I took another Les Mills RPM class in Portugal, and it turned into one of those sessions that feels fun, challenging, and slightly chaotic in the best way. If you’ve been wondering what Les Mills RPM really feels like, whether it’s a good workout for cardio and legs, and what the class experience is like from a student’s perspective, here’s my honest review.
Quick Verdict
- Intensity (1 to 10): 8
- Good for: cardio fitness, leg endurance, people who enjoy music-driven workouts, indoor cycling lovers, and anyone who wants a strong sweat session without impact
- My after class mood: tired legs, happy brain, sweaty, and very satisfied with the workout
Class Snapshot
- Duration: around 45 minutes
- Format: indoor cycling with hills, flats, speed work, resistance changes, and long stretches where your legs start negotiating with you
- Equipment: stationary bike, towel, water bottle, and enough energy to keep pedalling when the music says go
- Instructor style: this class had a fun and dynamic feel because of the two instructors. João brought humour and strong motivation, while Rui added the kind of solid professional presence that immediately lifts the room
- My focus today: survive the tougher tracks, stay with the rhythm, and not get too lost once the class intensity started building
- Injury notes: no injuries, just tired legs, heavy breathing, and that classic post-RPM fatigue
LES MILLS RPM
My Les Mills RPM experience in Portugal at Solinca Linda-a-Velha
Finally, the days to explore other Solincas have arrived, and those will be my DISCOVERY TRAINING DAYS. But I’m not stopping with just Solinca. Anytime there’s a combination of 
PartyLesMillsAn instructor I admire—I’ll be there! Yes, I’m in my Indiana Jones mode—discovering treasures!
Today, I went to SOLINCA LINDA-A-VELHA. My first time at this gym was for an S-Day, where I instantly fell in love with the women’s changing room – it’s truly beautiful. I also liked the gym’s entrance, its organization, the friendly atmosphere, and the fact that parking is FREE.
When I booked this class, I had a specific instructor in mind: Rui Batalha. He needs no introduction—an incredible professional.
But by the studio door, I saw someone else: João Medinas. I didn’t know him, and I thought it would be interesting to discover another instructor.
João’s first impression: He’s incredibly FUNNY. Immediately I knew that this class was going to be good. I would suffer, but I’d be smiling.
And then, HE arrived! Mr. Rui Batalha!
How cool was that? 
I thought I wouldn’t see him—NICE!
This was my first time doing RPM this year, and wow, I felt so out of shape . My legs were not obeying me—naughty!
The first track was okay, but, come on… that’s just warm-up 
. Then things got serious. So serious that I got lost, thinking that track 4 was 5, and when we reached the 7th I assumed it was number 8 and that for some reason they just decided to add an extra 
! Hahahaha! Yeah… I was lost…
João kept motivating us (by the way, great job doing it!), both him and Rui were doing everything so flawlessly, the lady’s legs, next to me, were incredibly fast, and there I was struggling to pedal nonstop for 20 seconds to the beat of the music on my favorite track – speed. But I was happy, people!
It was a FANTASTIC class. RPM’s music is always impressive, and João’s playlist today was TOP-notch.
I had fun, got a great workout, met a new instructor, revisited a fantastic gym, and even got to take a picture with these two great men: Rui and João.
What an EXCELLENT DISCOVERY TRAINING DAY!
Loved this Les Mills Experience? You might also like GRIT Strength with Cláudia Estrela: An Intense & Unforgettable Experience!
Instructor Notes
Instructor credit: Rui Batalha and João Medinas. These are the instructors featured in this class experience.
One of the things that made this RPM session stand out was the instructor combination. João made a strong first impression straight away with his humour and energy, which immediately changed the feel of the room. That matters a lot in Les Mills RPM, because once the class gets serious, the instructor is part of what keeps you mentally in it.
Then there was Rui, who brought that experienced, confident presence that makes a class feel safe, organised, and worth the effort. Together, they created a class atmosphere that felt engaging from start to finish. It was demanding, but never dull, and the energy in the room stayed high throughout.
How I Felt After Class
Right after: sweaty, out of breath, and very aware that my legs had been through something. I felt tired, but in a good mood kind of way.
Later that day: my legs still felt worked, but I also had that satisfying post-class feeling of having done something properly challenging and worth it.
Next day: definitely some lingering leg fatigue, especially from the stronger RPM efforts, but no complaints. Just that honest reminder that the class had done its job.
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: Light, comfortable, and perfect for kettlebell workouts and power walks.
- Reebok Gym Bag: Compact but spacious enough to fit everything I need for my sessions.
- Shockproof Phone Case: Keeps my phone safe during intense workouts — because I drop it. More than I would like to admit.
- Smart Fitness Watch: Tracks my heart rate, calories burned, and progress — game-changer for my journey.
