Les Mills Body Balance in Portugal was the reset I needed, with the perfect mix of flow, balance work, and a proper relaxation finish.
Seeing familiar faces again instantly put me in a good mood, and having Rita Calaz and Maria João Lopes leading the room made the whole session feel warm, focused, and genuinely welcoming. 
In this post I’m sharing my full Les Mills Body Balance experience in Portugal, from the Tai Chi warm-up and the Sun Salutations that had me sweating fast, to the balance “moment” that turned into a very real face-first comedy scene (yes, it was The Bird 
). I’ll also explain why the mobility work and the relaxation track hit differently when you’re recovering and you need movement that feels supportive, not punishing.
Quick Verdict
- Intensity (1 to 10): 5
- Good for: stress relief with real physical work, flexibility and mobility (hips, hamstrings, shoulders), core control and posture, balance practice that improves fast with consistency, anyone who wants a structured mind body class that still makes you sweat, people rebuilding confidence after a break or training around minor issues
- My after class mood: calm, reset, and quietly proud, with that “legs are still shaking” feeling in the best way
Class Snapshot
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Format: Tai Chi warm up, Sun Salutations, standing strength and balance tracks, hip openers and twists, flexibility work, then a long relaxation and meditation to finish
- Equipment: yoga mat, water bottle, towel, optional yoga blocks or strap if you like extra support in stretches
- Instructor style: Rita Calaz is warm and steady, with clear cues that make you feel safe to try. Maria João Lopes brings that calm confidence and precision that keeps the whole room flowing smoothly, especially when balance gets spicy
- My focus today: stay present through the Sun Salutations, commit to the balance track without overthinking, and take the stretches seriously because they genuinely help my recovering neck and overall mobility
- Injury notes: no injuries, just the usual Body Balance aftermath, a bit of wobble from the balance work, looser hips and shoulders, and a noticeably calmer nervous system after the relaxation track
The Session
Today I went back to Solinca Colombo. It felt so good to see so many familiar faces!
As we entered the studio, I saw Rita Calaz by the door, greeting everyone with her usual warmth. Then I heard a cheerful “Hello!” Turning around, I saw Maria João Lopes with her beautiful smile . I was SO happy! I hadn’t seen her yet this year, and she would be teaching the class too! AWESOME!
We started with a Tai Chi warm-up, which I absolutely loved.
Then came the Sun Salutations, and OMG, I sweated! Going down to the crocodile pose, with one leg up was insanely hard — especially since I refused to use my knees 
. Maria was fantastic during this track, guiding us with such ease and precision. 
The warrior of the day was Miss Rita. Every time – and I mean EVERY TIME – I see this lady doing warrior 2 my jaw drops 
. I am always proud of my warrior until I see hers and think to myself: “Yeah… you’ve got to do better…
”
But the star today was BALANCE. And once upon a time, again 
, Suzike fell flat on her face. I mean LITERALLY on my face. Hahahaha! Well, it was for a good cause: THE BIRD!
Rita brought us the Bird. So, following her instructions, I lifted one foot at a time, and then both. I was so proud 
! I couldn’t believe I did it… for 3 seconds (I counted ) and then I just remember thinking: ”Not forward! Not forward! Thank God the mat is there!” and Bam! Down I went! 
See… I’m always creating good memories… laughable ones — the very best kind!
Next, we moved on to hip openers, twists, and flexibility exercises, which felt amazing for my recovering neck.
Finally, we reached my favorite part: relaxation/meditation. Did you know that the magic phrase in Body Balance is “comfortable position”? At least, it is for me 
. Rita guided us into relaxation with her soft voice and beautiful words. She reminded us of the importance of pausing, resetting, and moving forward with renewed energy. And she’s so right!
What a fantastic way to wrap up my gym workouts for the week! Body Balance with Rita Calaz and Maria João Lopes was an absolute delight.
How I Felt After Class
- Right after: Calm, a little sweaty, and honestly smiling to myself. Body Balance always gives me that “my body is back online” feeling, but today it came with an extra dose of laughter because the balance track humbled me. I walked out feeling lighter, looser, and weirdly proud, even with the wobble and the mini face plant moment.
- Later that day: My nervous system felt quieter. My neck and shoulders felt more open, my hips felt less tight, and I noticed I was breathing deeper without even thinking about it. It’s the kind of class that doesn’t just feel good during it, it follows you around for hours.
For another session that gives you the same “reset your body and your brain” vibe, you might also like: Burn & Bliss: How Rita Calaz’s Body Balance Pushed My Limits.
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
- Small 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.
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.
