Rachael Newsham Body Combat was one of the most exciting fitness experiences I have had so far. At Portugal Fit 24, I joined an intensive workout with Les Mills legend Rachael Newsham, and it stood out not only for the energy of the class, but also for what I learned from watching her coach, explain, motivate, and connect with the room.
In this post, I’m sharing what the experience was really like, what stood out most during the session, what I learned from Rachael, and how I felt walking away from one of the most memorable fitness events of my journey.
If you want the bigger picture beyond this class, you can also read my full Portugal Fit 2024 review.
Quick Verdict
- Class: Body Combat Intensive Workout
- Instructor: Rachael Newsham
- Event: Portugal Fit 24
- Intensity (1–10): 10
- Energy level: huge, explosive, motivating
- Best for: Body Combat fans, high-energy cardio lovers, people who enjoy live fitness events, anyone who wants to feel inspired and pushed by a top-level presenter
- What stood out most: Rachael’s stage presence, technical clarity, humour, motivation, and the way she made such a large event still feel personal
- My after-class mood: exhausted, inspired, energised, and honestly very impressed
Class Snapshot
Format: live intensive Body Combat experience with warm-up, technical explanation, guided practice, audience interaction, Q&A moments, and motivational coaching throughout the event
Environment: large-scale event atmosphere, powerful stage energy, loud music, packed room, very high engagement
Focus of the session: movement quality, power, technique, coordination, energy, and mindset
What made it different: this was not just a normal class. It combined workout intensity with live coaching, demonstration, connection, and inspiration in a way that made the whole experience feel bigger than a regular training session
Why This Class Meant So Much to Me
In this fitness world, I am still quite new. It has been a big discovery for me, and Rachael Newsham was a big part of that.
The first time I heard about her was through André Godinho, one of the instructors. He spoke about Rachael with so much admiration for her work and personality that I became curious straight away. I decided to follow her on Instagram and quickly became a fan. Beyond her work, Rachael shares her heart through stories, ideas, and subjects that really resonate with me.
With that in mind, buying the ticket for her intensive Body Combat workout felt like something I genuinely wanted to experience, not just attend.
First Impressions
The beginning was amazing! After her enthusiastic entrance, we, in small groups, warmed up. It was really a clever and funny idea, to make us come up with the exercises, one by one. Immediately I started thinking: “OMG! Think Suzike! Which exercise? Oh no! She chose the one I thought about. Quick! Another one!” 
It was funny! I loved it!
That opening instantly changed the energy in the room. It made the session feel interactive from the start and pulled everyone in.
What Rachael Taught During the Session
One of the things I loved most was that this was not just about doing the workout. Rachael took time to explain, in detail, how some of the Body Combat 100 movements are done.
That part was incredibly valuable. I could really understand the importance of core control, balance, kicks, shoulder movement, and how the details behind the choreography actually matter. It made the class feel educational as well as exciting.
Later, we also had the chance to sit down and ask Rachael questions. Being able to engage with her directly and get to know her a little better made the event even more special.
Instructor Notes
Rachael has that rare kind of presence that fills the room immediately. She is energetic and powerful, but also warm, funny, and very human. She knows how to lead a massive event without losing connection.
What impressed me most was her ability to combine motivation with clarity. She was not just performing on stage. She was teaching, guiding, explaining, and inspiring at the same time.
Approaching the end, Rachael told us that we shouldn’t let anything come between us and our dreams. She gave her example: when she was learning how to surf.
It was at that moment that I decided to ask her something that I really needed to know (and with her experience in the field, she would be the perfect person to answer): “What about AGE to become an instructor?” (If this could be an obstacle). I was glad when she told me: “No! There is no age limit.”
She also told us that we only have one life. We should follow our dreams. Talk about inspiring and motivating people. 
If you enjoy real class recaps like this one, you might also like my Body Balance and Body Combat experience with André Godinho.
My Experience in the Room
The class itself was intense, high-energy, and full of momentum. The atmosphere was electric, and you could feel how engaged people were with every moment on stage.
What made the whole thing even stronger was the balance between spectacle and substance. Yes, it was exciting. Yes, it was big. But it also felt meaningful. Rachael did not just create hype. She gave people something to take away with them.
That is what elevated the experience for me.
How I Felt After Class
Right after: energised, impressed, and completely aware that I had just experienced something special
Mentally: inspired and more confident, especially after hearing her answer about age and goals
Emotionally: grateful that I bought the ticket and allowed myself to be in that room
Physically: worked hard, challenged, and very much awake from all the intensity of the session
I left thinking that buying that ticket was one of the best decisions I could have made.
For another intense workout recap, you can also read my Les Mills Sprint and GRIT Strength review.
What Stood Out About Rachael as a Person
In addition to being an incredible professional, Rachael came across as an amazing person. She loves to dance, she is funny, she thinks deeply, and she is clearly someone who keeps learning.
As an English teacher, one detail that also stayed with me was how impressive her communication is, including her foreign vocabulary. I was genuinely impressed by her ability to connect, explain, and motivate so naturally.
It was a real pleasure to know her a little better through this event.
Final Thoughts
This Body Combat experience at Portugal Fit 24 was much more than a workout for me. It was a reminder that fitness can challenge your body, energise your mind, and open new possibilities in the way you see yourself.
Rachael brought intensity, knowledge, humour, and inspiration into the same room. I walked away tired, happy, and with even more motivation to keep growing in this world.
If you ever get the chance to join one of her sessions, I would absolutely say yes.
My Fitness Essentials for Live Workout Events
These are a few things I genuinely like having with me for intense workout sessions and live fitness events.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated without wasting time refilling.
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Adidas Training Shoes
Stable, comfortable, and perfect for cardio and step workouts.
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Gym Bag
Compact but spacious enough for everything I need for my sessions.
Get it on Amazon
Smart Fitness Watch
Tracks heart rate, calories burned, and workout intensity.
Get it on Amazon
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