In this post, I’m sharing what it felt like to take both classes on the same day, what stood out in each one, and what you can realistically expect if you’re thinking of trying either class (or the combo). You’ll also see short clips from the session so you can get a real sense of André’s coaching style, the vibe in the room, and the pace of the workout.
Quick Verdict
Body Balance
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Intensity (1–10): 4
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Good for: mobility, flexibility, posture, core stability, balance, stress relief, body awareness, recovery, easing tension in hips and shoulders, anyone who wants strength without impact and a calmer reset that still challenges you
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My after class mood: calm, lighter, more grounded, like my body finally “unclenched”
Body Combat
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Intensity (1–10): 9
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Good for: cardio endurance, calorie burn, explosive power, coordination, agility, mental toughness, stress relief, anyone who loves music driven workouts and wants a session that feels fast, structured and energising
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My after class mood: euphoric, drained in the best way, proud I didn’t quit halfway
Class Snapshot
Body Balance
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Duration: 45 minutes
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Format: yoga inspired flow with controlled strength holds, balance sequences, mobility work and a longer relaxation/meditation finish, lots of cues to breathe, stabilise and move with control
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Equipment: mat, optional towel and water bottle
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Instructor style: André Godinho is calm but very precise. Clear cues, clean demonstrations, and he corrects the details that actually change the pose. He creates a focused atmosphere without making it heavy
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My focus today: move slowly with control, keep my core engaged during balance work, breathe through the harder transitions, and stay present instead of rushing
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Injury notes: no injuries, just that deep release afterwards, especially in hips and shoulders, plus the good kind of “quiet soreness” from holding positions properly
Body Combat
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Duration: 45 minutes
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Format: martial arts inspired cardio intervals with punches, kicks and combos, repeated blocks that build intensity, short recoveries, and constant rhythm changes that keep you alert
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Equipment: supportive training shoes, optional towel and water bottle
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Instructor style: André is high energy and sharp. He cues the timing clearly, keeps the room moving together, and pushes commitment without making you feel lost. The class feels organised even when it’s intense
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My focus today: stay light on my feet, keep my guard up, commit to the combos even when I mess up, and keep moving during recoveries so I could hit the next track strong
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Injury notes: no injuries, just heavy legs, sweaty everything, and that “I gave it all” fatigue that hits a few minutes after the last track ends
Body Balance & Body Combat Experience with André Godinho
André greeted us in his usual cheerful way, and we began.
Warm-up done, we moved on to the Sun Salutations. In this track, I’m practicing sliding into the up-dog pose. Go down slowly and then slide…
I’ll get there!
I loved the next track. The Triangle Pose and the Sun Warrior are two stunning postures, and André performs them beautifully.
My balance today? Let’s just say the wind wasn’t on my side. 
So… yeah… let’s not talk about it…
The hip openers and flexibility tracks always make my day. They fix a LOT of things. 
Now, let’s all get into a comfortable position… Have I told you what the Body Balance magic phrase is? Already? Ok, then… 
I’m talking about that wonderful track—Relaxation/Meditation 
. The moment I enter heaven. 
Today, André took us on a wonderful journey to reconnect with our bodies, allowing us to feel our hearts and let the Universe’s energy flow through us. That connection helps us be ourselves and break free from our limiting beliefs.
The contentment on people’s faces after this class is truly enchanting. 
Body Combat! This was my first Body Combat class of 2025, and WOW—what a workout André gave us! 
I have three facial expressions during this class:
Smiling – I’m always so happy… and laughing at my own moves. With a question mark – When I’m trying to figure out the exercises… and wondering why my movements differ so much from André’s. 
Suffering (with a question mark) – When I’m thinking, “How can jabs be this hard?!” And those kicks… jeez…you can really go down if you don’t pay attention.André was in such a great mood 
(which, to be fair, happens all the time )! He danced and even gave us a chance to dance too . He brought us Bollywood, Balboa defensive movements (I pay attention ), an EXPLOSIVE WORKOUT, sharp technical explanations, and a SUPER FUN atmosphere.
The full-house class was so hyped that we even clapped along, turning it into a party! 
And to answer André’s question:
My Bruce Lee Training Day was FANTASTIC! 👌🏾🤩
Instructor Notes
Instructor credit: André Godinho (IG: @andgod_moves. He’s the instructor featured in the clips.
André brings the exact kind of coaching that makes both Body Balance and Body Combat work on the same day. In Body Balance, he’s calm, precise, and detail driven. His cues are clear, he demonstrates cleanly, and he pays attention to alignment in a way that actually changes the pose. The class feels focused and safe, which makes it easier to relax into the holds and still work hard where it matters.
In Body Combat, he flips the switch without losing control of the room. The energy is high, the timing stays tight, and the combos feel structured even when you’re tired and your coordination starts slipping. What I like most is how he keeps you committed to the track in front of you, so you stay moving, keep the rhythm, and finish stronger than you thought you would.
If you enjoy André’s coaching style, you’ll probably like this one too: How I Survived Another Les Mills GRIT CARDIO Session with ANDRÉ GODINHO.
How I Felt After Class
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Right after: Grounded and switched on at the same time. Body Balance left me calm and open, and then Body Combat did what it always does, it cranked the volume up fast. I walked out sweaty, breathless, and ridiculously happy, with that “I actually did it” rush still buzzing.
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Later that day: Calm again, but in a different way. My body felt loose and aligned from Balance, and my brain felt lighter from Combat. The mood stayed high for hours, with that quiet pride in the background.
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Next day: Legs definitely felt it, especially glutes and quads, plus a bit of core and shoulders from all the punching and holding. Nothing dramatic, just the good kind of soreness that tells you you worked.
For a slower session that still feels like a win, here’s another Body Balance experience you might enjoy: My Les Mills Experience at Solinca Laranjeiras | Body Balance
This combo reminded me why I love doing both. Balance fixes my posture, my breathing, my head. Combat wakes me up, tests my grit, and makes me feel powerful. André’s coaching made the whole day feel structured and doable from start to finish.
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.
Instructor credit: André Godinho (IG: @andgod_moves). He’s the instructor featured in the clips.
If you like these real life updates, you might also enjoy this cold morning walk recap in Lisbon: Cold Morning Walk at Estádio Universitário de Lisboa.
