Les Mills RPM and Body Step Portugal was how I started my week at Solinca Colombo, and it ended up being one of those days that reminds me why I love group fitness. Two classes back to back, two completely different challenges, and two instructors who know exactly how to push you without losing the fun.
If you are curious about RPM (indoor cycling) and Body Step (step cardio with athletic tracks), here is what the session felt like, what made it hard, what made it amazing, and the small moments I will remember.
Quick Verdict
RPM
- Intensity (1–10): 8
- Good for: improving cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, rhythm, coordination, calorie burn, and anyone who enjoys music-driven cycling classes
- My after-class mood: energised and very happy
Body Step
- Intensity (1–10): 9
- Good for: cardio fitness, leg endurance, coordination, calorie burn, stress relief, and people who enjoy athletic choreography and being challenged
- My after-class mood: very happy
Class Snapshot
RPM
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Format: warm-up, seated and standing climbs, speed work, intervals, cool down
- Equipment: indoor bike, towel, water bottle
- Instructor style: Maria João Lopes was energetic, motivating, music-driven, and pushed us to give more
- My focus today: push my limits while staying controlled
- Injury notes: no knee pain during or after class
Body Step
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Format: athletic step combinations, cardio peaks, leg-focused tracks, coordination sequences
- Equipment: step platform, weights, towel optional
- Instructor style: Igor Angélico was dynamic, playful, very clear in his demonstrations, and challenging in a fun way
- My focus today: push my limits while staying controlled
- Injury notes: no knee pain during or after class
RPM Class with Maria João Lopes
Maria João Lopes greeted us with her usual joyful energy, and off we went!
Today I could sing A LOT 
! We started with Closer (Ne-Yo), and for the 2nd track, Maria picked “Hot and Cold” (Katy Perry’s song). I sang my soul out while pedaling at full speed to catch it again 
. AMAZING music and training! 
The 3rd track was good, followed by a very challenging 4th (mixed terrain), and then the 5th track, where I controlled my efforts to prepare for THE ONE—my favorite: the 6th track.
As soon as it started, I closed my eyes. SPEED! One of my happiest moments! MARIA WAS BRILLIANT making the introduction. I pushed hard—one full minute on the music beat, then did my best for the next 1.5 minutes, slowing down, but still fighting!
We finished strong with the last track, reinforcing how much I LOVE this class! Maria was FANTASTIC, pushing us to the limit—something I truly realize at the end, when I step off the bike and can barely stand! 
.
I also wrote another RPM story that was a full adrenaline rush: Les Mills RPM Review: My Honest Class Experience.
Body Step Class with Igor Angélico
Next was Body Step with Igor Angélico. If you want the full story about my Body Step session with Igor, it’s here: Sweat, Dance & Burpees: My Experience at Body Step with Igor Angélico.
As soon as I arrived, I was cheerfully greeted, grabbed my step and weights, and prepared for another fire session!
By the end of the 2nd track, I was already tired. Then I heard Igor say: “We finished the warm-up.” I thought: “Gosh, yeah…this was just the warm-up… 
”
I really enjoy the challenge this class brings when it comes to coordination. I never start an exercise without properly watching the instructor. If you end with the wrong foot, the whole flow is off! But our bodies improve when we work on them, and I am getting better! 
The class was AMAZING! We had burpees (I LOVE THEM!!! 
). I even attempted to match Igor’s speed… right… (I said attempted! ).
But today’s star moment? When Igor let us show him OUR dance moves! OMG! SO GOOD! I was so happy 
! And, OF COURSE, I showed mine (well, his—I copied him! 
), and felt proud 
.
What a great class. Igor was EXCEPTIONAL, giving us a VERY FUN session, yet hard enough for me to burn almost 500 calories! 
What a WONDERFUL Monday! 
If you enjoy reading about Body Step, you might also like this other class with Igor Angélico: Sweat, Dance & Burpees! My Experience at Body Step with Igor Angélico.
How I Felt After Class
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Right after: Exhausted, proud, and energized
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Later that day: Relaxed, in a great mood, with that “I did it” feeling
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Next day: Mild soreness in a good way, and still no knee pain
If you enjoy reading about RPM you might also like my RPM Class with Maria João Lopes Review.
First Timer Tips
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What to bring: Water bottle, towel, comfortable training shoes, and a small snack for after class
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Where to stand: For Body Step, the middle or front helps you follow the instructor more easily
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How to scale: Start lighter and slower than you think, then increase intensity once you feel confident
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One mistake to avoid: Trying to match speed before mastering coordination, especially in Body Step
My Gym Essentials
Everything I actually use and love during my workouts. Tested, approved, and perfect for busy women who want efficient results.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated without wasting time refilling.
- Training Shoes: Stable, comfortable, and perfect for cardio and step workouts.
- Gym Bag: Compact but spacious enough for everything I need for my sessions.
- Shockproof Phone Case: Keeps my phone safe during intense workouts, because I drop it more often than I admit
- Smart Fitness Watch: Tracks heart rate, calories burned, and workout intensity.
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