hopefully you like what you see on my page and would like to take part in my class – I’d love for you to join me!
My classes are currently online, but you can normally find me at:
Badshot Lea Working Men’s Club, St Georges Road, Farnham GU9 9LX
The Ash Centre, Ash Hill Road, Aldershot, Hants GU12 5DP
St Augustines Church Hall, Holly Road, Aldershot, Hants GU12 4SE
I run a ‘Loyalty Card’ scheme…it is a punch card that results in the tenth class being free – this card can be used in ANY of my 5 weekly classes.
